Going on a holiday with children, especially small children, can come with a lot of challenges and stress. Keeping them entertained for a week or two away from home can feel like a full-time occupation when you are supposed to be relaxing and recuperating from weeks of work.

Here we have a short list of some great ways to help you keep your kids busy whilst on your holiday, so you can get some peace and quiet.

Pack a scooter in your suitcase

Keeping kids active and entertained is easy with a scooter. They fold up into a small space and can easily be packed in a small suitcase, or in a nook in a car boot.

You can find a scooter for kids at Micro Scooters for a child of any size or age that will give them plenty of fun, adventure, and exercise whilst on holiday. Even if you are flying to a far-flung destination, you can still find enough room in your luggage to fit in a scooter for kids

Bring some of their favourite magazines

Kids love magazines, and there is a huge amount to choose from. They are great for keeping kids busy in a car or on an aeroplane, and they often come with toys or games attached as an added bonus.

Do not show the kids the magazines until you are on the way to your destination, and slowly hand them out over time so you get the most peace and quiet you can from each magazine. Keep one in reserve on trips to the beach whilst on your holiday, so you always have something on hand to occupy them.

Get them something to watch videos and listen to music on

Tablets, phones, and media players get a bad rep when it comes to kids. There are countless news articles telling us that children have too much screen time. This may be true, but anything in moderation can be a good thing.

Be strict about how long your child can use them, and when, and tablets and streaming devices can benefit both of you. Take a kid-friendly device on holiday to keep them entertained, especially on a journey or lounging by the pool. 

Pack a box of Lego

Lego is a great toy, and from a small number of bricks, a child can create hours of imaginative play. You can use a Tupperware tub or a sturdy box to bring some Lego bits with you on holiday and give a child plenty to be getting on with at restaurants or in their bedroom at night.

If you want to spoil them a little, and maybe bribe them into a day or two of good behaviour, pack a small new set as a little holiday present. 

Take a colouring book and pencils

A simple colouring book and a pack of pencils can go a long way in keeping younger children busy. They're light and easy to pack in your bag, perfect for flights, car journeys, or quiet time in the hotel room. Opt for themed colouring books your child loves — animals, space, or their favourite characters — and you’re likely to get at least half an hour of peaceful time while they create.

Bring small puzzles or card games

Travel-sized puzzles, memory games, or card sets like Uno or Snap are ideal for keeping kids entertained without needing much space. They’re great for downtime in your accommodation or even while waiting for meals at restaurants. These little games can also help the whole family bond during relaxed evenings away.

Create a holiday treasure hunt

Turn exploring your holiday destination into a fun game with a simple treasure hunt. You can write a list of things for your child to spot — a red umbrella, a certain type of bird, a local food item, or even a flag. This activity not only keeps them engaged but also encourages them to learn more about the place they’re visiting.

Keep a travel journal or scrapbook

Buy a small notebook and let your child create a travel journal. They can draw pictures, stick in ticket stubs, write short notes, or even collect leaves or sand in small bags. This not only keeps them occupied but gives them a lovely keepsake to remember the trip by.

Let them take their own photos

Give your child an old smartphone or a basic digital camera and let them be the holiday photographer. It’s a fun way to keep them busy while encouraging creativity. Once you’re home, you can look through the photos together or even print them out for a mini album.

Final word

Just one of these great ideas could be enough to keep your little ones entertained whilst you are on holiday. Pack a few of them in your suitcases and you could get a whole two weeks of peace and quiet!

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