Family trips can be the stuff of legend. Travel time together creates lasting memories you and yours can share during holiday gatherings from now until forever. Like that time everyone played “I Spy” on the plane until their eyes went blurry, or the one road trip when you sang 79 choruses of “The Wheels on the Bus.” But what kind of memories go down when you’re traveling with a high-energy toddler?
Going long distances in a car or plane with your toddler can prove tricky. It’s developmentally appropriate for them to want to keep the party going, which is why sitting in one spot for a while isn’t always their strong suit. Sitting still curtails their opportunity to explore, which can lead to big meltdowns and power struggles — creating a different kind of legendary story for your holiday gatherings.
So, if you need a few ways to keep your toddler content and occupied during your long trip, check out these five no-screen solutions:
1. Stickers
Puffy stickers for smaller hands, and flat stickers for the more dexterous, can be used to make collages/pictures on pieces of paper or even on the shirt your toddler is wearing. These are a great Dollar Store purchase. There are even activity books that come with puffy stickers if you really want to just grab and go. And since they’re compact and easy to pack, many (many) sheets of different colors and textures can keep your toddler occupied and exploring on a long trip.
2. Silly Putty
Encouraging sensory play, Silly Putty is small and easy to tuck away into a pocket or travel bag. Its mailable nature makes this super fun to squeeze, stretch, roll into a ball, or twist into simple shapes. Use Silly Putty to strengthen fine motor skills while you’re motoring along to your final vacay destination.
3. Magnetic Playsets
Magnets are magical. They also support your kiddos curious nature, which is why small reusable magnet books keep your kid’s imagination inspired and interested while they create countless scenes and stories. Plus, toddlers enjoy the repetition of placing and replacing the tiles, as this supports their learning.
4. Water Wow
The Water Wow books created by Melissa & Doug are an excellent reusable tool that requires a little water and a whole lot of time. Pour a smidge of water into the grippable brush, either from your water bottle or the nearest sink. As the paintbrush swipes over the image, watch details and colors of your kid’s latest masterpiece magically appear. Then wait for the scene to dry and start again. Pro tip: Need your artwork to dry faster? Hold this up to the hand dryer in the nearest restroom and you’ll be ready to start again in no time.
5. Drawing Boards
These are a great compact option for doodling, designing, and creating some parent/kid playtime. Draw, practice letters and shapes, or play games like Red Light/Green Light Draw (have your child draw on a green light and freeze on a red light and so forth) while you encourage creativity and cognitive abilities. The best news is that this can all happen with one no-mess drawing board. Just draw, swipe to erase, and draw again.
Taking those family vacays with your toddler can bring out the adventure in us all. Playing with them (or allowing time for independent play) actively engages your child’s imagination. And with a little help from these repetition-based activities, your kiddo will look forward to their time sitting still almost as much as you do.
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