How to Entertain Your Child on the Go: Ideas by Age

Some trips fly by, and others feel endless — especially when a child gets bored or tired. We know how hard it can be for parents to stay calm and keep everyone comfortable at the same time.

Here are ideas to help keep kids ages 5 to 13 engaged on a plane, train, or in the car. You’ll find ready-made activity lists by age, suggestions on what to pack, and tips for setting simple, gentle travel rules.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Good preparation takes away half the stress. Try turning packing into part of the adventure. If you have an older child, give them a backpack and ask them to create “their traveler’s kit.”

What to pack:

• Headphones and a charger (and ideally a power bank)
• Wet wipes and tissues
• A light snack
• Small trash bags
• A favorite toy
• A notebook and crayons

Download audiobooks, playlists, simple games, coloring pages, and crosswords ahead of time.

Before leaving, go over a few simple rules. For example: “We walk close together so we can see each other,” or “If you want to run or talk loudly, tell me first.” Clear expectations make the trip calmer for everyone.

Rotate Activities to Prevent Boredom

A long trip can feel never-ending if a child does the same thing the whole time. A helpful approach is to alternate activities and turn the journey into a set of mini-sessions.

A comfortable rhythm: 20–40 minutes of activity + 10–20 minutes of rest or a snack.

Switching formats keeps energy levels steady:

• Movement or stretching
• Quiet time: drawing, reading
• Creativity: storytelling or crafts
• A little screen time
• Family conversation or a shared game

This is just a guideline — adjust based on your child’s mood and the situation.

Ages 5–9

Kids at this age are curious, energetic, and love switching between activities. Short, simple tasks work best.

Sticker Quest

What to bring: a notebook, stickers, markers.

How to engage: “Let’s make a travel album — add a sticker each time you see a monument/bridge/tree.”

Pick any object that appears regularly along your trip.

Audiobook + Drawing

What to bring: headphones, a downloaded story, paper and crayons.

How to engage: Ask them to draw the plot or a favorite character.

Color or Shape Hunt

Perfect for the car, train, or plane. Helps focus and keeps boredom away.

How to engage: “Find something green outside” or “Count all the square objects around us.”

Other Ideas

Magnetic puzzles or checkers (pieces won’t get lost).

Simple origami — keeps hands busy and sparks creativity.

Ages 10–11

Kids this age value autonomy. They enjoy choosing activities themselves, but still love shared moments.

Audiobooks, Podcasts, Shows, or Playlists

What to bring: downloaded files, headphones.

How to engage: Plan to discuss what they liked later.

Crosswords, Sudoku, Logic Puzzles

What to bring: printed sheets or a puzzle magazine.

Great screen-free entertainment.

Travel Blog or Journal

What to bring: notebook or phone notes.

How to engage: Suggest writing a few lines a day or taking photos of landscapes and details to create a mini album or collage later.

Other Ideas

Small travel games: tic-tac-toe, chess, magnetic Scrabble.

Ages 12–13

Teens want more freedom and usually choose activities themselves. It’s important that they feel respected and have space for self-expression.

Language Mini-Games

What to bring: an app like Duolingo or simple flashcards.

How to engage: If you’re traveling abroad, suggest learning some basics of the local language.

Mini-Vlog or Photo Story

What to bring: phone or camera, a simple editing app.

How to engage: Invite them to film short clips or create a photo story of your trip.

Reading and Notes

What to bring: comics, short books, or teen novels.

How to engage: Suggest writing a short review or drawing an illustration afterward.

Other Ideas

Travel chess, compact board games, puzzles.

You can also ask them to make a mini itinerary: places to visit, foods to try, things to see.

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Explore new ideas together, try different things and share impressions. This helps your child discover themselves — and gives your family more chances for warm conversations, fun moments, and connection.

References

• Travelling with kids by plane, bus or train, Raising Children Network, 2025
• 24 Tips for Traveling With Children, Child Mind Institute, 2024
• How to Survive (and Even Enjoy!) Family Road Trips This Summer, Happy Families, 2024