Summer holidays are full of exciting adventures, whether you're heading to the seaside, visiting grandparents, flying abroad or enjoying a camping trip. But every parent knows that travelling with young children often comes with one familiar phrase:
"I'm bored!"
It can be tempting to hand over a tablet or phone as soon as the journey begins, but with a little planning, children can stay happily entertained without relying on screens.
The secret isn't bringing more things - it's bringing the right things.
Why planning ahead makes all the difference
Children often become restless simply because they have nothing engaging to do. Having a small collection of carefully chosen activities ready before you leave can turn a stressful journey into a much more enjoyable one.
Books, activity books and simple toys encourage children to use their imagination, develop problem-solving skills and enjoy spending time together as a family.
Build a screen-free travel bag
Give each child their own small backpack or bag containing a selection of activities they've helped choose.
Some great ideas include:
- Story books
- Activity books
- Busy books
- Colouring books and washable crayons
- Sticker books
- Reusable write-and-wipe books
- Small puzzles
- Card games
- Travel-sized board games
- Soft toys
- Toy cars or small animal figures
- Finger puppets
- Notebook and pencils
Rotating activities throughout the journey helps everything feel new and exciting.
Screen-free ideas for every type of journey
🚗 Car journeys
Long car journeys don't have to revolve around screens.
Try:
- Reading books together before setting off.
- "I Spy."
- Spotting different coloured cars.
- Counting tractors, buses or animals.
- Listening to children's music or audiobooks.
- Taking short breaks to stretch and explore.
🚆 Train journeys
Trains often provide tables and more space, making them ideal for activities.
Bring:
- Colouring books.
- Sticker books.
- Card games.
- Puzzle books.
- Story books.
Watching the scenery together can also spark great conversations.
✈️ Plane journeys
Flights often involve waiting as much as flying.
Pack:
- New activity books.
- Quiet toys.
- Sticker books.
- Small colouring sets.
- Favourite bedtime story.
Introducing one new activity every hour can help keep excitement levels high.
⛴️ Ferry trips
Ferries are perfect for exploring.
Children can:
- Watch the waves.
- Count boats.
- Spot seabirds.
- Read together in quieter areas.
- Enjoy simple travel games.
Entertainment at your accommodation
Screen-free activities aren't just useful during the journey.
They're equally valuable during quiet moments at:
- Hotels
- Holiday cottages
- Caravans
- Campsites
- Holiday parks
A rainy afternoon or early morning becomes much easier when children already have books and activities they've been looking forward to using.
Let children choose
One of the easiest ways to encourage screen-free play is to involve children before you even leave home.
Ask them to choose:
- Two favourite books.
- One activity book.
- One toy.
- One surprise item.
When children feel ownership over their travel bag, they're usually much more excited to use it.
You don't have to fill every minute
It's perfectly okay for children to experience quiet moments.
Looking out of the window, chatting, daydreaming and simply observing the world around them are all valuable experiences. Not every pause needs to be filled with a screen.
Often, those slower moments become the memories families treasure most.
Final thoughts
Travelling with children doesn't have to mean packing a tablet as your only solution.
A little preparation, a few carefully chosen books and activities, and a willingness to embrace slower moments can make journeys more enjoyable for everyone.
This summer, why not challenge yourself to pack a little more imagination and a little less screen time?
Your family adventure starts long before you reach your destination.