60 fun road trip & airplane activities to keep toddlers & kids entertained

Traveling with kids—whether around the country or abroad—is a special opportunity to connect as a family and help your children discover the world’s diversity. It introduces them to new places, cultures, landscapes, traditions, foods, and languages, while also nurturing their curiosity and sense of adventure.

That said, travel can come with its share of challenges. Long flights and car rides can leave kids feeling bored or restless, and changes in routine or surroundings can be stressful for everyone.

The key? Bring along your patience, a flexible attitude, and a toolkit of fun, engaging activities. With the right prep, those “Are we there yet?” moments might just turn into, “Wow, we’re here already?”

Staying Active & Planning Ahead for Travel with Kids

Why Movement Matters
Long periods of sitting can cause stiffness, discomfort, and restlessness—especially for babies. The UK’s NHS recommends babies stay in car seats no longer than 2 hours to avoid breathing issues and spine strain. On planes, remove them from car seats periodically to reposition.

Smart Travel Planning Tips

Involve your kids: Talk about the destination, show maps and photos, and explain what to expect—especially for first-time flyers.
Map out stops: For road trips, plan fun breaks (parks, attractions). For flights, find airport play areas in advance.
Pack wisely: Choose travel-friendly toys and check carry-on size limits. Bring essentials like diapers and snacks, and consider:
- Travel tray: A firm surface for play and snacks, with compartments and foldability.
- Inflatable footrest: Helps kids sleep or stay comfy—check airline rules.
- Wrapped surprises: Wrap small toys (garage sale finds work great!) for added excitement.

Let the adventure begin—with movement and fun packed in!

Car Trip Activities for Kids (Ages 3–7)

Active & Hands-On Fun:

Act it out: Pretend to drive, climb, or flap like a butterfly.
Hand obstacle course: Clap, pat knees, touch toes in a pattern.
Paper clip chains: Link colorful clips to build a long chain.
Rock, paper, scissors: A simple, fun go-to game.
Magnet play on a cookie sheet: Use magnetic letters, animals, or dress-up sets.

Quiet & Creative Activities:

Car scavenger hunt: Spot items like red cars, green signs, or water towers.
License plate game: Check off provinces/states on a printed map.
Rhyming game: Take turns saying words that rhyme.
Kids’ podcast: Entertaining and screen-free listening.

Stretch & Explore:

Rest stop play: Plan stops for running, stretching, or quick games. Bring balls, scooters, or skipping ropes. Add roadside attractions for bonus fun!

Bonus Tip:
Many of these car activities also work great on planes—just adapt for the space!

Airplane Activities for Kids (Ages 3–7)

Movement & Play (Seat-Friendly or Small-Space Active):

Seated yoga – Stretch like a tree, twist, or bend side to side.
Simon Says – Call out fun seated actions (wiggle fingers, flap arms, etc.).
Mr. Men/Little Miss game – Act out characters (e.g., Mr. Tall = big stretch).
Origami – Fold simple shapes with a beginner book or video.
Window gel clings – Stick, peel, and create scenes.
Magnetic blocks – Stack and build without pieces falling off.
Pipe cleaners – Twist into shapes or simple crafts.
Back-of-plane movement – Do light stretches or jogs if space allows.

Quiet Fun & Observation:

Tiny washroom tour – Explore, wash hands, count steps.
Cloud spotting – Look for shapes or animals in the sky.
Window watching – Spot buildings, cars, or landscapes below (binoculars optional).
I Spy – Use color or letter clues to find objects around the seat.

Travel Activities by Age

Babies (0–1 year)

Suction spinner – Stick to a tray or window for spinning and popping fun.
Soft activity cube – Mirrors, textures, and flaps to explore.
Graspable toy car – Bright colors and spinning wheels engage baby’s focus.
Interactive stuffed animal – Rattles, ribbons, and snuggles in one toy.
Teether – Soothes gums and keeps baby busy.

Toddlers (1–3 years)

Suction starfish – Stick to smooth surfaces and twist for fun.
Busy board – Zippers, buttons, and switches for little hands.
Building blocks – Soft, easy-to-connect pieces for creative play.
Mini dinos or animals – Great for imaginative adventures.
Books – Familiar or new favorites for solo or shared reading.

Preschool & School-Age (3–7 years)

Bead lacing – Great for focus and fine motor skills.
Magnetic dress-up dolls – Flat, mess-free creative play.
Stretchy strings – Twist and pull for sensory fun.
Dry-erase board – Draw, wipe, repeat.
Water books – Reusable, no-mess coloring with water pens.

Quick Tips for a Smooth, Happy Trip with Kids
Traveling with kids? Keep things fun, flexible, and realistic. Bad days happen—but planning ahead helps.

Plan car stops for active breaks.
Use airport time for walking/stretching.
Pack snacks, toys, and crafts for all ages.
Bring a stroller for rest on the go.
Switch up activities to avoid boredom.
Keep sleep routines as normal as possible.

Stay active, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey

Wander Wide, Little Eyes
(A poem about traveling with children)

Pack the snacks, the books, the toys,
Bring along the quiet joys.
Map in hand and shoes well-tied,
Adventure waits on the other side.

Tiny voices, full of cheer,
“Where are we?” and “Are we near?”
Windows frame the world anew—
Mountains tall and oceans blue.

Sticky fingers, sleepy heads,
Laughter shared in makeshift beds.
Crayons roll beneath the seat,
New songs sung in offbeat beat.

Not every mile goes down smooth,
But love and stories start to soothe.
Detours turn to treasured days,
In winding roads and wandering ways.

So hold their hands and take it slow,
There’s magic in the “Let’s just go.”
For every path and place you roam,
With children near, you’re always home.