Travelling with their parents can be one of the most cherished memories for kids as they grow up. These trips often become the only things they remember in their adulthood, while parents fondly reminisce about those days in their later years. So why not make those days memorable?
There are several activities and games that parents can do to keep their kids entertained and engaged during a trip. Here's a look at how to keep your kids engaged while travelling.
Encourage children to write a travel diary or draw one. Equip them with materials to document their experiences, encouraging observation and reflection on their journey. Collect ticket stubs, leaves, and other memorabilia from the holiday. Fill the journal with doodles and notes. Not only is this a fun activity on the trip, but it also serves as a keepsake for those kids. One day, they will have a series of travel journals to read and look back at all those years of adventures.
Colouring books, crayons, pencils, and stickers never go out of fashion, especially for kids aged two to seven. Colouring is a way for kids to express their creativity and personality and improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and attention span. Verbal games like "I Spy," "20 Questions," alphabet games, rhyme time, "Atlas," and word association can also keep kids entertained and engaged during a trip.
Dolls and action figures can be great travel companions for kids. Barbie, for instance, comes with a suitcase, accessories, and a puppy, making it an excellent choice for kids to play with and create their own adventures. Kids can also swap and share their dolls or action figures with other kids on the train. Playing with dolls or action figures has proven to enhance kids’ social and emotional skills, as well as their imagination and expression.
Reading is an excellent way to keep kids entertained and engaged during a trip. Parents can subscribe to a service like "Readly," which allows access to thousands of magazines and newspapers on a tablet. It can be shared among five profiles and devices, so kids can choose their favourite publications, such as National Geographic Kids, Beano, Match, and more.
Reading helps kids learn new words, facts, and stories, as well as improve their concentration and comprehension. Or go old school and carry along a few new paperbacks for them to read.
Board games are a classic way to keep kids entertained on a trip. Scrabble, Monopoly, Cluedo, and Disney-themed games are perfect for long train journeys. Board games can be played on table seats or even on the floor and can involve the whole family or other passengers. They can also help kids develop their vocabulary, logic, and creativity.
LEGO is another great way to keep kids entertained on a trip. Parents can bring a set of brick playing cards, a LEGO travel kit, or a LEGO magazine to stimulate their kids’ imagination and problem-solving skills. LEGO can keep kids busy for hours, and the kids can share their creations with other passengers. Travel-sized versions of all those favourite games are now available, which are usually magnetic and make it easier to play on the go.
