Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Kids: Games for Every Journey and Tips for Stress-Free Adventures
- Paloma Ruiz Olmo
- Dec 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 4
Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges. Long car rides, airplane flights, train trips, and waiting times at airports or hotels can test the patience of even the most seasoned parents. Keeping kids entertained while supporting their social and emotional learning (SEL) is key to smooth, enjoyable family adventures. This guide covers practical tips and a variety of games for children of all ages to make every leg of your journey fun and stress-free.
Preparing for the Trip: Packing and Planning
Preparation is key to setting the tone for your entire trip, whether you're driving or flying. Consider these essentials:
Pack a travel kit for each child: Include coloring books, crayons, small puzzles, and favorite toys.
Download educational apps and audiobooks: These can be lifesavers during long stretches without Wi-Fi.
Bring snacks and water: Healthy snacks keep energy levels steady and moods calm.
Set expectations: Talk to your children about the journey ahead and what behavior you expect.
Planning breaks during car trips or layovers helps children expend energy and avoid restlessness. For example, schedule stops at parks or kid-friendly cafes.
Games for Car Travel
Car rides can feel endless for kids. Independent and family games that encourage interaction and creativity can make the time fly.
Independent Games
I Spy: Children look for objects outside the window based on clues.
Sticker Books: These keep little hands busy and encourage storytelling.
Travel Journals: Older kids can draw or write about what they see.
Family Games
20 Questions: One person thinks of something, and others ask yes/no questions to guess it.
License Plate Bingo: Spot license plates from different states or regions.
Story Chain: Each person adds a sentence to build a fun story together.
These games support SEL by encouraging observation, communication, and patience.
Airplane Travel Tips and Games
Air travel can be overwhelming for children due to noise, confined spaces, and unfamiliar routines. Preparation and engaging activities help ease anxiety.
Tips for a Smooth Flight
Choose seats wisely: Window seats offer distraction and views; aisle seats allow easy access to bathrooms.
Bring noise-canceling headphones: These help reduce sensory overload.
Explain the process: Talk about security checks and takeoff to reduce fear.
Games for the Plane
Magnetic Board Games: Chess, checkers, or tic-tac-toe with magnetic pieces prevent losing parts.
Coloring and Sticker Books: Quiet and creative activities.
Emotion Charades: Act out feelings to help children recognize and express emotions.
These activities support emotional regulation and keep kids calm during the flight.
Train Travel: Making the Most of the Ride
Train journeys offer a unique travel experience with more space and scenic views. Use this to your advantage.
Tips for Train Travel
Choose seats facing each other: This encourages interaction.
Bring blankets and pillows: Comfort helps children relax.
Plan for movement: Walk the aisles together when safe.
Games for the Train
Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of things to spot inside and outside the train.
Guess the Destination: Use clues from announcements or scenery.
Mindfulness Exercises: Simple breathing or stretching to stay calm.
Train travel games promote curiosity and mindfulness, helping children stay engaged and relaxed.
Navigating Airports with Kids
Airports can be stressful with long lines and waiting times. Keeping children occupied and calm is essential.
Tips for Airport Time
Arrive early: Avoid rushing and allow time for exploration.
Use family restrooms and play areas: Many airports have kid-friendly zones.
Explain security procedures: Prepare children for what to expect.
Games and Activities
Airport Bingo: Spot different types of planes, uniforms, or signs.
Role Play: Pretend to be pilots or flight attendants.
Emotion Check-In: Ask children how they feel and discuss coping strategies.
These activities help children understand their environment and manage emotions.
Hotel Stays: Settling In and Having Fun
Hotels can feel unfamiliar to children. Creating a comfortable space and planning activities helps everyone adjust.
Tips for Hotel Comfort
Bring familiar items: Blankets or stuffed animals provide comfort.
Set up a play area: Use a corner of the room for games and crafts.
Establish routines: Keep bedtime and mealtime consistent.
Games for Hotel Rooms
Puzzle Time: Portable puzzles or brain teasers.
Family Yoga: Simple stretches to unwind after travel.
Storytelling Circle: Take turns telling stories or reading books.
These activities support relaxation and family bonding.
Supporting Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) on the Go
Travel offers many opportunities to build SEL skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and cooperation.
Encourage sharing and turn-taking during games.
Discuss feelings openly: Ask children how they feel about the trip.
Model patience and calmness: Children learn from adult behavior.
Use travel challenges as teaching moments: Delays or changes can build resilience.
By integrating SEL into travel, children develop skills that benefit them beyond the trip.
Want a print and go mindfulness activities you can do anywhere?
You don’t need much space or time. Just sort the deck by ages and divide in ziplock bags for easy travel. When needed take the bag out and let the children pick, making them part of the process.
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