Travelling with children can feel a little daunting, but it’s also one of the best ways to make memories you’ll laugh about for years.

The secret to actually enjoying your holiday is simple. Prepare before you go, so you are not spending the first few days recovering from the travel chaos.

Whether it’s a quick weekend away or a big overseas adventure, the goal is the same. Keep your little ones entertained, happy, and engaged on the way there, without overstimulating them.

To help, we’ve created a practical Travel With Kids checklist with easy wins for calm, mess free entertainment on the go.

Your Travel With Kids 'Sanity' Guide

Easy wins for calm, mess free entertainment on the go. Before you pack everything in the toy room, you need to ask yourself some questions, to limit the amount of things you take and maximise use and entertainment. Planning ahead pays off in this situation.

1. Does it pack easily?

Choose activities that are flat, compact, and/or lightweight. Bonus points if they are easy to pull out and pack away quickly, especially on planes.
Avoid sets with lots of tiny pieces that love to disappear at the worst time.

Think:

• Magnetic games
  
• Activity pads
  
• Compact puzzles
  
• Travel size toys with storage

2. Is it mess free?

Travelling is not the time for extra cleaning. Stick to toys and activities that are wipe clean, magnetic, or water based.

Think:

• Water wow books
  
• Reusable sticker books
  
• Compact magnetic drawing boards
  
• No mess colouring sets

3. Will it actually keep them busy?

Look for something that holds attention for longer than two minutes. Interactive play is the secret. Anything with a story, challenge, or mission usually works well.

Think:

• Magnetic scenes
  
• Look and find books
  
• Travel games
  
• Build and create sets

Tip:
Start them off with a mini challenge like build a zoo, make a pizza shop, create a jungle scene, or find 10 hidden items.

4. Is it calm and quiet?

You do not need silence, just less chaos. Choose activities that are low noise and help reduce sibling drama when everyone is stuck close together.

Think:

• Quiet books
  
• Colouring and activity pads
  
• Sensory fidgets for little ones
  
• Soft toys for comfort

5. Can it be used again and again?

Reusable activities save money and earn their keep on long trips. The best travel toys are the ones kids can repeat without getting bored.

Think:

• Open ended toys
  
• Magnetic play
  
• Story based activities
  
• Compact magnetic build and create sets

Tip:
Stick to what your child already enjoys. A flight is not the moment to introduce a brand new hobby.

6. Are you packing the library?

Books are perfect for travel and bedtime routines, but they get heavy fast. While ebooks are a compact option, old school books can be great for keeping kids calm and focused without extra stimulation or searching for a power point to recharge a device.

A familiar favourite also helps children settle in new places and keeps bedtime feeling normal.

Think:

• Small paperback books
  
• Interactive or sound books
  
• A favourite bedtime story

Extra essentials worth packing

A few other things that can make travel smoother for everyone

When you’re travelling with kids, it’s not just about packing clothes, it’s about setting yourself up for a smoother trip from the minute you leave home. Think entertainment that actually lasts, snacks that keep everyone happy, and a few comfort items that help little ones settle in unfamiliar places. It’s also worth planning ahead for hygiene and health essentials, especially for planes and busy public spaces, and making sure any medications and toiletries are easy to access when you need them. And of course, double check your travel documents, itinerary, and emergency details before you go, including anything required for prescriptions or specific country rules, so you can travel with confidence and avoid last minute stress.

We've created a one page downloadable checklist to make the travel prep a little smoother grab your's, and if you need any goodies for the journey we're here to help with that too!

Ready to travel smarter?

We have a selection of travel suitable toys and activities for all ages, perfect for planes, long drives, and holidays away.

Click here to browse our travel range.

Need help picking the right options for your child’s age and stage? DM us on Instagram or contact us by email and we’ll happily help.

Safe travels and enjoy making those memories.

xo