Tips for keeping children entertained on the go

I used to walk around with my favourite magazines, or a book I couldn’t put down. But times have changed, and this summer my bag has been filled with two plastic zip-lock folders instead.

The zip-lock folders were carefully prepared before the start of the school holiday, and they were put together to keep the children entertained when we were out and about.

There are no longer a zip on any of the folders, and the popularity has made me think that this is something I should do more regularly. The personalised folders contained a mix of stationery and colouring pencils and sheets, scented markers, sticker sheets and sticker books, letter writing paper and envelopes, coloured paper, small toys like cars, lip balm and games and notebooks.

They’ve been refilled several times – particularly with new sticker sheets – and every time we sit down somewhere there are now typically expectations for the folders to be there as well. On days when they’ve woken up super early, it’s also been practical to have quiet activities at hand.

The downside is that I’m not sure when I’ll stop carrying zip-lock folders around, and I’ve found myself starting to save emails about activity-sheet printables. These folders may well have become a permanent feature in my bag.

Tags: Activities for children, Holiday, Restaurants, School holiday