Traveling with kids is not always easy. My kids are teenagers now, and though they have always traveled with us, it has not always been a bowl of cherries.
My oldest is almost eighteen, and took her first long-distance train ride at about six months, and flew for the first time at about a year. She's traveled quite a bit since then.
My youngest is almost fifteen, and she went on a missions trip to El Paso last year, and another one this year, to Ireland! Has her momma been to Ireland? That would be a big fat, no! She did take some pretty fabulous photos...
My point is that even though my kids traveled a lot when they were younger, they still had their meltdowns. They still got bored. And most of the time, when they were cranky, it was because I was not prepared with something for them to do.
Sure, we have all the handheld devices that will capture their interest for a while, but they need to be doing something active, and these ideas are just that!
Secrets to Traveling with Kids
11 amazing mom bloggers have shared their ideas of what works when traveling with their kids. These are tried and true ideas that will work for your kiddos, too! I can't wait to hear what you think, so please share in the comments below!
By the way, my FREE packing printables will help you remember everything, too! Enjoy your vacation!
Kids get bored on long journeys. Whether they are on a plane or in a car, they need something to do besides the handheld games. And if they are learning, too? Even better! These matching activity busy bags are easy to put together!
10 Busy Bags for Matching Activities
If you can't find at least a few ideas in this group of 20 for preschool kids, I give up!
20 Fun Ways to Entertain Preschool Kids while Traveling
Don't think these are just for the girls, boys will love it, too, and it's great for hand-eye coordination practice.
So many great ideas in this survival kit. Making magnetic boards is brilliant!
Holiday Travel Survival Guide & Craft
Another little bit of brilliance is this travel necklace.
Toddlers really get antsy when on long trips. You'll be putting this travel activity box on your packing list every time you travel.
Travel Activity Box for Toddlers
Another great list of fun things to do for toddlers.
{Kids on the Road} Activities for Toddlers
We had binders for our kids when they were little and THEY were the ones who always remembered to bring them.
More magnetic ideas here as well as one for a racetrack, which is pretty clever. My youngest couldn't read in the car without getting sick, so this would have been great for her.
5 Ways to Keep Kids Busy in the Car
Another idea for box you can prepare and have ready to grab.
My friend April at AprilGoLightly had a great idea. How about having a matching outfit with your daughter and saving it just for vacation?
One more tip that will help with all these ideas. Only pull out the bag, tray, or box when you are taking a trip. This way the kids will be excited about it again. It might be difficult at first if they really love it, but letting them have it all the time will take away the magic!
And if you're looking for ideas for adults who fly a lot, check out this post with 5 Tips for Frequent Flyers.
Happy travels!
Anna
Thanks so much for including ours 🙂
Kelly
Thank you for sharing it, Anna!
Jackie
Thanks for including my post in your list! I have updated the photos since they weren't showing up when you posted this.
Kelly Stilwell
Thank you, Jackie!