Traveling? Keep Your Kids Entertained Without Screens

Long trips with kids can be challenging, whether it’s by plane, train, car, or bus. It’s even more challenging when you want to entertain your children without the use of electronics. Ninety-eight percent of households with children 8 and under have access to a mobile device, such as a tablet or smartphone. Usage of those screens increases during travel because it is just so easy to hand your kid your iPad or pop in a DVD in so you can drive in peace. If you’re looking for an alternative to sticking your kids in front of a screen to keep them entertained during long trips, try some of these ideas.

Coloring and Activity Books

Coloring books or activity books are inexpensive, easy ways to keep children occupied during long trips. A character coloring book, such as this one with Dr. Seuss, can inspire kids with a love of a certain TV show or character. If your child likes lots of variety, consider an activity book such as an “everything” activity book like this one. Does your child or teen feel like she’s too old for coloring books? Check out one of the newer adult coloring books with more intricate patterns to color. Don’t forget to pack a zipper bag of crayons, color pencils, or washable markers!

Books, Comics, and Graphic Novels

Books are tried and true travel companions, and a kid-friendly travel guide is a perfect way to get your child excited about the destination. When we went to Alaska last month, we packed books about the ports, bears, glaciers, and sled dogs. Disney World trips involve the history of Disney parks books, hidden Mickey books, and some Imagineer books. Also consider a couple of books from a new book series you think your older child would like, or board books featuring your younger child’s favorite characters. If your child isn’t a big fan of reading, try age-appropriate comic books, graphic novels that feature bright illustrations, or manga to keep their interest and get them to dive into some light reading.

Travel-Friendly Games

Travel games are also a great way to keep kids occupied on long trips. A deck of playing cards can make for dozens of game ideas for kids of all ages, or choose a card deck such as Old Maid, memory match, or other age-appropriate game if your child has a favorite. Skip-Bo and Uno have been our family favorites for years. Many popular board games also come in travel varieties, from chess and checkers to Scrabble and Trouble. Car bingo and versions of the license plate game can be found as free printables online. If you are taking a bus or car and expect a few pitstops along the way, consider taking a flying disc, inflatable ball, or jump rope for a quick activity to burn off some energy at meal stops and bathroom breaks.

Brain Teasers

Brain teasers are a fun way for kids to work their brains while traveling and can be entertaining for the whole family. Try a brain-bending activity book or a collection of riddles. Trivia books and “did you know” activities are also great brain builders. Activity books that feature kid-friendly versions of word search, crosswords, or Sudoku can also be a fun way to entertain as well as educate.

Character-Themed Games and Activity Books

If your children have a favorite character, consider putting together a character-themed collection for them. Let’s say your daughter enjoys Hello Kitty. Put together a travel collection featuring Hello Kitty Mad Libs, a Hello Kitty activity book, and a Hello Kitty sticker book, along with some Hello Kitty storybooks and a plush character she can read them to. When our kids were younger and we were heading to Disney World, I made Mickey and Friends activity books using free printables from the Internet, along with coloring books from the dollar store and a special Disney plush of their favorite characters.

Traveling with children can be challenging, but it’s also a great opportunity to bond as a family and make lasting memories together. It’s easy to default to electronics for entertainment, but if you plan ahead and think about your children’s interests, it’s fun to plan activities to keep them entertained while traveling. Books, coloring books, brain teasers, and travel-friendly games are all tools you can include on your packing list to ensure the journey is as much fun as the destination.