12 Must-Have Travel and Restaurant Activities for Kids (Mom-Tested and Approved)
As a mom, I hold onto a lot of things that make me feel like a normal girl in society, and two of those things include traveling and eating out. Two simple things that can become a challenge with young kids. And despite the extra effort, I cling on tight and refuse to adjust because these are activities I enjoy, will build memories for both them and us, and truly give me life.
Also, what a gift—
A gift to be able to travel.
A gift to be able to eat out.
A gift to not worry about what’s for dinner and who’s cleaning up.
But you know what’s not a gift?
The tantrum while waiting for food because it’s taking too long.
The dragged-out flight.
The delays that come with all of this living—delays that kids simply can’t reason with… yet!
So while we continue to practice traveling and eating out to work on these life skills that will hopefully become less of a challenge with every outing, I pivot to make these situations as enjoyable as possible for everyone. Even those sharing a space with us. And while I agree—kids are a large part of this world and outside individuals sharing the world with us should be more understanding—I also know the stress parents feel to not disturb others’ peace.
In my overprepared way of doing things, I prepare for this too. Any of my family or friends would be able to tell you that within my Mary Poppins bag, I always come ready with activities that entertain the kids. Here are a few of my favorites—10/10 as reviewed by my kids and by my ability to enjoy one more glass of wine with dinner.
1. Sticki Kubes
These cubes are awesome! They’re sticky without leaving residue or any stickiness on your fingers. Great for building and imagination. You can wash them with soapy water and let them air-dry without compromising the stickiness that makes them great.
2. Markers Case
I used to carry around a box of crayons or markers, which worked great until the boxes lost form and then you end up with loose markers rolling around in your purse. I found this great hard case that has a nice variety of colors and enough to share without starting marker wars. It even comes with blank paper, which makes it perfect for grab-and-go—and easy to refill.
3. Spot It
Some competitive fun with an easy enough concept for younger kids to play: the first player to spot two matching symbols gets the point. There are lots of theme variations, too!
4. Travel Uno
We’ve traveled with extended family and this one has been such a classic hit. The travel size makes it compact and easy to bring along.
5. Magnet Tiles
I can’t say enough about these. Probably the longest-running go-to in our family. We have two sets—one for each kid—because we all know how it would go with one.
6. Magnet Blocks
Similar concept to magnet tiles, but these magnetic building blocks allow for tons of imaginative builds. One set is plenty to share between two kids, and they come with a bag for easy cleanup and grab-and-go.
7. Sensory Fidget Toys
Originally purchased for our youngest, but both kids love fiddling with them. They’re silicone, bendy, and stick in different ways—endless entertainment.
8. Reusable Puffy Sticker Books
Fun, light, and easy to carry. We’ve gone through a variety of these, and they can be reused multiple times.
9. Dry Erase Board
While a whiteboard may give me flashbacks of school, the concept is fun for kids. Endless drawing, tic-tac-toe, or letter practice are a few of our favorites.
10. How to Draw 101 Things
I bought this when I realized my kindergartener’s stick figures weren’t cutting it. I remember asking him, “Where are their clothes?” and knew we had to work on drawing more dimensionally. This step-by-step drawing book is easy enough for them to follow independently.
11. Color Dots Books
This idea came when I thought about using dot-coloring books in a neater way. The sticker version is much less messy, and the kids still enjoy filling the pages with color.
12. Bracelet Making
My daughter would come home from Montessori with two new bracelets a day, so I immediately added this to our on-the-go activities. We usually do this one during one-on-one time while my son has practice or games. This one does require a little more hands-on help from mom or dad—especially with younger kids and all those tiny beads.
Aside from that, little things you already have work great too! My son likes to bring Hot Wheels and will play with them alone or build tunnels and tracks using the magnet blocks. My daughter often packs a purse with a Barbie—wonder who she gets that from?
These all serve as such a crutch for us to enjoy our outings, keep things fun, and limit screen time. Although no judgment—if all else fails, do whatever it takes to still enjoy the things you love too!
