Travel with Kids: Engaging Activities for Young Explorers

Hey everyone, Michael here! As a dad, a brewery technician living in Germany, and someone who loves a good adventure, I know traveling with kids can be…a lot. My wife Lena, our daughter Sophie, and I have learned a few tricks over the years to keep Sophie entertained and us somewhat sane on our trips. So, I wanted to share some of our go-to strategies for making family travel more enjoyable. Let’s dive in!

Planning Makes Perfect (or at Least Better!)

Okay, let’s be real, no amount of planning can prepare you for every toddler tantrum or unexpected delay. But, a little preparation can go a long way. We always involve Sophie in the planning process. Showing her pictures of where we’re going and letting her help choose activities builds excitement and gives her a sense of ownership.

• We do a bit of research together to find age-appropriate activities. Zoos, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums are always a hit.


• The ‘boredom buster’ bag is a must. This is a backpack filled with small toys, books, and other surprises that we pull out when Sophie starts to get restless. Familiar favorites are key, but a few new items keep things interesting.


• We also think about travel times. Long travel days are tough on everyone, so we try to break up the journey with frequent stops. Even a short break to stretch our legs and grab a snack can make a big difference.

Games On-the-Go: Turning Travel Time into Playtime

Car rides don’t have to be a drag. We’ve got a whole arsenal of games to keep Sophie entertained while we’re on the road.

• Classic car games like ‘I Spy’ are always a hit. We put a travel twist on it by focusing on things we see along the way – a red car, a cow, a funny-looking sign.


• The license plate game is another favorite. We try to spot license plates from different German states, or even other countries if we’re close to a border.


• For longer trips, we create travel-themed bingo cards. We include things like a gas station, a bridge, a horse, and other common sights. Sophie loves marking off the squares as we spot them.


• Storytelling games are great for sparking creativity. One person starts a story, and then each family member adds a sentence or paragraph. It can get pretty silly, but that’s part of the fun!

Creative Explorations: Art and Imagination on the Road

We always encourage Sophie to express her creativity during our travels. It keeps her busy and helps her remember the trip in a unique way.

• Travel journals are a great way for kids to document their experiences. Sophie likes to draw pictures of the places we visit and write down her favorite memories (with a little help from Lena).


• Coloring books and art supplies are essential. We’ve learned to pack mess-free options like erasable markers or sticker books to avoid any disasters.


• DIY crafts can also be a lot of fun. Before a trip, we sometimes prepare simple craft kits that Sophie can assemble on the go, like friendship bracelets or paper airplanes.


• We also let Sophie take pictures with a kid-friendly camera. It’s fun to see the world through her eyes and capture her unique perspective.

Educational Adventures: Learning Opportunities in Transit

Travel is a fantastic opportunity to learn, even when you’re just getting from point A to point B. We try to incorporate educational activities into our trips whenever possible.

• Audiobooks and podcasts are a lifesaver on long journeys. We choose engaging stories or educational content that the whole family can enjoy. Sophie loves listening to fairy tales in German!


• We also try to introduce Sophie to basic phrases in the local language of our destination. Even just knowing how to say “hello” and “thank you” can make a big difference.


• Map reading is a skill that’s becoming a lost art, but we think it’s important. We teach Sophie how to follow the route on a map and identify landmarks along the way.


• And of course, we share interesting facts about the places we’re passing through. History lessons don’t have to be boring!

Tech Time Done Right: Smart Use of Electronics

I know, I know, screen time gets a bad rap. But, let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a little electronic babysitter to get through a long flight or train ride. The key is to use tech strategically.

• We download educational apps and games that Sophie can play offline. There are tons of great options out there that make learning fun.


• We also load up on movies and TV shows that appeal to different age groups. That way, everyone can find something they enjoy.


• But, we always set time limits for screen use. It’s important to encourage other activities and avoid turning into screen zombies.


• And of course, headphones are a must to minimize distractions for other passengers. Nobody wants to hear Peppa Pig on repeat for six hours!

Snack Strategies: Fueling the Fun

Hangry kids are no fun for anyone. That’s why we take our snack game very seriously.

• We always pack a variety of healthy and appealing snacks to avoid hunger meltdowns. Think fruits, veggies, nuts, and yogurt tubes.


• We also involve Sophie in choosing and packing her own snacks. That way, she’s more likely to eat them.


• Refillable water bottles are essential for staying hydrated, especially on hot days.


• And of course, we plan for occasional treats to keep spirits high. A little chocolate or a bag of gummy bears can go a long way.

Comfort is Key: Creating a Cozy Travel Environment

Last but not least, comfort is crucial for a smooth travel experience. If kids are uncomfortable, they’re going to be miserable (and so will you).

• Travel pillows and blankets are a must for napping, especially on long flights or train rides. Sophie has a favorite unicorn pillow that she takes everywhere.


• We also pack familiar comfort items like stuffed animals or favorite toys. These can provide a sense of security and help kids feel more at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.


• We always dress Sophie in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Nobody wants to be stuck in tight jeans on a long journey!


• And for long flights, we consider a travel-friendly footrest to make sure Sophie is as comfortable as possible.

So there you have it – our tried-and-true tips for traveling with kids. It’s not always easy, but with a little planning and a lot of patience, you can create lasting memories and have some amazing adventures as a family. Happy travels!