Call it a busy bag, travel kit, or kids activity bags – these tips will help keep your kids entertained while en route. From day trip to road trip to international flight…I have filled my share of kids activity bags. Here are my kids activity bags suggestions…
Kids Activity Bags
Put all your kid travel activities in a resealable bag! It helps to keep kid stuff organized (and if you travel for with multiple children like I do…it’s helpful for each child to have a dedicated activity bag). A resealable bag is easy to pack in a tote bag or backpack. Easy to store under a car seat or in the pocket in front of you in an airplane. It is a one-stop-shop for entertaining your kids.
Yes, I pack individual kids activity bags (because my kids have a wide age range and thus their entertainment activities are wildly different).
Toddler activity bag ideas
- Board books
- Small toys (small enough to fit in your bag but age-appropriate-enough that they are not choking hazzards)
- Headphones (for airplane or train movies)
- Snacks (dried cereal, pretzels, dried fruit)
- Spill proof water bottle or sippy cup
- Crayons and paper (great for airplanes or trains)
- Their favourite music on cd (for the car)
- Paper cups and plastic spoons (role play stirring, drumming, digging)
The paper cup idea is one of the best (and most free) activities for kids on the go. Next time you stop for coffee, ask for a 2nd cup. Then, pass it back to your toddler and create role play games. Once I had my son repeating “Luke, I am your father” while speaking in a deep voice and talking into the bottom of the cup. It was hilarious for us…and our laughing…encouraged him to repeat it over and over.
Big kid activity bag ideas
- Ipod & headphones
- Magazines
- Homemade Journal (my book Boredom Busters shares how to make this)
- Snacks (dried cereal, pretzels, granola bars)
- Water bottle
- Word search, sodoku, crosswords & pencil
- Gum (for airplane take-off)
I have even gone so far, as to create a word search for my kids based on our trip. Use a word search generator (there are tons of free ones on the internet) and plug in hints and answers based on where you are going and what you will see (i.e. Ocean, Airport, Table, Window, Dock, Hill, Highway).
And as an aside: My Family Travel Packing List might come in handy for your next family trip.
Jennifer Saarinen says
This is a great idea. Even driving half an hour to grandma or grandpa’s house the kids get restless and ask 50 times “are we there yet?”. I like the idea of having separate bags for the girls too since they are 5 years apart. I’d love for you to drop by and share this post on my weekly Just for Kids link-up: http://www.homeschoolingmom4two.com/2014/03/just-for-kids-weekly-link-up-crafts.html
Donna Makayak says
I do the same the excursions more enjoyable for the children and easier on the adults too
lyndac1968 says
I had to do the same thing, if I did not pack separate bags there would of been a lot of fighting going on, and no one wants that when your travelling
Stephanie LaPlante says
That is such a good idea…for adults too lol.
corrine says
this is a great ideal i love it gonna pin this
hmrcarlson says
This is a great idea! We will be travelling soon and I am going to follow your tips!
amy lovell says
what a fantastic idea! I bet this would be great for long amounts of waiting at the docs too!
Parent Club says
What a great idea!
Rick F says
what a great idea
debbie (@dmhaen) says
Great ideas; did not know there was such a thing as a word search generator!
Parent Club says
there are tons of free word search generators all over the internet – so much fun.
Mary Gaudet says
Great post! I am a big fan of the traveling activity pack. Car trips to the cottage in the summer would be a nightmare without them!
donna makayak says
I like this idea of being prepared so you wont have feel flustered and stressed of feeling you’ve forgotten something
mommakoala says
Always be prepared. These activity packs are a life safer. Always relied on them and it’s fun being creative with them
Amy Lovell says
Super awesome idea to keep the kiddos happy and busy! Thanks!
Brenda Lacourciere says
nice idea. great for grandparents too
laura feist says
great ideas
Parent Club says
Thanks!
Stacy Scott says
I Love this idea, I really never thought of this =) and dealing with 10 Children, I think this would be a hit. Thanks so much for sharing =) Love it
Debbie White Beattie says
This is a great list and it really covers everything from a-z. That will definitely keep kids occupied