Traveling with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its challenges—especially when it comes to keeping little ones entertained during long car rides, flights, or train trips. Instead of relying solely on screens, why not pack a few DIY travel activities that are fun, engaging, and easy to prepare?
In this roundup, we’ve gathered some of the best DIY kids’ travel activities to keep young minds busy, hands occupied, and everyone’s stress levels in check. These activities are perfect for road trips, plane rides, or even downtime at your destination.
1. DIY Travel Activity Kits
Create a personalized travel kit for your child filled with small toys, craft supplies, and games tailored to their interests.
What You’ll Need:
- A small box or zippered pouch
- Crayons, markers, and pencils
- A mini notebook or sketchpad
- Stickers and washi tape
- Small toys like figurines or mini puzzles
How to Use:
Let your child explore the kit during travel time. The variety of items will keep them entertained for hours, and the compact size makes it easy to carry.
2. Printable Travel Games
Classic travel games are always a hit, and printable versions make them even more convenient.
Ideas to Include:
- Bingo cards with travel-themed images (cars, planes, animals, etc.)
- “I Spy” checklists for spotting things outside the window
- Tic-tac-toe or word searches
How to Prepare:
Print these games at home, laminate them for durability, and pair them with a dry-erase marker for reusable fun.
3. Magnetic Puzzle Boards
Puzzles are great for cognitive development, but loose pieces can be a nightmare during travel. A magnetic puzzle board solves this problem!
What You’ll Need:
- A small metal cookie sheet or magnetic board
- Magnetic puzzle pieces (you can DIY this by attaching magnets to regular puzzle pieces)
How to Use:
Kids can assemble the puzzle directly on the magnetic board, ensuring no pieces get lost.
4. Felt Activity Books
Felt books are soft, lightweight, and full of imaginative potential.
What You’ll Need:
- Felt sheets in various colors
- Scissors and glue
- A simple sewing kit (optional)
How to Make:
Create themed pages with interactive felt pieces, such as a garden scene where kids can “plant” flowers or a car they can “drive” along a felt road.
5. DIY Travel Playdough Kits
Playdough is a timeless favorite, and a small travel kit makes it easy to bring along.
What You’ll Need:
- Small, resealable containers for the dough
- Mini cookie cutters, rolling pins, or other playdough tools
- Homemade or store-bought playdough
Pro Tip: Include a laminated mat as a clean surface for play.
6. DIY Story Cubes
Encourage creativity and storytelling with DIY story cubes.
What You’ll Need:
- Small wooden blocks or cardboard cubes
- Markers or stickers with images (animals, objects, actions, etc.)
How to Use:
Kids roll the cubes and use the pictures to create fun, imaginative stories.
7. Reusable Sticker Scenes
Kids love stickers, but traditional ones can be messy. Reusable sticker scenes are a great alternative.
What You’ll Need:
- A laminated sheet with a themed background (e.g., a park, space, or underwater scene)
- Reusable stickers or vinyl decals
How to Use:
Kids can create and rearrange scenes over and over, fostering creativity without any cleanup.
8. Busy Bags
Busy bags are compact, activity-filled pouches designed for quick and easy entertainment.
What to Include:
- Pipe cleaners and beads for threading
- Mini Lego sets
- Flashcards for letters, numbers, or shapes
How to Prepare:
Pack each activity in its own resealable bag for quick access during travel.
9. DIY Coloring Postcards
Turn art into a keepsake with DIY postcards kids can color and send to friends or family.
What You’ll Need:
- Blank postcard templates (available at craft stores or printable online)
- Colored pencils or markers
How to Use:
Kids can color their postcards during downtime and mail them once you reach your destination.
10. Mini Travel Journals
Encourage kids to document their travel adventures with a mini journal.
What You’ll Need:
- A small notebook or handmade journal
- Stickers, stamps, and decorative tape
- Pens, crayons, or markers
How to Use:
Kids can draw pictures, write about their experiences, or paste souvenirs like ticket stubs into the journal.
Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience with DIY Activities
- Pack Variety: Bring a mix of activities to keep kids engaged. Switch things up every hour or two to prevent boredom.
- Keep It Compact: Choose lightweight materials and avoid anything bulky or messy.
- Involve the Kids: Let them help choose and pack their activities—they’ll be more excited to use them.
DIY kids’ travel activities are the perfect way to keep little ones entertained and happy during trips. Not only are these activities easy to make, but they also encourage creativity and learning, turning travel time into a fun and enriching experience. So, pack your craft supplies, get creative, and make your next family adventure a memorable one!