Traveling to visit family or friends during the holiday season is great, but keeping your children occupied during a long plane or car ride can be a real challenge. Fortunately, we have come up with some easy, travel-friendly toys and games that can help make a long journey as painless as possible.
1. Activity Books
Your local bookstore probably has an entire section dedicated to activity books geared towards kids of all ages. These books of puzzles, activities, quizzes and games are easy to transport and keep kids occupied when they need to be still and quiet. Hidden picture books are great, especially for younger kids who might not be able to read well enough to do more complicated puzzles and games independently. Another great choice of car trips is a book of Mad Libs. Mad Libs are silly, fill-in-the-blank games that everyone can take part in while providing hilarious entertainment for the whole car.
2. Cheap Gifts but Big Thrills
Buy cheap toys from the dollar store, wrap them up, and give one to your child whenever they start to get bored or restless. Unwrapping a new toy is exciting and the novelty will make each trinket seem like a fun new adventure.
3. Window Decorations
Inexpensive window clings can be an entertaining, non-messy way to let your child decorate the airplane or car window. These window clings can be rearranged, added and removed multiple times, providing long-term entertainment for a child who is trapped in a seat for several hours.
4. New Coloring Materials
A new coloring book and crayons can be another fun way to pass the time. The novelty of having brand new coloring supplies - particularly if they have to wait until they are in the plane or car to use them - can add an extra level of anticipation to the journey.
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Fun
If you will be traveling at night, buy some glow sticks or glow bracelets and bring them along. These can be an endlessly entertaining way to provide each child with their own personal night light.
6. No-Fail License Plate Game
If you will be driving to your holiday destination, there is always the old fallback of the license plate game. Print out a license plate checklist for each member of your family and play all day to see who can spot all the states first.
7. Story Time
Audio books can be a great way to entertain everyone in the car. Your children will be transfixed and the story can help the long drive pass more quickly.
8. Edible Fun
Bring pipe cleaners and beads. Kids can make their own jewelry. Or better yet, pack Cheerios or Fruit Loops and their new jewelry can double as a snack!
9. Aluminum Foil, Check!
Another cheap craft supply is aluminum foil. It can be folded up and bent in dozens of ways to make dolls, bracelets, and more.
10. Their Favorite Treats for the Road
Most kids love to eat and wear Ring Pops. This can be a little messy and sticky, but pack the wet wipes and off you go.
