No More Meltdowns: Genius Ways to Keep Kids Entertained on Long Travel Days

As much as we love exploring new places, let’s face it: long travel days can be tough—especially with kids in tow. From flights and road trips to layovers and delays, keeping little ones entertained (and tantrum-free) is no small feat. Over the years, our family has tried just about everything to make those long journeys smoother, and today, I’m sharing our favorite tricks to keep everyone happy along the way.

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1. Pack a “Surprise Bag”

One of my go-to strategies is creating a surprise bag filled with small toys, activities, and snacks. These don’t have to be expensive—stickers, dollar-store puzzles, or mini coloring books work wonders. I hand out a new item every hour or whenever boredom strikes, and it always feels like a little treat.

Pro Tip: Wrap the items individually to make them feel extra special!

2. Load Up on Entertainment

Before any trip, I download our kids’ favorite shows, movies, and educational games onto tablets. We also bring noise-canceling headphones, which are lifesavers on planes. If screen time isn’t your thing, audiobooks and podcasts are great alternatives. Some of our family favorites include “Story Pirates” and “Kids Short Stories” podcasts.

3. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks

Hungry kids = cranky kids, so I never travel without a stash of snacks. Think mess-free, travel-friendly options like granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and crackers. I also include a few “special” treats like gummies or cookies as incentives for good behavior.

4. Create a Travel Journal

For older kids, a travel journal is a great way to pass the time and encourage creativity. They can draw pictures, write about their experiences, or even create a scavenger hunt list of things to spot during the journey.

5. Interactive Games

Good old-fashioned games like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” or the Alphabet Game are perfect for road trips. We’ve also found magnetic travel board games to be a hit—no lost pieces, no stress!

6. Make the Most of Stops

For long road trips, we plan stops at rest areas, parks, or playgrounds to let the kids burn off energy. Even a 10-minute stretch and run-around can make a big difference in their mood (and ours!).

7. Comfort is Key

Don’t underestimate the power of comfort! Bring travel pillows, blankets, and their favorite stuffed animal to help them settle in and relax. The cozier they feel, the easier the journey.

8. Keep a Few Tricks Up Your Sleeve

When all else fails, I rely on my “emergency entertainment kit.” This includes a new app, a never-before-seen toy, or even a small craft kit. It’s my secret weapon for those “I’m bored” moments!

Why It Works

These strategies have been lifesavers for our family, turning what could be stressful travel days into manageable (and even enjoyable) experiences. Every family is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your little ones.

What’s Next?

In my next post, I’ll be sharing our packing list for stress-free family travel—because what you bring can make or break the trip! Stay tuned for my tried-and-true essentials for traveling with kids.

How do you keep your kids entertained on long travel days? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments below!

Until next time,
Fun Family Momma