No matter how tiring traveling can be, it is still one of the best ways to bond with your kids and make lasting memories together. However, long hours of being on the road can be quite challenging, especially if you have children with you. But as a parent or guardian, it’s your responsibility to keep them entertained to make the most out of your weekend travel with your kids unless you’re ready for tantrums and loud cries.
In this article, we will give you some tips on how to keep your kids entertained while traveling.
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Bring their favorite toys.
Bringing their favorite toys is probably the most obvious solution but also the most effective one. If your kids have a favorite toy, make sure to bring it with you when you travel. This will help them feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment and keep them occupied during long periods of waiting or downtime.
Download games and movies.
While we recommend you minimize your kid’s screen time, it’s always useful to have games and movies available on your kid’s device. If you’re subscribed to some streaming services, you can check if they offer offline downloads so you can keep your kids entertained even without an internet connection.
But if not, you will need to have a reliable mobile provider that can provide you with a fast mobile internet connection while you’re on the go.
Prepare sing-alongs.
If you’re traveling by car, prepare some sing-alongs to keep your kids entertained. You can either create a playlist of their favorite songs or search for karaoke versions online. This will not only help pass the time but also create lasting memories that your kids will surely treasure.
We recommend you choose songs from their favorite kids TV shows so that they would sing their hearts out. Make sure to take videos if you’re not the one behind the wheels so that you can join in the fun too!
Bring art materials.
There are numerous arts and crafts activities you can do with your kids while traveling. And the best part is that you don’t need to spend much to get started. A simple coloring book and some crayons would suffice. If you want to get a bit more creative, you can bring along some blank papers, stickers, and washi tapes. This way, you can encourage your kid’s creativity while allowing them to have fun during your trip.
Make a treasure hunt for the trip.
This is a great activity if you’re traveling by car. Prepare a list of things that your kids can look for while on the road. It can be something as simple as finding a specific color or counting how many red cars you see. This activity will not only help keep them entertained but also help them develop their observation skills.
Use snacks as entertainment.
If you have some snacks with you, you can use them to keep your kids entertained. For instance, you can play a game of tic-tac-toe using pretzels and M&Ms. Or if you have some fruit snacks, you can turn it into a matching game. There are endless possibilities when it comes to using snacks as entertainment for your kids. So your kids can get creative and have fun!
Bring kid-friendly audiobooks.
Listening to audiobooks is an excellent way to keep your kids entertained while traveling. It’s also a great way for them to learn new things and expand their vocabulary. You can find a wide variety of kid-friendly audiobooks online or at your local library.
Plan your stopovers ahead of time.
If you’re traveling by car, make sure to plan your stopovers ahead of time. This way, you can avoid making impromptu stops that will only add to the length of your trip. And if you have some time to spare, you can look for kid-friendly attractions near your rest area so your kids can have a fun and memorable experience.
How Long is a Kid’s Attention Span?
It’s important to know your kid’s attention span when traveling. This will help you prepare activities that are suitable for their age and interests. For instance, toddlers have a shorter attention span, so it’s best to keep activities short and sweet.
On the other hand, older kids can handle more prolonged periods of activity. But regardless of their age, make sure to take breaks between activities to avoid overstimulation. Here’s a quick overview of kids’ average attention span duration from two to 15 years old.
| Age | Average Attention Span Duration |
| 2 | 4-6 minutes |
| 3 | 6-8 minutes |
| 4 | 8-12 minutes |
| 5-6 | 12-18 minutes |
| 7-8 | 16-24 minutes |
| 9-10 | 20-30 minutes |
| 11-12 | 25-35 minutes |
| 13-15 | 30-40 minutes |
| 16+ | 32-50 minutes |
Final Thoughts
Traveling with kids can be a challenge, but it’s definitely doable with some preparation. Remember, keeping your kids entertained isn’t always expensive. By following the tips we’ve prepared for you above, you can make your trip more enjoyable for both you and your kids. So go ahead and start planning your next family adventure!
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