Traveling with kiddos is always an adventure, but can quickly become exhausting. We have traveled as a family since the kids were babies. It’s not easy ya’ll, but the memories made are so worth the crazy. We have found a few things over the years that when traveling with children might help to make the trip a little less crazy. We compiled a list of some ideas and go-to products for your next trip over the river and through the woods.
Packing
ebags – We’ve mentioned these eBags packing cubes before, but they literally are a lifesaver when packing for families. We have a different color set for each family member and it makes living out of a suitcase much more bearable. Read more about them here.
Travel Backpacks
We are officially out of the stroller stage ya’ll… so when we traveled to California recently we knew we needed to have a way for each of the kids to carry their own waters, snacks, phones, trinkets, extra sweatshirt etc. We found these super affordable backpacks on Amazon that worked perfectly. With bungee straps on the side pockets to hold your water bottle in and zippered pockets, the kids were able to easily tote some of their own stuff while we explored around the city. These travel backpacks are available in over 10 colors
Travel Gear For the Drive Or Flight
Headphones – If your kids have their own electronic devices, have a set of comfortable headphones for each of them. Nothing adds stress to a car ride like dueling princess video and minecrafting game sounds from every corner of the car. If you’re flying you might want to pack the standard wired with with a headphone jack type of headphones. My son and I both packed wireless headphones for our last flight and then found that each seat had their own on board entertainment screen but you needed to have the headphone jack connector.
Podcasts – We try to take a break from the screens after a while and turn on a podcast. For younger children there are Disney Story Central Podcasts where they can hear their favorite Disney characters come to life in familiar Disney stories. Our youngest also enjoyed listening to Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird in the Sesame Street Podcasts .
All three of our kids ranging in ages from 5 to 11 really like the Wow In The World podcast series. Two animated hosts lead listeners on a journey to explore the world around them. They focus on one or two topics each episode and explain how different things work or why different scientific phenomenons occur such as why onions make you cry or what is coral bleaching. The energy of the hosts and neat sound effects definitely hold your attention throughout the episode.
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel In this series, a group of middle school students mysteriously start disappearingaround school. Friends of the missing kids ban together to try to figure out where everyone is going and how to get them back home. It’s described as “Goonies meets Spy Kids meets Stranger Things for 8-12 year olds.” Our 9 and 11 year old boys are currently hooked on this series.
Book Lights
Book Lights are perfect for traveling in the winter months when the sun sets way before bedtime.
LuminoLite Rechargeable 3000K Warm 6 LED Book Light, Easy Clip on Reading Light
Invisible Ink Activity Books
I know ya’ll remember these! They are making a come back. I used to love the Mr Mystery ones and our 5 year old has had a few that she worked on for long durations of time coloring and coloring.
Yes & Know Fascinating Facts / YES & Know Mr. Mystery Secret Agent Spy Invisible Ink Game Book / Bendon Disney Moana Magic Ink Mess Free Coloring Book/
Invisible Ink Yes & Know 8-88 / Magic Pen Painting – Highlights ‘Hidden Pictures’
Stickers
Stickers have been a lifesaver many of times when traveling with the kids. A tiny notebook and a few sheets of paper and the younger kids will be quietly occupied for a long time.
MCY Toddlers and Kids Puffy Stickers for Children (Girls and Boys) Mega Variety Pack (25 sheets)
Clipboards With Storage and Pencil Case
We love these clipboards. We use them for long car trips, but also as mobile homework desks as we are carpooling to and from the gazillion practices during the school week. The kids can clip their project to the front while working on it and store paper, a coloring book, stickers and markers or crayons on the inside.
Dexas Slimcase 2 Storage Clipboard with Side Opening, Neon Pink / Officemate Slim Clipboard Storage Box, Charcoal / Dexas Slimcase Storage Clipboard, Black
Noise Machines
These are such a helpful item when traveling. Trying to get three kids to sleep in the same little hotel room or guest bedroom is not easy. These little noise machines help drown out the surrounding background noise and make bedtime when traveling a little easier.
Travel Blankets
We always travel with one fleece throw per kiddo. They usually use them in the car on long trips but also use them in the hotel as their comforter. It’s so much easier than dealing with tugging blankets when they need to share a bed. There are sooo many to choose from online and at stores like Target and Walmart.
star wars blanket / moana blanket
Odor Fighting Sprays 😉
These are so very helpful when you have five people sharing one itty bitty bathroom. We love the Fresh Wave Odor Removing Spray. It is great for use in the bathroom, but can also be used to freshen up the rest of the hotel room or a stinky pair of sneakers after a long day of exploring. The Poo-Pourri is great too, but is designed to be used just in the bathroom.
Fresh Wave Odor Removing Travel Spray
Motion Sickness Bracelets
We keep at least one set of these in the car with us when we travel. They are pressure point bracelets to relieve motion sickness. My backseat riding, screen watching son usually ends up wearing them for the duration of our long trips. They are also great to bring along if you’re going on a cruise.
Sea Band – Child Wrist Band – One Pair *** Color Varies *** Also available at Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart
Happy travels my friends!