Travelling with young children? Then you already know it’s less “jet-set glam” and more “snack negotiations and emergency baby wipes.” But don’t panic—armed with a few clever tricks (and probably a lot of snacks), you can actually enjoy the ride and keep the little ones happy along the way. Travelling with kids does not have to be stressful.
Here are 8 travel hacks to help you survive (and maybe even enjoy) your next family holiday—with fewer meltdowns and more memories!
1. Play Classic Travel Games
Sometimes the simplest games are the best. Keep little ones entertained with easy, no-equipment classics like Eye Spy, Spot the Yellow Car, or Count the Lorries. For longer journeys, try alphabet games (e.g. “I’m going on holiday and I’m bringing…”) or make up silly stories where everyone takes turns adding a sentence.these These not only pass the time but also get everyone giggling—and no batteries are required!
2. The “Busy Bag” Trick
Fill a backpack with some of our favourite activities and games. Think puzzles, fidget toys, hand puppets, and magnet games – some of our favourites at Zanypig. Turn them into little surprises by wrapping a few in paper or foil. Unveiling them slowly throughout the journey adds an extra sprinkle of excitement!
3. Kid-Friendly Headphones + Screen Time Backup
Invest in comfy, volume-limited headphones made for little ears. Download their favourite shows, audiobooks, or playlists before you leave, in case Wi-Fi becomes a rare unicorn during your journey. Try “interactive” shows or travel-theme storybooks to tie into the holiday adventure.
4. DIY Activity Box Craft Kits for Children = Lifesavers on the Go
Craft kits for children are journey superheroes—easy to pack and mess-free. Think colouring books, water-reveal books, sticker scenes, or origami sets. Kids love creating, and it keeps their hands (and imaginations) busy for ages. Turn a small lunchbox or pencil case into an activity station. Pack crayons, paper, a mini whiteboard, or reusable sticker books. Even a few pipe cleaners can spark 15 minutes of creativity (and peace).
5. Freeze Snacks and Drinks
Freeze juice boxes, yoghurt tubes, or smoothies the night before. They’ll stay chilled during your journey and slowly thaw to refreshing deliciousness. Plus, they double as mini ice packs for perishable snacks.
6. Ziploc Everything
Seriously—Ziplocs are travel gold. Use them to:
- Pre-pack complete outfits (shirt, shorts, undies, socks)
- Store crayons or toys
- Contain messy snacks or wipe-down cloths
- Act as emergency rubbish bags
Trust us—you’ll want more than you think.
7. Comfort Kits for Calm Kiddos
Create a little bundle of comfort: a favourite toy, cosy socks, a mini blanket, and maybe a T-shirt that smells like home (yours!). This little bundle can soothe travel nerves and help with napping on the go. Don’t forget a small nightlight or clip-on reading light for the plane or hotel room.
8. Make a “Journey Map”
Create a simple visual map of the trip—draw key stages like car, airport, security, takeoff, etc. Let your child mark off each step as you go. It turns the whole experience into an adventure game rather than a long, boring wait. Even better, turn the map into a mini scavenger hunt, find a plane, spot a suitcase etc.
Final Thoughts
With a little preparation and creativity (and maybe a strong coffee for you), travelling with kids can be more fun than frantic. These hacks are all about keeping things smooth, stress-free, and full of smiles—even when you hit a delay or run out of snacks. Travelling with kids can be challenging, but also fun with these tips.
So pack those craft kits, freeze those juice boxes, and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure!
