Hello fellow adventurers!
As a mom of two energetic girls (ages 3 and 6), the thought of traveling with little ones can sometimes feel more daunting than delightful. The dreaded, “Are we there yet?” the inevitable “My ears hurt!” and the cute, “This is taking so many forevers!” can quickly turn an exciting journey into a test of patience.
My husband and I recently tackled a 2 hour car ride to the airport, followed by a 4-hour flight to beautiful Oregon with our two daughters, and I’m happy to report that we actually enjoyed the journey (mostly!). Over the years, we’ve picked up a few tricks that have transformed our travel days from stressful to surprisingly smooth. And trust me, if we can do it, you can too!
So, whether you’re hopping on a plane or settling in for a long car ride, here are my go-to tips for keeping spirits high and meltdowns low:
This might sound simple, but it was a game-changer for little ears on an airplane. The act of sucking and swallowing helps to equalize pressure, saving you from those painful “my ears are popping!” cries. I stashed a variety of sucker flavors in our carry-ons, ready for take-off and landing. It’s a sweet solution that works wonders for kids who no longer have pacifiers or bottles to suck on!
When it comes to keeping kids entertained, variety is key. Before any trip, I become a master strategist, curating a selection of activities to pull out when boredom starts to set in. Think beyond just toys!
I also love bringing along a new, small activity that they haven’t seen before. The novelty factor is huge!
Let’s be real, sometimes a little screen time is not just unavoidable, we need it. Our iPads are loaded with downloaded movies, shows, and educational games. We tried to use them strategically – the last hour of the flight when the other activities have been exhausted, or during an unexpected delay at car rental. The key is moderation, so it feels like a treat, not just a default. Don’t forget those kid-friendly headphones! Annabelle’s broke at the airport, and let me tell you, headphones purchased at the airport are EXPENSIVE!
This was a fun way to kick off our travel fun, and it works for so many different ages! My daughters had so much fun with these, and it changed our waiting time into an exciting game.
Before we left home, I printed out the Airport Scavenger Hunt. While we waited for our flight to board, we looked for things like a pilot, a rolling suitcase, someone drinking coffee, and a dog. It keeps them engaged and observant while we’re navigating the terminal, burning off some pre-flight energy.
Once we were settled into our seats, we did the Airplane Scavenger Hunt! They searched for the seatbelt sign, a window, an airplane wing, or a flight attendant. They loved noticing what was around them and marking it on their sheet.
These printables are designed to be super easy for you to download and print at home, making pre-trip prep a breeze. You can find both of them, along with other fun printables, in my Etsy shop right here:
➡️ PlayandReadTogether’s Etsy Shop – Airport & Airplane Scavenger Hunts
Traveling with kids is an adventure in itself, but with a little planning and the right tools, it can be a fun experience for the whole family. I hope these tips, and my fun scavenger hunts, help make your next journey a little smoother and a lot more enjoyable. Hoping your trip is filled with rainbows (kid-drawn and out your airplane window!)
Happy travels!
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