Keeping Kids Entertained on Long Journeys: Games, Activities, and Tech.

Long journeys with kids—whether by car, train, or plane—can be challenging for even the most patient parents. The repeated “Are we there yet?” and restless fidgeting are telltale signs that your little travelers are in desperate need of entertainment. While the destination may be exciting, getting there can test everyone’s endurance.

The good news? With the right mix of games, activities, and smart tech, you can turn hours of travel into an opportunity for fun, bonding, and learning. This comprehensive guide will help you plan and pack the perfect boredom-busting toolkit for any long trip.

Why Planning Entertainment Matters

Keeping kids engaged during travel isn’t just about passing the time—it reduces tantrums, fights, and stress for everyone. When children are stimulated in positive ways, they’re less likely to act out from boredom or fatigue. A well-prepared parent can turn a 10-hour car ride into a mini adventure filled with discovery, laughter, and memorable moments.

1. Travel Games: Classic and Creative

Travel games are a great way to bring the family together and spark interaction, especially during screen-free portions of the journey.

I Spy

Simple and adaptable, this visual game keeps kids alert and observant. “I spy with my little eye, something green…” can keep toddlers and older kids engaged for miles.

20 Questions

Pick a person, place, or thing, and let the rest of the group ask yes/no questions to figure it out. It’s a great game for older kids and builds critical thinking.

The License Plate Game

Perfect for road trips. Try to spot as many state or regional plates as possible. Add a competitive edge by writing them down and seeing who collects the most.

Alphabet Hunt

Look out the window or inside the vehicle to find words that start with each letter of the alphabet in order. “A” for “Airport,” “B” for “Bridge,” and so on.

Would You Rather?

Pose fun or silly dilemmas: “Would you rather fly like a bird or swim like a dolphin?” It opens up great conversations and even giggles.

Story Chain

Start a story with a sentence, and each person adds to it in turn. The results can be hilarious and surprising. Ideal for boosting imagination.

2. DIY and Hands-On Activities

For younger kids especially, tactile and creative play helps break up long periods of sitting.

Coloring and Activity Books

Pack a lap desk, crayons, colored pencils, and a few activity books. Look for ones with mazes, word searches, or travel-themed puzzles.

Reusable Sticker Books

Great for flights or trains, these mess-free books allow kids to create different scenes over and over again.

Magnetic Games

Magnetic chess, checkers, tic-tac-toe, or even magnetic dress-up dolls are compact and ideal for bumpy rides.

Pipe Cleaners and Wikki Stix

These flexible, colorful craft items can be twisted into shapes, animals, or even letters—quiet, mess-free creativity.

Origami Kits

For older kids, folding paper into intricate shapes can be surprisingly relaxing and absorbing.

Travel Journals

Encourage children to draw what they see, write down thoughts about the trip, or collect ticket stubs. It turns the trip into a personal story.

3. Books and Audiobooks

Reading can absorb kids for hours and spark curiosity about the world around them.

Picture Books and Early Readers

For younger children, bring favorites or surprise them with new titles related to the journey.

Chapter Books

Older kids can dive into engaging stories. Choose books that match their reading level and interests.

Audiobooks

Download age-appropriate audiobooks or story podcasts. Great for family listening or solo enjoyment with headphones.

Recommended Audiobooks for Kids:

• “The Magic Tree House” series
• “Charlotte’s Web”
• “Harry Potter” (for older kids)
• “The Chronicles of Narnia”

4. Tech Tools and Apps (Without the Guilt)

Technology, when used thoughtfully, can be an excellent travel companion. Balance is key—combine tech time with non-digital activities to keep the experience healthy and interactive.

Tablets or Smartphones

Load up with:

• Educational games (Endless Alphabet, Toca Life, Osmo)
• Puzzle games (Monument Valley, Cut the Rope)
• Drawing apps (Doodle Buddy, Procreate Pocket)

Downloaded Shows and Movies

Stream or download episodes from child-friendly platforms like Netflix Kids, Disney+, or PBS Kids before leaving. Headphones are essential.

Music Playlists

Create a family road trip playlist or let your kids make their own. Listening to music together can lift moods and even start impromptu sing-alongs.

Podcasts for Kids

There are plenty of engaging, educational, and age-appropriate podcasts like:

• “Brains On!”
• “Wow in the World”
• “Story Pirates”

5. Snack Time as Entertainment

Food is more than just fuel—it can also be an activity.

Snack Necklace

Let kids create necklaces from cereal like Cheerios or fruit loops before the trip. They can wear and nibble as they go.

Mystery Snack Bags

Pack small, unlabeled bags with different snacks and let kids guess what’s inside using their senses. Make it a game.

Bento Boxes

Use compartmentalized boxes to create fun, bite-sized meals. Include fruits, crackers, cheese, and maybe a treat or two.

Avoid too much sugar, which can lead to energy crashes. Opt for snacks high in protein and fiber to keep them fuller longer.

6. Interactive Learning on the Go

Make your trip a chance to explore and learn.

Geography Fun

Use maps (physical or app-based) and help kids trace your route. Mark off each town, city, or state you pass through.

Travel Bingo

Create bingo cards with common road trip or airport items: traffic cones, red cars, cows, airplanes, etc.

Language Learning Apps

If traveling to a new country, introduce basic phrases in the local language through fun apps like Duolingo or Gus on the Go.

7. Create a Travel Routine

Kids thrive on predictability, even when on the move.

Set Expectations

Explain what will happen during the trip, how long it will take, and when they can expect meals or breaks.

Alternate Activities

Rotate between screen time, physical activities, games, and quiet time. This variety prevents overstimulation or boredom.

Use Timers or Schedules

Older kids appreciate knowing how long until the next stop or what’s coming next. Use a timer or simple written schedule they can follow.

8. What to Avoid

To ensure things go smoothly, try to steer clear of:

• Small, easy-to-lose toys
• Messy crafts (like glitter or paint)
• Toys with lots of parts or complicated rules
• Screens without headphones
• Fully relying on tech for entertainment

Balance is key. Kids need movement, creativity, and personal interaction in addition to screens.

9. Emergency Fun Ideas

Sometimes things go wrong: delays, traffic jams, or long waits. Keep an emergency stash of surprises:

• New coloring book or toy
• Puzzle cards
• Mini building blocks
• “Secret” snack

This can be a lifesaver during unexpected downtime.

Conclusion: Your Journey Can Be Fun, Too

With the right preparation and mindset, long travel days with kids can be an enjoyable part of the trip rather than something to dread. The key is variety—mix traditional games, hands-on activities, engaging tech, and simple fun to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Think of the journey as a chance to create shared memories, enjoy quiet moments, and discover what makes your child light up with curiosity or joy. Whether you’re flying across the ocean or road-tripping across the country, a well-packed entertainment kit might just be your greatest travel hack.