đźš— How to Keep Kids Entertained on Long Journeys (Without Screens)
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Long journeys and kids don’t always mix well. I’ve found that out the hard way when taking a 2 year old on an 8 hour flight. Despite trying to think ahead, the journey still came with some challenges. So I hope my guide on how to keep kids entertained on long journeys will help you be better prepared for your own travels.
Whether you’re heading off on a road trip, catching a flight, or facing a long train ride, keeping children entertained for hours at a time can feel like a challenge.
The good news? You don’t need endless snacks or constant screen time to survive.
With a little planning (and a few clever tricks), long journeys can actually become part of the adventure.
How to keep Kids entertained on Long Journeys – The breakdown:
🎒 The Secret: Variety + Novelty
When it comes to keeping kids entertained, two things make all the difference:
- Variety – switching between different types of activities
- Novelty – things they haven’t seen or used in a while
You don’t need loads of new things—just things that feel new.
A simple trick?
👉 Put toys away a week or two before your trip so they feel exciting again.
🧩 Create a “Travel Activity Kit”
One of the easiest ways to avoid boredom is to prepare a small, dedicated activity kit just for the journey.
Think of it as your secret weapon.
Include a mix of:
- Colouring books or paper + crayons
- Sticker books
- Small puzzles or brain teasers
- Activity cards or printables
- A notebook for drawing or games
💡 Tip: Pack everything in a zip bag or small backpack so it’s easy to grab.
👉 If you want something ready-made, you can download my free road trip activity pack or Would You Rather questions on the blog—perfect for keeping kids busy without screens.
🎲 Easy Travel Games (No Prep Needed)
Sometimes the simplest games are the best—and they don’t require any packing at all.
Try:
- I Spy – classic for a reason
- 20 Questions – great for older kids
- Would You Rather? – fun and often hilarious
- The Alphabet Game – spot things starting with each letter
These are perfect for:
- Filling gaps between activities
- Resetting moods
- Bringing the whole family together
✍️ Screen-Free Activity Ideas That Actually Work
If you want to minimise screen time, having a few go-to activities ready makes a big difference when it comes to entertaining kids on long journeys.
Some tried-and-tested favourites:
- Colouring and drawing challenges
- Dot-to-dot or puzzle books
- Magnetic games (great for travel!)
- Simple journaling (especially for older kids)
- Sticker scenes or create-your-own pictures
💡 Rotate activities every 20–30 minutes to keep things fresh.
đź“‘Use a Travel Table
Doing paper based activities on the go can sometimes be difficult. For that reason, we have invested in one of these handy travel trays for the car. It comes with an integrated whiteboard and markers to scribble on as well as plenty of storage options for pens, small toys and most importantly the snack pockets on the side. It is like a self contained entertainment unit. Bonus point for folding really flat, so it’s super easy to store in the car too, ready for the next journey. This one comes in a few different designs – we’ve picked the Dinosaurs of course. 🦖
🎧 Don’t Forget Audio Entertainment
Screens aren’t the only option for quiet time.
Audiobooks and music can be a lifesaver when it comes to entertaining kids on long journeys. We actually put together a family playlist for our upcoming road trip. It is the most random playlist known to man, but it contains something for every one. You can also try Children’s audiobooks or stories or podcasts specifically for kids.
Perfect for:
- Calming things down
- Giving kids a break from active play
- Creating a shared experience
🍎 Snacks: The Ultimate Travel Essential
Never underestimate the power of snacks or the quantity that you will need. They can buy you time, prevent meltdowns and break up long stretches of travel.
A few tips:
- Pack a mix of healthy + fun snacks
- Use snacks as “activity breaks”
- Avoid giving everything at once—space them out
⏱️ Plan in Breaks (When You Can)
If you’re travelling by car, regular stops can make a huge difference. I always try and plan out our route and have a rough idea of good stopping points that ideally include a space for them to burn off some energy.
Let kids:
- Run around
- Reset their energy
- Get some fresh air
Even a quick 10–15 minute break can completely change the mood of the journey.
🧠Adjust for Age (This Matters!)
Different ages need different strategies.
Toddlers:
- Short, simple activities
- Lots of snacks
- Frequent breaks
Younger kids (4–8):
- Activity packs
- Games and challenges
- Audio stories
Older kids:
- Journals
- Puzzle books
- More independence in choosing activities
🚨 When Things Start to Go Wrong…
Even with the best planning, there will be moments when everyone is tired, someone complaints about being bored and consequently tempers start to rise. I have always travelled with my two on my own ever since they were babies. We have definitely had our moments, like the time my daughter, aged 2 at the time, got bored at the very long security queue at DĂĽsseldorf airport and decided it was a great idea to start running off in every direction possible. A game of I Spy and a snack definitely helped in that moment. I also now make sure I don’t book my flights for the start of the main summer holidays any more. Lesson definitely learned!
So, as the inevitable will happen, it helps to be prepared.
- Change the activity
- Offer a snack
- Take a break (if possible)
- Lower expectations for a while
Sometimes a simple reset is all you need.
💛 Final Thoughts: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
Long journeys with kids aren’t always easy—but they don’t have to be stressful either.
A little preparation, a mix of activities, and realistic expectations can turn the journey into something much more manageable (and even enjoyable).
And remember—boredom isn’t always a bad thing.
Sometimes that’s when the best games and conversations happen.
đź“Ś Additional Resources
If you want some additional activities for longer journeys, check out my children and travel activity packs here:
👉 Coming Next
Next up in the series:
What to Pack When Travelling with Kids (What You Actually Need)
đź’¬ Over to You
What’s your go-to way to keep kids entertained on long journeys?
Share your best tips in the comments—I’d love to add them!
