Are you struggling to keep your little ones entertained while on-the-go? As a mom of 3, I know the struggle all too well. Whether it’s a long car ride or a wait at the doctor’s office, it can be tough to find activities that will hold your child’s attention for more than a few minutes.
That’s why I’m here to share some of my favorite portable activities that are not only engaging but also require minimal effort to prepare for your next trip or even to use at a restaurant one day. These activities have saved my sanity during many a boring wait, and I’m excited to share them with you today.
So, let’s dive into the list of awesome portable activities for toddlers that will make your life easier and your child’s time more fun!
Simple and Fun Portable Activities
Interactive Board Books
Interactive board books are perfect for toddlers who are constantly exploring and learning. These books have fun features such as flaps, textures, and sounds that capture your child’s attention and make reading time more enjoyable. I like this book!
They’re also sturdy enough to withstand toddler handling and can easily fit in your diaper bag or purse, making them a great option for on-the-go entertainment.
Mess-Free Art Supplies
Toddlers love to express their creativity, but as parents, we know that art projects can quickly turn into a messy disaster. Mess-free art supplies, like watercolor pens or color wonder markers, are a game-changer. They allow your child to color and create without the worry of stains or spills. These supplies are also easily portable, making them perfect for car rides or appointments where your child needs something to do.
Writing tablets and doodle boards are also pretty fantastic. Don’t forget the etch a sketch. I used to love those as a kid, and I can’t even remember how I was able to draw anything in just straight lines but hey that’s the fun of the whole thing no?
Sensory Bins and Kits
Sensory bins and kits are a great way to engage your toddler’s senses and promote imaginative play. A sensory bin can be as simple as a container filled with rice or beans and small toys, or you can purchase pre-made kits with a specific theme, such as ocean or dinosaur.
They’re easy to set up and can provide hours of entertainment for your little one. Sensory bins and kits are also portable and can be used at home or on-the-go, making them a versatile and valuable addition to your toddler’s playtime.
Movement and Exercise Activities
Long car rides can be tough for toddlers who have a lot of energy to burn. But with movement and exercise activities, you can help them get their wiggles out and stay entertained on the road.
There are a variety of products available that are designed specifically for travel, such as mini trampolines, balance boards, and resistance bands. These activities can be set up in your hotel room or at a rest stop, and they’re a great way to keep your child active and engaged during long stretches of sitting.
More space saving options can include kicking around a ball, throwing a frisbee or blowing bubbles.
Music and Sound Play
Music and sound play are great for keeping toddlers engaged and happy during a long road trip. There are a variety of products available that can make this easy and fun, such as portable speakers, musical instruments, and sound machines.
You can also create your own playlists or use apps that offer sing-alongs or sound effects. Music and sound play can help your child stay calm and relaxed, which can make for a more peaceful journey.
Matching and Sorting Games
Matching and sorting games are perfect for toddlers who love to learn and explore. There are a variety of games available that are designed specifically for travel, such as puzzles, shape sorters, and matching games.
These activities can be easily packed in your carry-on bag or checked luggage, and they’re a great way to keep your child entertained during downtime or when you need a break from driving.
Matching and sorting games can also help your child develop their cognitive and problem-solving skills, making them a valuable addition to your travel toolkit.
Sticker and Activity Books
Sticker and activity books are a must-have for any road trip with toddlers. They’re portable, easy to use, and can keep your child entertained for hours. There are a variety of books available (like this) that feature favorite characters, interactive activities, and reusable stickers.
They’re perfect for car rides or when you need to take a break at a rest stop. These books are also great for developing fine motor skills and creativity, making them a valuable addition to your toddler’s playtime.
Imaginative Play Sets
Imaginative play sets are a great way to encourage creativity and imaginative play in toddlers. There are a variety of sets available that are designed for travel, such as play kitchens, doctor kits, and dress-up sets.
These sets can be easily packed in your luggage or carried on the plane, and they’re a great way to keep your child entertained during long waits or downtime. Imaginative play sets can also help your child develop their social and emotional skills, making them a valuable tool for learning and development.
Building Blocks
Building blocks are a classic toy that can provide hours of entertainment for toddlers. There are a variety of sets available that are designed for travel, such as magnetic blocks or mini legos.
These blocks are easy to pack and can be used to create a variety of structures and designs. Building blocks can also help your child develop their problem-solving and fine motor skills, making them a valuable addition to your travel toolkit.
They’re perfect for car rides, plane trips, or hotel stays, and they can provide hours of entertainment for your little one.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a classic toy that can keep toddlers entertained for hours. There are a variety of puzzle sets available that are designed for travel, such as magnetic puzzles like this or shapes puzzles like this. These puzzles are easy to pack and can be used to create a variety of designs and images.
Puzzles can also help your child develop their cognitive and problem-solving skills, making them a valuable addition to your travel toolkit. They’re perfect for car rides, plane trips, or hotel stays, and they can provide hours of entertainment for your little one.
Travel Games
Travel games are a great way to keep toddlers entertained on the road. There are a variety of games available that are designed specifically for travel, such as card games, board games, and travel-sized versions of popular games.
These games are easy to pack and can provide hours of entertainment during long car rides or flights. Travel games can also help your child develop their social and cognitive skills, making them a valuable addition to your travel toolkit.
Nature Exploration Tools
Nature exploration tools are a great way to encourage your toddler’s curiosity and love of nature. There are a variety of tools available that are designed for travel, such as binoculars like this, magnifying glasses like this, and bug catchers. These tools can be used to explore the natural world around you during hikes, walks, or visits to parks or nature preserves.
Nature exploration tools can also help your child develop their observation and scientific skills, making them a valuable tool for learning and development. They’re perfect for outdoor adventures during your road trip.
Snacks and Mealtime Fun
As we all know, traveling with kids can be a bit challenging, especially when it comes to mealtime and snacks. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can turn mealtime into a fun and interactive experience that can keep your little ones entertained for hours.
Snacks are a great way to keep your child’s hunger at bay between meals. Pack a variety of snacks that are easy to eat on the go, such as crackers, trail mix, and fruit snacks. But wait, it’s not just about packing the right snacks, you can make snack time more fun by packing a mix of sweet and savory treats in individual snack bags. This allows your child to choose their favorite snacks and keeps them entertained during long stretches on the road.
Mealtime can be a great opportunity to engage your child in fun and interactive activities. For example, you can pack a picnic blanket and have a picnic at a rest stop or park. This can be a fun way to break up the monotony of a long car ride and allows your child to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors. Imagine how much fun it would be to spread out the blanket and enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful scenery around you.
Another fun mealtime activity is to pack a lunchbox filled with their favorite foods and snacks. You can also include small surprises, such as stickers or temporary tattoos, to make the experience even more enjoyable. Trust us, your little ones will love opening up their lunchbox to find a surprise treat waiting for them!
Travel Journals and Scrapbooks
Journals and scrapbooks are a great way to encourage your child’s creativity and capture the memories of your family’s road trip, and it keeps them busy too!
They are perfect for those long stretches of travel time and can be a fun way for your child to reflect on their experiences and create a keepsake that they can look back on for a long time.
Creating a travel journal or scrapbook doesn’t have to be a whole thing. You can purchase a pre-made journal or scrapbook, or you can make your own by using a notebook or binder and adding your own personal touches (think gel pens, stickers etc).
The possibilities are endless, and the process of creating the journal or scrapbook can be just as enjoyable as looking back on it in the future!!
Portable Activities For Toddlers Are Fun
There are many awesome road trip activities for kids that you don’t have to DIY. From interactive board books to nature exploration tools, there are portable activities for toddlers that are hours of fun.
By keeping your child engaged and entertained during your travels, you can make your road trip a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone. Don’t forget to also pack snacks and mealtime fun, travel journals and scrapbooks, and other activities to ensure that your child has a well-rounded and fulfilling experience.
So, get ready to hit the road and make lasting memories with your family with these portable activities for toddlers!
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