10 ideas for keeping children entertained on the go
When going on holiday I like the idea of packing zip-lock folders for children, and fill them with fun activities, books and games that can be used in restaurants, on the beach or on a plane or train journey:
1. World Book Day £1 books
The collection of thin, compact £1 paperbacks released for World Book Day this year make for excellent books for travelling. Younger children might enjoy one of the two picture books in the series, and there are several funny books to choose from for young readers. (The World Book Day tokens, which can also be used for these books, are valid until 31 March 2019)
2. Stabilo Cappi Felt Tip pens
We received a wallet with 12 Stabilo Cappi Felt Tip pens as a present from a friend, and I liked them so much I’ve also bought them as a gift. The set comes with a cap ring, and children only take the felt tip pens out while the caps stay on the ring. This clever ring makes them ideal for travelling, as it’s so much easier to keep track of the caps.
3. Mini colour-in canvases from Hobbycraft
Friends have introduced me to the mini colour-in canvases (£1.50 each) from Hobbycraft, and the small size makes these perfect as a compact and lightweight holiday art activity that requires limited material. Children can enjoy colouring in the canvases using felt tip pens!
4. Usborne minis activity books
Last year, I bought several of the pocket-sized Usborne mini sticker shape books (£2.99 each), and this year, I’ve added Usborne mini Crosswords to the collection. The books in the series are thin and appear pretty similar in size to a passport. A good choice when you just need a little activity book easily accessible in the handbag.
5. Crayola free colouring pages
Before a school holiday, I tend to print out colouring pages, and I often rely on the Crayola website, which features seasonal colouring pages and Disney pages. Free and easy to use.
6. Cool stationery and stickers
I always ensure we pack several sticker sheets – usually themed around where we’re going.
7. Mudpuddy Puzzles to Go
My favourite puzzles for travelling are the 36-piece Mudpuppy Puzzles to Go, which come with a little postcard picture of the puzzle art and a drawstring cotton pouch for the puzzle pieces. Colourful and excellent for keeping children entertained in restaurants and on plane or train journeys!
8. Miles Kelly fact books
I recently bought a selection of Miles Kelly 100 facts fact books on offer, and these books are small and filled with subject-specific information and images. The children’s book series includes everything from fact books on Coral Reefs, which might be of interest for exotic beach holidays, to books on Ancient Rome or Vikings. I like that they are colourful and feature short facts, making them suitable for young readers.
9. Orchard Toys mini games
Orchard Toys mini games come in compact packaging and the series includes everything from memory games to a version of snakes and ladders. I’ve previously received some Orchard Toys mini games (£5 each) to review (see picture at the top), but we’ve also bought several other games from the series ourselves. I think they are great for carrying around in a handbag, and we’ve been playing Orchard Toys mini games on planes, sun beds and in restaurants.
10. Uno
One of my favourite card games as a child was Uno, and I love that this game has remained popular. There’s even a junior version with simplified rules for families with young children, and there are themed versions of Uno now too, such as a Disney Princess-themed Uno. Playing Uno can make for a fun family activity on holiday!
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