Traveling with children can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be a challenge at times. Whether you are road-tripping or flying to your vacation destination this summer, be prepared with these tips to keep your child busy, entertained and happy during travel.
- Load your iPad, laptop or smartphone with children’s audiobooks, movies, games, songs, podcasts and TV shows. This will come in handy especially during unexpected travel delays and meltdowns.
- Visit the library or bookstore before your trip and pick out some books that are new to your child to enjoy on the trip.
- Bring games. Travel Bingo, I Spy, Uno, Go Fish, Old Maid or a deck of cards can be a fun way to pass the time.
- Put together a grab bag of items and let your child pick one item after each 30 minute stretch of travel. The Dollar Store and Target Dollar Spot are good places to look for inexpensive items. It will be something your child will look forward to throughout the trip!
- If you are driving through different states make a bag for each state and give it to your child when you enter that state. The bag can include books your child hasn’t read, a snack and small activity.
- Wrap up a small present for your child to open. These types of surprises during a trip will put a smile on your child’s face and give them something new to play with.
- Let your child pick a favorite stuffed animal or small toy to bring along. You could even give them a bag or backpack to pack with a few of their favorite things.
- Get creative with reusable sticker books, coloring or activity books, crayons, markers and a notebook to draw in.
- When traveling by car, a cookie sheet or sheet pan that your child can set on their lap is a good way for them to play with Legos or magnets.
- A hungry child is not a fun one so make sure you have plenty of snacks including some snacks that are a special treat. You can even fill a container with compartments with a variety of snacks for your child to choose from.
- Use the white noise app on your phone or download lullabies to help babies and toddlers fall asleep in the car.
Happy traveling!