Traveling with children can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences for families. Keeping young travelers entertained, especially on long journeys, can turn potentially stressful trips into enjoyable adventures. At The Kids Point, we understand how important it is to keep kids happy and engaged, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best travel games and activities that will keep kids entertained, whether you’re on the road, in the air, or on the rails..
Why Choose Travel Games?
Travel games offer many benefits beyond keeping boredom at bay:
- Strengthen Bonds: Playing games encourages family interaction and creates lasting memories.
- Enhance Skills: Many travel games boost cognitive abilities, language skills, and creativity.
- Reduce Screen Time: They provide a healthy, screen-free alternative for entertainment.
Classic Travel Games
I Spy
A timeless favorite, “I Spy” is simple and fun for kids of all ages. One person says, “I spy with my little eye, something [color/shape],” and others guess the object.
- How to Adapt: For older kids, make it harder by using riddles or initial sounds. For younger ones, focus on basic shapes or colors.
20 Questions
One player thinks of an object, person, or place, and others ask up to 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what it is.
- Travel-Friendly Version: Narrow the scope to items visible on the journey, like road signs, animals, or vehicles.
License Plate Game
Perfect for road trips, this game challenges kids to spot license plates from as many states or countries as possible.
- Extra Fun: Create a printed checklist for kids to mark off or write down amusing vanity plates they find.
Story Chain
This creative storytelling game starts with “Once upon a time…” and each person adds a sentence to build a story.
- Skill Boost: Encourages imagination, listening, and language development.
Would You Rather
Ask silly or thought-provoking questions like, “Would you rather fly like a bird or swim like a fish?”
- Why It Works: It sparks laughter and interesting discussions while keeping kids thinking creatively.
DIY Travel Games
Travel Bingo
Before your trip, create or download printable bingo cards with items like a red car, stop sign, or cow.
- How to Play: Kids mark off items as they see them, and the first to complete a row wins.
Squiggle Art
All you need is paper and pencils. One person draws a random squiggle, and another turns it into a picture.
- Great For: Encouraging creativity and keeping hands busy during quieter parts of the trip.
Paper Chain Challenge
Pack colorful paper strips and a glue stick or tape. Kids can create a paper chain, with each link representing a mile or minute of travel.
- End Result: A visual countdown that’s also a fun craft.
Interactive Games for Public Transport
What’s in My Bag?
Take turns describing an item from your bag without naming it. The others guess what it is.
- Why It’s Fun: Perfect for buses, trains, or planes, and doubles as an opportunity to learn about everyday objects.
Alphabet Game
Challenge kids to spot objects or signs that start with each letter of the alphabet in order.
- Adaptation: Use categories like animals or foods for added difficulty.
Memory Match
Bring small cards for a memory matching game. If space is limited, use a deck of regular cards or play verbally by listing items to recall.
Games for Group Travel
Charades
This guessing game involves acting out words or phrases without speaking. It’s a hit for older kids and groups.
- Travel Twist: Use travel-related prompts like “airplane,” “mountain,” or “zoo.”
Sing-Alongs
For musical families, create a playlist of favorite songs or challenge each other to a karaoke contest.
- Volume Control: Ideal for private cars but adaptable with headphones on public transport.
Trivia Challenge
Bring a pack of trivia cards or make your own questions about the places you’re visiting.
- Learning Opportunity: Share fun facts to educate kids about your destination.
Games for Tech-Savvy Travelers
Digital Scavenger Hunt
If you allow devices, create a scavenger hunt using a phone camera. Kids can snap pictures of listed items like trees, airplanes, or specific landmarks.
- Screen Time Balance: Keep the hunt interactive and limited to specific intervals.
Audio Storytime
Download audiobooks or podcasts for kids. Choose engaging stories that match their age and interests.
- Bonus: Provides a restful activity that doesn’t require active participation.
Solo Play Games
Magnetic Games
Compact magnetic versions of chess, checkers, or tic-tac-toe are perfect for solo play in cars or on planes.
Puzzle Books
Pack activity books with mazes, crossword puzzles, or word searches to challenge older kids.
Coloring and Sticker Books
For younger kids, these provide hours of quiet entertainment without needing much space.
Movement-Based Games
Wiggle Breaks
If traveling by car, take breaks for stretch games like Simon Says or follow-the-leader exercises.
- ir Travel Tip: Encourage kids to walk the aisles during non-peak times to stay active.
Hand Clapping Games
Teach classic clapping games like “Pat-a-Cake” or invent new ones with creative patterns.
- Why It Works: Requires no equipment and keeps small hands busy.
Travel-Themed Games
Map Adventures
Provide kids with a simplified map of your route. Let them track the journey and highlight landmarks along the way.
- Teaches Geography: Helps kids understand distances and destinations.
Imaginary Vacation
Ask kids to imagine their dream vacation. What would they pack? Where would they go? Let them draw or describe it.
Packing Tips for Travel Games
- Compact Options: Choose games that are lightweight and portable.
- Reusable Supplies: Opt for dry-erase boards or laminated printables to minimize waste.
- Organization: Use zip-lock bags or small containers to keep game pieces together.
Long journeys don’t have to mean restless kids and frazzled parents. By incorporating a variety of travel games, you can transform hours of transit into cherished family time. From classic guessing games to creative DIY activities, there’s something here for every age and personality.
At The Kids Point, we believe that travel should be an exciting adventure for the whole family. By packing some of these fun and engaging games, you’ll be able to make the most of every moment on the road and create unforgettable memories. Pack a few of these ideas for your next trip and watch the miles fly by with smiles, laughter, and fun. Happy travels!