Family Travel: Keeping Kids Engaged on Long Journeys

As a mother and a travel enthusiast, I know firsthand the joys and challenges of traveling with children. My daughter, Amina, is now six, and our family trips have become a beautiful blend of adventure and learning. However, keeping her engaged on long journeys requires a bit of creativity and planning. Whether we're flying across continents or taking a road trip through the Dutch countryside, these strategies have helped us make our travels smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Planning and Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success

One of the most effective ways to ensure a smooth journey is to involve Amina in the planning process. Before our trip, we sit down together and look at maps, pictures, and videos of our destination. For example, before our upcoming trip that blends elements of Burkina Faso and the Netherlands, I'll show her pictures of both countries. I let her choose a few activities or sights she's particularly interested in. This gives her a sense of ownership and excitement about the trip.

I always pack a travel busy kit tailored to Amina's interests. This kit is a lifesaver! It includes things like books about our destination, coloring supplies featuring Burkinabé patterns (which she loves), and a travel-sized puzzle. I try to find items that are both entertaining and educational, sparking her curiosity about the places we're visiting.

Discussing the journey with Amina beforehand is also crucial. I explain what to expect, showing her pictures or videos of airports, train stations, or long car rides. This helps alleviate any anxiety she might have about the unfamiliar. We talk about the fun things we'll do and the exciting places we'll see. It transforms the journey from a daunting task into an exciting adventure.

Tech-Free Entertainment: Igniting Creativity and Imagination

While technology can be tempting, I believe in the power of tech-free entertainment to ignite creativity and imagination. We love playing classic travel games like I Spy. To make it more personal, we focus on objects related to Burkina Faso or Dutch culture. For instance, on a recent road trip, we looked for windmills, tulips, and anything orange (the Dutch national color).

Storytelling is another favorite activity. We start a story together, and each family member adds a sentence or paragraph, creating a collaborative narrative. It's amazing how creative and hilarious these stories can become! It's a wonderful way to pass the time and bond as a family.

I always pack a travel journal and art supplies for Amina. She loves documenting her journey through drawings, stickers, and written observations. It's a beautiful way for her to capture her memories and reflect on her experiences. Plus, it keeps her entertained for hours!

Educational Activities: Turning Travel into a Learning Experience

I believe that travel is a fantastic opportunity for learning. I try to incorporate educational activities into our journeys whenever possible. For example, I introduce language learning by teaching Amina basic phrases in a new language spoken at our destination or related to her Burkinabé heritage. She loves learning new words and practicing them with locals.

Creating a travel-themed scavenger hunt is another fun and educational activity. I make a list of items for Amina to spot along the way, such as a red car, a church steeple, or a specific type of tree. This promotes observation skills and encourages her to engage with her surroundings.

Audiobooks and podcasts are also great resources for learning on the go. I choose stories or programs related to history, culture, or science, sparking Amina's curiosity and expanding her knowledge. It's a wonderful way to make long journeys more enriching and stimulating.

Sensory Activities: Engaging the Senses for a Calm Journey

Engaging the senses can be incredibly helpful for keeping children calm and content during travel. I pack sensory toys like playdough, kinetic sand, or squishy balls to provide tactile stimulation and relieve fidgeting. These toys are especially useful during long flights or car rides.

I also create a calm down kit with items like essential oils (lavender is my go-to), a soft blanket, and noise-canceling headphones. This kit helps Amina manage sensory overload and create a sense of comfort and security in unfamiliar environments.

Incorporating nature-based activities can also be very soothing. When appropriate, we collect leaves, rocks, or shells along the way and use them for crafts or sensory exploration. It's a wonderful way to connect with nature and create lasting memories.

Snack Strategies: Fueling the Fun and Avoiding Hunger Meltdowns

Snacks are essential for keeping energy levels up and preventing hunger-related meltdowns. I prepare a variety of healthy and engaging snacks, such as fruit skewers, vegetable sticks with hummus, or homemade granola bars. I try to avoid sugary snacks that can lead to energy crashes.

I involve Amina in packing her own snack box, allowing her to choose her favorite items while ensuring a balanced selection. This gives her a sense of responsibility and encourages her to make healthy choices.

Planning for regular snack breaks is crucial. We stop every few hours to stretch our legs, have a snack, and recharge. This helps prevent hunger-related meltdowns and provides a moment of rest and refueling for everyone.