My kiddos before we invested in wireless headphones.
Traveling with Kids: Essentials, Entertainment, and Must-Haves
Traveling with kids can feel like an adventure in itself, but with the right preparation and essentials, you can turn potential chaos into an enjoyable experience. Whether you’re hitting the road or taking to the skies, here’s your go-to guide for keeping your little ones entertained, fed, and comfortable during your journey.
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1. Entertainment
For the Car or Plane:
- Activity bags: Fill reusable bags with coloring books, crayons, magnetic puzzles, or sticker books. My daughter loved this Foil Fun activity – it comes in different themes, holiday, dinosaurs, space, and all kinds of options! No mess!
- Games: Try classics like “I Spy,” road trip bingo, or travel-size board games. I love magnetic games to minimize lost pieces.
- Kindle Tablet, iPad or phone: Download movies, TV shows, or apps before the flight. Did you know Amazon has subscriptions for 3-12 year olds? Try it Free for 1 month.
- Kids headphones: Kid-sized versions help reduce stress during takeoff and landing and keep mom and dad sane. I recommend wireless so the kids can easily turn them on and go, no plugging in and getting tangled up.
- Compact toys: Think small action figures, card games, or fidget toys. My kids love this Dry Erase travel pack – the play tic-tac-toe on it or just draw! I buy a tiny pack of legos (bring a bag for them), LOL doll ball, Barbie Chelsea Doll, squishies to keep their hands busy, surprise mini squishmellow, pack of football or baseball cards – anything new to them will keep them entertained for a minute or two.
- Travel journals: Let older kids document the trip with drawings or notes. Or even a furry notebook to just draw or write in! Anything furry, sign my daughter up.
- Snuggly items: Bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket for comfort. Or try one of these neck pillows that doubles as a stuffy.
My Top Picks
Click Pictures for direct links.
2. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks
My Top Picks
No matter how short the journey, snacks are non-negotiable:
- Pre-packaged options: Crackers, granola bars, trail mix (nut-free if necessary). I put a mix of these things in this fun SNACK bag for each of my kids in their travel book bag.
- Fresh snacks: Cut-up fruit, veggie sticks, or string cheese in reusable containers.
- Treats for emergencies: Keep a stash of gummy bears or small chocolates for meltdowns. My go-to are suckers! Little Dum-Dums are life savers.
- Travel-friendly containers: Use bento boxes like this one – I love that it has a cold pack inside of it! Or silicone drink cups and snack cups to minimize spills.
- Refillable Water Bottles: My whole family has the Owala water bottles in different sizes and colors. We also love the Simple Modern brand – these come in character patterns like Disney Princesses, Minecraft, etc.
3. Gear for Smooth Travel
Accessories for getting around:
- Giant Stroller Clips: I have used these for years. I bought them when I took my two kids to Disney alone. They allowed me to hang all of the bags and even water bottles from the stroller. I still use them on our Keenz Wagon.
- Car seat carrier: A lifesaver for transporting car seats through airports. Look for options with wheels. Moving through an airport with a heavy carseat, luggage/kids’ backpacks, 2+ kids, and a stroller is no joke. Do yourself a favor and but the rolling cart. I tried to get one delivered while on vacation because the way out of town was such a nightmare. Order it ahead!
- Car seat bag: Protects your car seat from dirt and damage when checked at the gate. We tried to just carry the car seat in this through the airport – MISTAKE. Use this once you get to your gate!
- Inflatable Booster Seat: For the older kids, this inflatable booster is the best! You can blow it up with your mouth and deflate to pack in your bag when not using.
Sunscreen and Protection
- Keep travel-sized, kid-safe sunscreen handy, especially for outdoor adventures. I love this Solar Buddies sun screen applicator. My kids fight me on sun screen and this is a great option. Or try this powder with a brush from Supergoop! No mess, and no fuss! Don’t forget lip balm with SPF for extra protection.
My Top Picks
4. Tips for a Less-Stressful Trip
Pack Smart
•Use packing cubes to organize clothes by day or child. Buy multiple colors, one for each person or one per day!
•Always bring a change of clothes for everyone in your carry-on.
Plan for Comfort
- Bring neck pillows, especially for long flights or drives.
- Pack extra layers for fluctuating temperatures in cars and airplanes.
Prepare for Emergencies
•First aid kit: Include essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and motion sickness. I love this one because it is TSA approved.
Traveling with kids may require a bit more planning, but with these essentials, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Remember, the journey is part of the adventure—so pack wisely, stay flexible, and enjoy the memories you’re creating together! Happy Traveling!
