Traveling with kids during spring break can be both an adventure and a challenge. Keeping little ones entertained and engaged on the road or in the air requires creativity, patience, and a bit of planning. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some out-of-the-box games to entertain kids while traveling. 

Having these activities on hand can help make your spring break travel with kids bearable and enjoyable for the whole family!

10 games to entertain kids while traveling

1. Travel-themed treasure hunts

• Before you set off, create a list of items or landmarks that kids can spot during the journey. This could be anything from a red car, a cow in the field, specific road signs, or even landmarks if you’re in an area rich with sights. 
• To make it more educational, you can include items that are specific to your destination’s culture or geography. 
• Have kids place a sticker next to each item or landmark they see and celebrate when they’ve found everything on the list!

2. DIY velcro popsicle sticks

• Take a pack of large popsicle sticks and attach Velcro dots to each end (soft side on one end, hook side on the other). 
• Kids can stick the popsicle sticks together to build different shapes, letters, or even 3D structures like houses or bridges. 
• This activity is not only great for developing fine motor skills but also encourages creativity and problem-solving. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and can be used over and over again.

3. Portable craft kits

• Prepare small, travel-friendly craft kits for your kids. These can include items like colored pencils, puffy stickers, glue sticks, and scissors (if age-appropriate and safe to carry). 
• Include blank postcards that kids can decorate and send to friends or family from different stops on your journey. 
• It’s a great way to encourage creativity and keep the kids engaged, plus it doubles as a lovely personalized update for loved ones.

4. Magnetic puzzle board

• Create a simple magnetic puzzle board! Start by finding an image (which could be a simple image or a more complex scene depending on the child’s age). Cut the picture into puzzle pieces and attach small magnets to the back of each piece.
• Then mix up all the pieces onto a lightweight metal sheet or tray. Kids can assemble the puzzle on the metal tray, which can be especially fun and challenging in a moving vehicle. 
• The magnetic pieces will stay in place, making it an ideal travel activity.

5. Window cling art

• Purchase a set of reusable window clings (these can often be found in educational or craft stores), or make your own using special window cling materials. 
• Kids can create scenes on the airplane window or the car window. This activity is not only visually stimulating but also encourages storytelling as kids can make up stories about the scenes they create.
•  The window clings can be easily removed and repositioned, offering endless fun without any mess.

6. Interactive map making

• Give your child a map and some stickers or markers. 
• As you travel, they can mark the route, add stickers for different landmarks, and even draw in places they’d like to visit. 
• This can be both a geography lesson and a way to involve them in travel planning.

7. Language charades

• Turn learning a new language into a fun game of charades. Before your trip, compile a list of simple words or phrases in the language of your destination.
• During downtime, act out these words or phrases without speaking, and have your kids guess what you’re trying to convey. 
• This not only introduces them to new vocabulary but also ensures lots of laughter and family fun.

8. Taste test challenge

• Make trying new foods an exciting game. Purchase a variety of snacks or ingredients that are unique to your travel destination, covering a range of flavors from sweet to savory to sour. 
• Blindfold each participant and have them taste each item, guessing what it is and rating it on a scale of 1 to 10. 
• This sensory activity is a delightful way to engage the taste buds and introduce a cultural element to your trip.

9. Nature sensory bag

• Create a nature-inspired sensory bag for younger children. Before you leave, prepare a sealable clear plastic bag with items like colorful feathers, smooth pebbles, pine cones, or leaves collected during your travels (make sure they’re safe and allowed to be taken from the location). 
• Add a gel or hair gel to the bag for a squishy feel. Children can move the items around inside the bag, exploring textures and shapes with their fingers. 
• It’s a mess-free way to bring the tactile aspects of nature to your child, even while on the go.

10. Story dice

• Bring along a set of story dice, which are dice with pictures or words on each side. 
• Take turns rolling the dice and then inventing a story that includes the elements shown on the dice’ faces. This game can be played anywhere, from airport lounges to cozy hotel rooms, and encourages imaginative storytelling and creativity. 
• If you don’t have story dice, you can make your own with stickers and blank dice or even draw on small cubes of paper.

Bonus travel games for kids

Educational apps that work offline

The Lingokids app is available offline for Playlearning™ on the go! Head to the Parents’ Section of the app and download all your child’s favorite Lingokids games, songs, and activities. There are moments during travel time when screen time is a helpful tool, Lingokids ensures that your child’s screen time is fun, safe, and educational!

A little creativity and planning go a long way when it comes to traveling with kids. These activities not only keep children entertained but also help them learn, observe, and appreciate the world around them in new ways. 

Remember, the goal of these activities is not just to pass the time, but to enhance the travel experience for your children, making every trip an opportunity for growth, learning, and family bonding.