We’ve done our fair share of traveling. In fact, by the time Milly turned 2, she had been on nearly 40 flights! People always assume she’s a great traveler. And I think she is. But, I also think I set us up for success by planning ahead. Here are my favorite travel activities for children no matter the age!
I love to pack the following items in activity bags and have one for each child. These are basically bags filled with anything to keep your little one busy and occupied on the plane or in the car! From toys to little crafts, you want to make sure they are items that you don’t care TOO much about since the are more likely to get lost during travels. Sad but true. Leading up to a trip I’ll put a ziplock bag aside and anytime I think of something I’ll toss it in there. I swear the most successful activity bags have the most random things in there. The more simple, the better. You can also use a jewelry organizer or little tackle box for these items depending on how much space you have.
post its (they can peel each one off and stick it all the over the plane and it’s easy cleanup)
sticker books (these are great for playing eye spy or to stick onto a paper to tell a story)
peel & stick stickers/window clings (these stick to the window, the front of the seat and you can even tear them in half and play a matching game)
wrap $1 store toys (wrap in wrapping paper OR foil is easy too!)
figurines, matchox cars (small figurines are great for lining up or playing with)
Predownload videos, games or music and don't forget the headphones (rules about screen time don’t apply on planes! You have my permission, Mama. You’re still a good mama.)
Threading/lacing toys (Now that Milly is 2.5 she can spend up to 40 minutes threading!)
dot stickers, construction paper & black marker for mom to draw for tracing work or to make a race track for the matchbox cars (possibilities are endless with this one!)
scratch art books (Colorful and more creative than a standard coloring book)
colored tape (great for crafting)