Long car rides or flights don't have to be a chorus of “I'm bored” from the backseat. Trust me, I've been there! Our family-approved travel games for kids are just the ticket. They're packed with brain-boosting fun and giggles galore, and guess what? You won't need Wi-Fi for most of them! So sit back, relax, and let the good times roll while you keep those little minds entertained on your next adventure.
Screen Free Champions
You know those moments when you want to keep the kiddos entertained without resorting to screens? Well, I've got some great news for you. There are tons of fun games that don't need a screen and won't hog all the space in your bag either. Here are a few of our family's go-tos:
- Would You Rather? The silly dilemmas spark conversation and creativity
- Story Cubes. Roll dice with pictures, then create a group tale one icon at a time
- Magnetic tangram boards. Puzzles that stay put despite turbulence
- Cards. Anything from rummy to Uno, a deck or two of cards is always a lifesaver
Low Prep Printable Games
Ever been on a road trip with the kids and needed a quick way to keep them entertained? Well, here's a little secret: Pinterest and Etsy are your new best friends! Just type in what you're looking for, and voilà—you'll find tons of games that you can just print out and take with you. Imagine travel bingo, tic tac toe, hangman, or even sudoku—all ready to go at the drop of a hat. It's like having an instant fun kit right at your fingertips!
Best Travel Apps
Let's dive into the world of kid-friendly travel apps! As a mom who's been through the wringer with countless apps, I've got some gems to share that cater to different age groups. Trust me, these are lifesavers on those long trips when you need a little peace and quiet or just want to keep the kiddos entertained. Here are a few we recommend:
- Toca Life World, ages 4-9, open-ended play, no in-app ads
- Khan Kids, ages 2-7, educational videos and interactive lessons
- GeoGussr, tweens+, geography game that turns random street views into detective missions
Pro Tips
Here's the scoop: some of these activities might need a bit of prep time. Whether you're downloading apps, printing out games, or grabbing a few items from the store, a little planning can really make your travel time smoother. Trust me on this one—I always keep a deck of cards in my purse and toss in a timeline game when I know we'll have some downtime between activities. It's been a lifesaver with my teens!
Got a long trip coming up with the kiddos? Well, pack these travel games for kids and watch your journey transform into the main event, not just the road to get there! Trust me, with these fun distractions in tow, you might find yourself actually looking forward to those hours on the road. Who knew getting from point A to B could be so entertaining?