When travelling with kids, whether we’re jetting off on holidays, heading on a staycation, or simply going out for dinner as a family, there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years: a well-stocked entertainment kit for the kids makes all the difference. I’ve fine-tuned what works for us over the years, what travels well, and what keeps them happily busy (without screens!) during long waits, journeys, or restaurant visits.
Here’s a look inside my go-to entertainment pack when travelling with kids – a mix of compact, creative, and screen-free essentials that we reach for every time we’re on the go:
🧱 A Zip-Up Bag of LEGO Minifigures
These little guys are a lifesaver in restaurants and airports. The boys love swapping heads and bodies, making up stories, or building mini missions with whatever surface is around. Lightweight and endlessly creative.
🚗 A Zip-Up Bag of Hot Wheels Cars
Perfect for impromptu races across café tables, hotel room floors, or picnic benches. They’re small, durable, and a big hit with my younger two especially.
🎲 Qwirkle Travel Edition
A brilliant logic and pattern game that the whole family enjoys. The travel-sized version comes in a handy pouch and is ideal for hotel rooms or family downtime.
You can buy it here, EMMA10 works for 10% off: Qwirkle Travel Edition
💰 Monopoly Deal Card Game
A fast, fun twist on the classic Monopoly game. This one is brilliant for older kids – quick to learn, full of strategy, and perfect for when you’ve only got 15 minutes to fill. Great for hotel rooms or lazy afternoons on holiday.
You can buy it here, EMMA10 works for 10% off: Monopoly Deal Car Game
🃏 Dobble
If you don’t already own Dobble, grab one – it’s a must-have! It’s fast-paced, super compact, and works brilliantly for siblings of different ages. We’ve played this on poolside loungers, picnic blankets, and tiny café tables.
You can buy it here, EMMA10 works for 10% off: Dobble
🍕 P is for Pizza
A quirky, quick-thinking word game that’s always fun. Easy to learn, and because it’s card-based, it travels really well.
You can buy it here, EMMA10 works for 10% off: P is for Pizza
⚽️ Orchard Toys Penalty Shoot Out
This is a fab little two-player game – small enough to pack, fun enough to bring out again and again. Ideal for sibling entertainment during chill time.
You can buy it here, EMMA10 works for 10% off: Penalty Shoot Out
📚 National Geographic Kids Magazines
A fantastic gift idea, and they double up as brilliant travel companions. My eldest especially loves dipping into these for fun facts and puzzles. Lightweight, educational, and visually engaging. The subscription is great gift idea for birthdays or Christmas.
✈️ Usborne Travel Activity Books & Sticker Books
Usborne absolutely nails travel entertainment. Their activity and sticker books are themed, beautifully illustrated, and packed with age-appropriate fun. These have kept my boys chilled and focused through everything from airport delays to rainy afternoons.
🎧 Yoto Players & Headphones
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know we’re big Yoto fans. Each of the boys has their own Yoto Mini and headphones. It gives them a sense of independence, and I love knowing the content is age appropriate and screen-free.
🧲 Minecraft-Themed Magnetic Building Blocks
These come in a compact box that fits neatly in their backpacks – and they’re a real hit! Perfect for airport floors, hotel tables, or even picnic benches. Magnetic means less mess and less chance of pieces going missing! You can buy them here.
📖 A Book Each to Read
When travelling with kids I always let them choose one book each before a trip. Whether it’s graphic novels, early readers or chapter books, it encourages quiet time and a love of reading – even on the move.
✏️ A Pencil Case with a Few Colours, Pencil, Rubber, Sharpener
It doesn’t need to be fancy – just enough to fuel some doodling, note-writing or sticker book fun. The boys often draw what they see while travelling or make their own comics on the go.
🎨 A Reusable, Wipeable Silicone Colouring Mat
This is a game-changer for meals out. Just hand over a few wipeable markers and the mat, and you’ve bought yourself 20–30 minutes of peaceful table time. Wipe it clean, roll it up, and you’re good to go again.
🏟 Match Attax Cards
If your kids are football fans, these trading cards are gold. Perfect for swapping, organising, and playing mini games with – they’re pocket-sized and always a hit with my boys.
🧵 Loom Bands
These are fantastic for quiet, focused play. They come in a tiny box or zip bag, and my kids love making bracelets and keychains. Great for encouraging creativity and perfect for travel trays or hotel tables. You can shop loom bands here.
Final Thoughts
Having a small, dedicated entertainment bag packed and ready makes travelling with kids so much easier. I usually keep most of the items together in a bag so I can grab it easily – or if we’re headed away on a plane the kids carry their own things . It’s a mix of things they can play with independently, games we can enjoy as a family, and just enough variety to keep boredom at bay. You can check out my other post with more game ideas for families on the go here. And if travelling by plane, don’t forget to throw a few lollipops into everyone’s bag to help with popping ears.
If you’re planning summer travel, a staycation, or even just want some quiet time during meals out, I hope this list gives you a few fresh ideas to pack your own mini magic kit!
