Travelling with young children? How to keep things relaxed and fun

We’ve all been there. You’re excited to head off on an adventure with your little ones, whether it’s a family holiday or just a day trip.

But then comes the inevitable long drive, flight, or train journey – and the kids are what can only be politely described as ‘challenging’. 

Does it sound familiar?

Well, here’s the thing: kids are wired to move, explore, and get curious, so sitting still for too long doesn’t come naturally.

It’s not your fault or theirs—and there are ways to keep things chilled, fun, and manageable. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best tactics…

Why do kids get restless on long journeys?

Do you know why kids can struggle on long journeys? 

When they won’t sit still, they’re not trying to make life hard for you! There are lots of reasons why children get restless during travel:

  • Boredom: Many children—especially exceptionally bright and curious ones—get bored quickly. The novelty of being in a car or plane wears off, and they need something new to focus on – and they start to act up. 
  • Sensory overload: A noisy plane, a crowded train, or even the constant hum of a motorway can overwhelm a child’s senses. When they become ‘difficult’, they may simply be anxious.
  • High energy: Some children are just naturally full of energy and need regular movement to feel comfortable. Asking them to sit still for long periods can feel like asking them to stop breathing—it’s impossible!

Challenging behaviour doesn’t mean something is ‘wrong’ with you or them—it’s just part of their development.

As we say in Scotland, ‘weans’ll be weans’, and no matter how much you try to keep them entertained, there will be moments when they’re still bouncing off walls. 

We just need to manage it as best we can—and it’s okay not to always get it right!

Think about what your child enjoys

Like adults, children have different preferences and personalities. Understanding what your child enjoys can make a big difference in engaging them on long journeys. 

Do they love to be creative? Maybe they’d enjoy a colouring book. Are they chatty? You could try language games or I Spy. 

Here are some ideas:

For the creatives: colouring books and activity pads

If your child loves to be creative, packing small, lightweight colouring books, crayons, or activity pads will keep them busy.

You can even download free travel-related colouring pages with themes like planes, trains, and landmarks to get them excited about the journey. 

Crayola has a great range of free colouring pages, perfect for long trips.

For the learners: download something interesting

If they enjoy soaking up information by listening and watching, why not download videos or audiobooks?

There are lots to choose from on YouTube Kids or Audible

For the logical thinkers: chess and puzzles

If you have a smart, logical child who loves mental challenges, try games like chess or puzzles. Printed puzzles are perfect for travel—logical games like Sudoku or brain teasers.

Chesskid is also a great platform to learn chess in a fun, safe environment.

For the chatty types: language games and I Spy

Some children are always talking and asking questions. Playing sociable travel games like ‘I Spy’ or learning a few fun phrases in the local language can be a big hit for these wee ones.

A fantastic free option is Duolingo, where they can pick up a few phrases and teach you some too.  

For the readers: books for the road

Let’s not forget one of the oldest and best ways to pass the time—reading! 

If your child loves to get lost in a book, make sure you pack something at their reading level. If they’re too young to read alone, take turns reading aloud—it’s a great way to bond during a journey.

The best travel-friendly activities for children: how to organise them

Make life easier by keeping things organised. The last thing you want is to be scrambling for that crayon or snack just as your little one is about to have a meltdown!

Tips to stay on top of things:

  • Use a travel bag: Pack a small, easy-access bag for each individual child’s activities. Use ziplock bags or pouches to separate different activities (one for colouring stuff, one for games, etc.), so it’s easy to find what you need without chaos.
  • Pack light: Avoid overloading by choosing toys that serve multiple purposes. For example, Wikki Stix or magnetic puzzles are brilliant as they can be used in various ways and don’t take up much space.
  • Keep essentials handy: Keep snacks, wipes, and an extra set of clothes handy. You’ll thank yourself when the inevitable spills or snack attacks happen!

Travel tips for parents: how to transport activities on planes or public transport

When you’re travelling on planes or public transport, there’s lots to think about, so keeping things tidy and manageable is important:

  • Aeroplane rules: Before you fly, check the airline’s rules about liquids and carry-on luggage. For crafty kids, choose mess-free colouring sets like Water Wow or Colour Wonder markers. 
  • Compact games: To save space, bring small, foldable games like pocket-sized magnetic puzzles or card games. They fit neatly on tray tables without causing clutter.
  • Snacks and entertainment: Pack healthy snacks in small containers and plan a good mix of activities that require concentration and energy release to break up the trip.

Managing frustration: it’s okay when things don’t go to plan

Even with the best-laid plans, kids can and will get cranky sometimes. It’s okay, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong as a parent.

Children don’t always have the words to express when they’re overwhelmed, bored, or uncomfortable, so they act out to communicate.

So, when they start wriggling in their seat for the umpteenth time, just keep calm. Every parent has been there, and even though you might feel people looking, try not to let it bother you. 

As long as you’re doing your best to calm your child and keep disruption to a minimum, that’s all that matters. 

Coping mechanisms: from screens to snacks

We’ve all resorted to screens at some point to keep the peace—and that’s okay, too. 

Whether it’s a favourite movie, a game, or an app, if it helps get you through a tricky patch, don’t feel bad about it. The key is moderation. Screens can be part of a healthy mix that keeps everyone happy.

Snacks are another lifesaver. Having some healthy (and maybe a few special) treats to bring out during the journey can work wonders. If your child tends to get irritable, having something to nibble on can reset their mood.

Gratitude

Travelling with children can really test your patience, but it will feel like they grow up in the blink of an eye. Every hiccup along the way, is part of their story.

So, when things get stressful, take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s all part of the adventure. Don’t let it spoil your holiday.

Are you planning a family trip soon?

Check out our social pages for travel tips from Kaleido and his friends—and more activities to help keep adventures fun!