Category: Travel
Let’s be honest for a second: traveling with kids is a lot like trying to fold a fitted sheet while someone throws Cheerios at your head. It’s chaotic, slightly confusing, and you’re pretty sure you’re doing it wrong half the time. But here at Photoguides, we believe that the chaos is where the best memories (and the best photos) are made.
Whether you are embarking on one of those cheap weekend getaways or planning a massive international trek, the "Are we there yet?" chant is the soundtrack to many a parent's nightmares. That’s why I’m kicking off this 30-day blog series about the funnest family things to do when traveling. We want you to feel reassured that you can survive the flight, the drive, and the hotel stay without losing your mind.
So, grab your essential photography gear, pack an extra bag of snacks, and let’s dive into 25 creative, screen-free ways to keep the little ones entertained from sunrise to sunset.
The "Quiet Zone" Activities (Mess-Free Magic)
When you're stuck in a cramped airplane seat or a quiet train car, the last thing you want is a glitter explosion or a loud electronic toy. These activities are designed to be stealthy and engaging.
1. Water Wow Pads
These are the holy grail of travel toys. You fill a little pen with water, and as the kids "paint," colors appear on the page. Once it dries, the colors vanish, and they can do it all over again. It’s reusable, mess-free, and keeps them occupied while you try to figure out how to squeeze your camera bag into the overhead bin.
2. Scratch Art Doodle Pads
There is something incredibly satisfying about scratching off a black layer to reveal a rainbow of colors underneath. It’s compact, lightweight, and perfect for the middle seat.
3. Plastilina Clay or Playdough
While regular playdough can get a bit crumbly, Plastilina clay is a non-drying modeling clay that stays pliable forever. It’s great for fine motor skills and, honestly, a bit therapeutic for parents too. If you're looking for more creative inspiration, check out some of the techniques over at Shut Your Aperture.
4. Spot It! Card Game
This game is a classic for a reason. It’s tiny, fits in a pocket, and challenges kids (and adults) to find matching symbols. It’s fast-paced enough to keep them from getting bored but simple enough for a preschooler.
5. Maze Cubes
Forget the iPad for a minute. A handheld maze cube is a mess-free brain teaser that provides a tactile challenge. It’s the perfect "change of pace" toy when they’ve finished their books.
Creative & Hands-On Fun
Sometimes, kids just need to make something. These activities turn your travel tray table into a miniature art studio.
6. Sticker by Number
Think "paint by number" but without the inevitable stain on the airplane upholstery. These books are incredibly engaging and can be easily paused when the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign comes on.
7. Tanagram and Tetromino Puzzles
Spatial reasoning puzzles are brilliant because they double as building toys. Whether they are following a pattern or just building a "tower" on their tray table, it keeps the gears turning.
8. The Cookie Sheet Desk
Here’s a pro tip from the Edin Chavez playbook: bring a small, cheap cookie sheet. It provides a hard surface for coloring and works perfectly with magnetic toys so things don't slide off onto the floor of the car. If you're heading to a destination like Cancun or the Dominican Republic, this is a lifesaver for the long flight.
9. Paper Airplane Challenges
Don't just fold a plane; make it a competition. Bring pre-colored paper or have them color their designs first. Who can make the fastest flyer? Who can make the one that loops? (Maybe save the actual flying for the airport lounge, not the narrow airplane aisle).
10. Mosaic Construction Paper Art
Rip up some construction paper at home and put the pieces in a baggie. Give the kids a glue stick and a blank sheet of paper, and let them create "mosaics." It’s tactile, creative, and a great way to use up scrap paper.
Travel-Themed Learning (Sneaky Education)
Who says kids can't learn while they're on vacation? These activities help them connect with the world around them.
11. Travel Journaling
Have your kids write or draw about what they see. What did the clouds look like from the plane? What was the weirdest food they saw at the airport? This is a great way to capture memories that you’ll look back on years later. You can even find some great prompts or templates in our educational section.
12. Imaginary Travel Journal
If the actual travel is getting a bit repetitive, have them create a journal for an imaginary trip to Mars or a deep-sea kingdom. It sparks the imagination and keeps them writing.
13. Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
Print out a list of things to spot: a red truck, a cow, a bridge, a license plate from a different state. If you’re driving through places like Jackson, TN, there’s plenty to see out the window.
14. Destination-Themed Days
If you’re on a long trip, dedicate each day to learning about where you’re going. If you're heading to see the breweries in Williamsburg, VA, maybe the kids can learn about colonial history while the adults… well, you know.
15. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Once you arrive at your destination, whether it’s a park or a beach, give them a list of natural items to find: a flat stone, a yellow leaf, a piece of driftwood. It’s a great way to explore the local environment.
Active Play (Burning Off That Energy)
Kids weren't meant to sit still for eight hours. When you get a break, make it count.
16. Re-create the Journey
At the hotel or during a layover, arrange some chairs like a plane or train. Let the kids take turns being the pilot, the flight attendant, or the conductor. It turns the "boring" part of travel into a game.
17. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Hide a few small toys or treats around your hotel room and draw a simple map for them to follow. It’s a great way to keep them occupied while you’re unpacking your fine art prints or setting up your gear.
18. Nature Walks and Kites
If you find yourself near a park, never underestimate the power of a simple kite. It’s light to pack and provides an hour of pure, active joy. If you're looking for the perfect spot to fly one, check out my personal blog for some travel inspiration.
19. Mini Tumbling Blocks
Bring a small set of wooden blocks. They can color the blocks first, and then use them for a game of Jenga or just for building.
20. Tic Tac Toe and Hangman
The classics never die. All you need is a pen and a napkin. It’s the ultimate "we're waiting for our food at a restaurant in Golden" distraction.
Making the Most of the Experience
The goal of travel isn't just to "survive" the kids; it's to experience the world with them.
21. Word Searches
Great for older kids to practice their spelling and keep their minds sharp while transit is moving slowly.
22. Drawing Books
Guides that teach kids "how to draw a dog" or "how to draw a car" provide structured creativity.
23. Globe Exploration
If you have a small inflatable globe, use it to track your progress across the world. It gives them a sense of scale and geography.
24. Professional Photo Shoot
Why not book a professional family shoot while you're in a beautiful location? It takes the pressure off you to get the perfect shot. Whether you need an Atlanta event photographer or someone in Miami, having professional photos is a treasure.
25. Local Tours and Activities
Sometimes the best way to keep kids entertained is to let someone else handle the logistics. I highly recommend booking family-friendly tours through Viator. From boat tours to cooking classes, they have something for every age.
Pro Tip: The Element of Surprise
The secret to making these 25 activities work is novelty. Don't give them everything at once! Keep a "surprise bag" and reveal one new activity every couple of hours. It creates a sense of anticipation and gives them something to look forward to when the boredom starts to creep in.
Traveling with your family is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Yes, there will be spills. Yes, there will be tantrums. But there will also be that moment when you’re all laughing together at a breakfast place in Cape Coral, and you’ll realize it was all worth it.
For more tips on how to capture these moments, don't forget to check out our photography booking experience and keep an eye on our latest reviews to stay up to date on the best gear for your next family adventure.
You’ve got this! Happy travels!
