children's travel activity bags

• Work With Jen
• USA Bucket List
• Follow Us On Instagram

18 Road Trip Goodie Bags to Make Your Kids Smile

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

“Are we there yet?” road trip goodie bags will be the solution that you’re looking for to fight boredom on your next family road trip!

Quite possibly the most simple and easy fix to keep kids occupied during long-haul car rides, road trip activity bags will keep your kids entertained when the hours on the road seem endless.

Keep the surprises coming with easy-to-assemble road trip goodie bags!

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. By clicking on them, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you .

Table of Contents

Road Trip Goodie Bags: Who are they good for?

Containing snacks, trinkets, printable games, and activities, “Are we there yet?” road trip goodie bags are the perfect addition to adding fun and pizazz to a classic family road trip.

In addition, road trip goodie bags are good for children of any age!

At the time of our first epic road trip, our 3 boys were ages 7, 10, and 12. Though our 10 and 12- year-olds wouldn’t have normally played with trinkets or dollar store arts and crafts, in comes the exception!

All 3 of our children, despite their ages, were fascinated by the road trip goodie bags given to them in the form of a ‘gift’ along a boring stretch of Interstate.

Those of you with younger children will need to substitute age-appropriate snacks and toys.

Likewise, parents of girls vs. boys may choose to add in some gender-specific trinkets .

Alternatively, consider adding Itunes gift cards, books, magazines, and sugary snacks suitable for tweens and teens.

In other words, go with the general idea of these road trip goodie bags and add things that will excite you and your kids!

Additional planning tip: For the most successful, grumbling-free adventure, combine the use of these activity bags with my Top 10 Tips for a Family Road Trip .

Likewise, because traveling with kids ages 1 – 4 presents its own set of ‘challenges’, read up on these toddler-specific road trip activities that are sure to keep them preoccupied!

Click the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list and BONUS Disney Day Bag packing list that is both customizable and printable!

Road Trip Goodie Bags: How much should I spend?

Each and every one of the following items was purchased at The Dollar Store knowing that their use is intended to be simple and short-lived.

They are basically ‘in-the-moment-sanity savers’.

In other words, nothing don’t buy anything fancy or expensive.

I made 18 bags for each of our 3 children. 9 bags for the way to our destination, and 9 bags for the return trip home.

Each bag contains 2 or 3 Dollar Store items with the exception of a few activity bags that contained more expensive items.

Additional planning tip: The total cost for our 54 “Are we there yet?” road trip activity bags was $90.00.

“Are We There Yet?” Road Trip Goodie Bags

“Are we there yet bags” are intended to be small surprises to give your children throughout the duration of an extended road trip.

They do not replace healthy snacks and meals that should be alternated with the candy and treats mentioned below.

Instead, refer to a reliable road trip food list for healthy meal and snack ideas when traveling.

Select bags based on their portability and size, and be sure to purchase treat bags that children cannot see through.

Likewise, buy enough bags to give to your children every 30 minutes to 1-hour throughout the duration of your family road trip.

1. Notebooks, markers, and stickers

Notebook of plain white drawing paper and a fresh new pack of markers. Insert some stickers for a little something extra.

2. Hand-held pinball game

Hand-held pinball game and a snack-size treat. Perfect to keep small hands busy!

3. Portable dry erase board

Travel size dry erase board and sweet and salty snack mix (or other fun snack!).

Everyone loves a good dry-erase board, but be careful, some of the markers’ ink are hard to get out of clothing.

4. Party favors

Why not have a party in the car?

Colorful party favors can be used as a small, fun toy. Add in some gum to keep the kids extra occupied!

5. Minnie Mouse chapstick and Minnie snack bags

Purchase themed-baggies to make individual portions of various snacks. Accompany the themed bags with a coordinating toy or accessory!

Pick and choose the characters of your choice.

6. Word search puzzle book and multi-colored pen

Help pass time in the car by playing road trip word games that involve family interaction and fun!

For silent play, purchase age-appropriate word search puzzle books, crossword puzzle books, or Sodoku puzzle books.

They may not be exciting for kids, per se, but they sure do pass a huge chunk of time!

7. Travel size play dough

Travel size playdough and a sweet treat that perhaps they have never had before!

Bypass this activity if you’re worried that your children are too small to use playdough without getting it all over the seats’ upholstery.

8. Punch balloons or bubbles

Punch balloons or bubbles are a great idea for a pit stop or roadside activity when everyone is needing to get a little energy out!

9. Felt-art or other coloring Kit with a sweet treat

Pre-packaged art kits are an awesome road trip activity and a perfect addition to your road trip goodie bags!

Because these are something that children are not always exposed to, opening this will be a sweet surprise.

10. Glow stick necklaces for nighttime travel

Kids love nighttime travel! Seeing the surrounding citys’ lights is always so fascinating to little ones.

Build on their excitement by gifting them with their own light bracelets or necklaces.

11. Bubble-Goo bubble blower

Insert any off trinket of your choice here. Though I typically don’t like trinkets laying around the house, they’re a perfect match for fighting road trip boredom !

12. Themed crayons and a marching snack-bag treat

How cute are these themed Ziplock baggies?

Check out every square inch of your local dollar store to find these and other clever dollar store items that are perfect for kids!

13. Sporty water bottle and water flavoring

Our kids get a kick out of adding their own flavoring to plain-ol’ water.

For added fun, they love to switch flavors and add more than one flavor to their water bottles to make their own flavor varieties.

Though this is a great addition to your road trip goodie bags, be sure to gift the water bottle when a restroom break is up and coming.

14. Balloons to blow-up and bop around

Another great pit-stop activity! Watch for small pieces around little ones, however, as balloons are known to be a choking hazard.

15. Squish-able bubble wrap and collector cards

A genius, but noisy way to beat road trip boredom!

Who doesn’t love popping bubble wrap? Especially when given your own small supply that is just enough to get under Mom and Dad’s nerves?

Pair this activity with a quieter option, like collector cards such as Pokemon’ or sports cards.

16. Color activity book and a calculator for pushing buttons and computing fun

Kids love pushing calculator buttons, especially when it’s not because they’re doing homework.

Dollar store calculators and coloring books are an inexpensive way to keep kids happy while on the road.

17. Putty, slime, or anything gooey!

You may cringe at the thought of a potential mess, but your kids will indeed have loads of fun with a hand-sized amount of putty of slime to keep them occupied.

Find a unique fluffy slime recipe here!

18. A destination-appropriate travel cup (Disney!)

Where ya headed? Stir up the excitement for your ending point by adding in some toys and trinkets that pertain to your destination.

Disney paraphanelia for a Disney vacation, hiking supplies for a National Park vacation, or sand toys for a beach vacation. Your options are endless!

There ya have it!

Easy peasy road trip goodie bags and surprise treats that can be customized per child!

Trust me, they will keep the kids entertained for hours!

What road trip activity is your favorite way to help pass time? Thanks for responding! Jen

If you liked this post on 18 ideas for Road Trip Goodie Bags , click here to check out our Related Posts:

• Words Games to Play in the Car With Kids
• Road Trip Food List and 9 Essential Travel Food Tips
• Road Trip Activities for Toddlers: Best Tips and Hacks
• Top 10 Family Road Trip Tips That Are A Lifesaver!
• Family Vacation Packing Tips: How to Pack Like A Pro
• Top 16 Tips For Flying With Kids (& Strategies to Keep Them Calm and Happy)

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

Similar Posts

What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise + Alaska Cruise Outfit Photos

Top 5 Reasons for Traveling to Canada with Kids

Disney World on a Budget: 15 Genius Ways on How to Save Money at Disney World

Disney Changes to Know About For Now, 2022, and Beyond

Disney Cruise Advice: What We Learned and What We’ll Do Differently Next Time

Family Travel: Top 5 Fun Things to do in Minneapolis With Kids this Winter

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I can’t wait to use these ideals the next time we take a trip. My son is 12 so I thought of even other ideals I can add to the bags.

Yay! I’m glad you came up with some fun ideas! Our oldest is 13 years-old and, yes, it is still fun picking out stuff for him too 🙂

• Pingback: Top 10 Family Road Trip Tips for your Vacation | Travel with a Plan

Find Even More

Find your next vacation destination!

Connect on Instagram

Find out where we’re traveling now!

Make the memories now

You don’t have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling.

With a little planning and a lot of love, lifelong family vacation memories can be made at all ages, stages – and places both near and far.

Destinations

• Attractions
• Girls’ Trips
• U.S. Cities
• All-Inclusive Resorts
• Universal Orlando

Free Printable

Free packing list printable when you subscribe for the latest travel updates!

Travel With A Plan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Family Vacation Packing List!

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

How to create the ultimate kids activity pack for travel

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog , The Mama Hack

Today I’m sharing my ultimate kids activity pack that is perfect for travel or whenever you need to keep your kids entertained in small spaces!

If, like me, you have kids who don’t sit still then these activity pack ideas will come in so handy. I have three young children (ages 7, 5 and 2) and we travel a lot. We take lots of plane journeys and long car journeys and I’ve created these DIY travel activity packs to keep them busy, happy and quiet for hours at a time.

My kids play with them during long journeys but they’re also handy when we’re eating out on holiday or just any situation when they’re going to be bored!

My eldest son is 7 so he’s getting much better at entertaining himself during long journeys (it’s a dream come true for him to have unlimited screen time!) but my energetic 5 year old and my stroppy toddler are still a bit of a handful! 

• 【PREMIUM FABRIC & DETAILS CREATE QUALITY】Made of 600D cationic Oxford cloth, which is water-impermeable and not easy to scratch and wear.In case of water droplets, just drying it with a dry...
• 【DOCUMENT FOLDER WITH LOCK】With a three-digit code lock design, whenever and wherever you can keep your important documents and valuables safe.
• 【LARGE CAPACITY&MULTI-LAYERED FILE ORGANIZER】Large capacity with 2 interior compartments to keep your important items well organized and easy to find what you need. Built-in 4 passport mesh bags,...

Let me introduce you to my kids activity pack….

I first discovered a similar kids activity pack on Pinterest that involved using a zippable binder and I’ve adapted the idea to fit my kids and my budget. 

Most Busy Books and Busy Binders I came across were created for learning purposes like teaching kids the alphabet or animal names. My kids activity packs do have some educational activities but the main purpose is to keep kids happy, entertained and playing independently for as long as possible!

I’m based in the UK so I’ve recommended UK stores to purchase everything to go inside your busy binder – but many of these items are pretty generic and can be picked up on Amazon, stationary stores and budget shops (like Dollar Tree). I think the trick is to find a good binder and everything else will be fine!

This kids activity pack can be personalised to your child depending on their age and interests. You can create your Busy Binder on a real budget or go nuts and create something incredible! I’ve got some ideas to create a kids activity pack on a budget below.

Here are some things I like to add to our activity packs:

• Unicorn & Animals Colouring Books are colouring and activity books ideal for children aged 3-8 years.
• Each book contains 36 pages (72 sides) and 1 page of stickers filled with colouring & activities for keeping children entertained for hours.
• Dimensions are 270 x 197mm

• Creates thick or thin lines and are ideal for those little details on arts and crafts projects for school and home
• These premium felt tip pens give a smooth intense colour laydown, no squeaks or drags
• The inks wash off skin and clothing

• Ross, Bryce (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 305 Pages - 09/18/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

• CREATE SPARKLY JEWELLERY: Combine glitter and pearlescent beads with the picture beads on silky cord to make necklaces, or add cool beads and holographic stickers to elastic to make fun bracelets
• ARTS AND CRAFTS SET: The bracelet making kit includes 25 round, heart and flower picture beads, holographic stickers, 20 heart beads, 20 star beads, 120 round beads, silky cord, elastic and guide
• LEARNING MADE FUN: Watch your children be inspired with the jewellery making kit, The kids craft kit encourages self-expression, innovation and creativity, and helps to improve fine motor skills

• Hours of Cute Crafting Fun: Create 4 adorable fluffy friends with the wooden animal templates and colourful wool
• Develops Early Creative Skills: Wrap the wool around the animal template and cut to create a fluffy pompom
• Builds Confidence: Make fluffy friends to proudly hang on your bag or give to friends

• FANTASTIC FOIL ART KIT: Create 8 sparkly pictures by simply peeling off a section from the picture, place the foil over the sticky area, rub and then lift to transfer sparkly foil to your picture
• COMPREHENSIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS SET: The craft set includes 25 foil sheets in 8 assorted colours, 8 pictures and a useful how-to guide to help you through the activity set, Picture size: 18 x 12.5cm
• LEARNING MADE FUN: Watch your children be inspired with the Fab Foil Art kit, The kids craft kit encourages self-expression, innovation and creativity, as well as helping to improve fine motor skills

• FOIL ART & CRAFT ACTIVITY: Let your child's imagination soar with this magical, mess-free foil art and craft activity. They can create stunning pictures featuring princesses, fairies, and unicorns,...
• INCLUDES: 100+ Foam Stickers, 100 Colourful Foil Sheets, 10 Picture Canvases, Googly Eyes & Instruction Manual
• EASY TO USE: Select a picture canvas, apply sparkly foil sheets using the included stickers, and watch the picture come to life!

• Get ready for a colour explosion with the PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Book
• Item package quantity: 1.0
• Age range description: 3 years and above

• NEW Funny Faces Sticker Books with double the amount of faces to create. Ideal for children aged 3-8 years
• Each book contains 8 pages (16 sides) & 4 pages of stickers.
• Filled with 16 faces to create for hours of fun & laughter.

• 【Learn From Happiness】Toddler Busy Book Perfect for children practicing fine finger movement, hand-eye coordination, creative expression and other abilities.
• 【More stickers】 Some animals stickers have words and some don't, to help children learn and recognize them. You will get 88PCS stickers
• 【Fold-Out Scenes Book】Sticker books can be expanded to larger, rich and interesting play scenarios for children to imagine and create infinite stories.

• Color Wonder set: contains 18 PJ Masks coloring pages 30 BONUS PAGES, 5 color Wonder markers 6 Finger Paints and Tavel Easel!
• Mess free coloring: colors appear only on special Color Wonder paper, not on skin, clothing, or carpets!
• Travel Far and wide Keeping your Children entertained with our exclusive Easel set!

• Marvel Entertainment International Ltd (Author)
• 40 Pages - 01/06/2022 (Publication Date) - Studio Press (Publisher)

And let’s not forget that the trust iPad with chunky bumper has to be in there too!

• Striking 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
• A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU
• 12MP Wide back camera

• 🎉【Compatibility】: This case designed for New iPad 10th generation 2022 10.9 Inch. (Model: A2757/A2777/A2696). ⚠ WILL NOT FIT ANY OTHER MODEL. Please check the model on the back before...
• 🎉【Super Protection】: Our case is durable, prevent your iPad 10th generation 10.9 tablet from accidental drops, screen scratches, bumps, and collisions, give your iPad 10th generation 2022...
• 🎉【Lightweight & Portable Handle Stand】: This iPad 10.9 Inch 2022 case with portable handle stand, and it is lightweight, convenient for your kids to catch the handle around. And the built-in...

• 【Safer Kids Headphones】: Designed to prevent hearing loss, iClever kids headphones boast 2nd generation 85dBA safe volume limit technology which meets CDC recommendations. Kids can enjoy up to 8...
• 【High Definition Acoustics】: Featuring a built-in 40mm drive unit, these headphones for kids deliver crystal-clear stereo sound with rich bass and crisp highs. With these comfortably fit childrens...
• 【90°Swivel Ear Cups & Comfy Wearing】: The soft head pad and 90°swivel ear cups offer a snug fit, perfect for long-term wearing during flights and road travels. The adjustable headband ensures a...

What is a Busy Binder?

A Busy Binder is a zippable folder you fill with kids activities to keep your children entertained during long journeys.

Using a zippable folder is a great way to keep all your kid’s activities together and stop everything getting lost, messy or rolling away! I find it much easier to use a folder and the kids find it super exciting too! 

If I just shove everything into a bag then things get lost, forgotten and generally a bit chaotic. When it’s all inside a binder, kids can place it on their knee and they’re happy for hours and barely need to move! They don’t need to go rummaging in bags which can be awkward on a plane or while strapped in a car seat. 

If you can keep your kids activity pack a secret until you get on the plane then you’ll get extra brownie points because your kids will love it!

You can fill your binder with plastic wallets and place activities inside the wallets. If you have paper-based activities (like drawing and colouring) you can either place them inside a wallet or holepunch them and insert them in the folder. 

You can also get pockets and pencil cases with binder holes so it can be clipped inside the folder so things don’t get lost.

I’ve used three different styles of binder for each of my kids to show you how you can do them differently.

You could create this kids activity pack without a binder but putting everything together in the binder seems to be what makes it so exciting for kids.

How do you create a Busy Binder?

To create a Busy Binder kids activity pack you’re going to need:

• A binder / folder (suggestions below)
• Some plastic wallets
• Activity booklets (info about printing your own activity books further down)
• Colouring books
• Sticker books
• Reading books
• Crayons, pencils or pens

What binder should I use?

You can use any kind of binder you like, from a basic folder you’re probably already got at home, to a fancy zippable conference folder with different sleeves, wallets and compartments.

It would be easy to get carried away and spend an absolute fortune on your kids activity pack for the plane. I’ve tried to keep mine within a reasonable budget but it’s totally up to you. If it’s something you’ll be using regularly then I think it’s money well spent to avoid a toddler meltdown or whinging kids during a long journey! It’ll be something you can use time and time again and once your kids have outgrown it, you’ll probably use the binder for boring adult stuff! It also starts your holiday well as the kids will be so excited to sit down on the plane and open their activity packs.

When looking for a binder, look for one that features:

• A zip so things don’t fall out
• A hard case or clipboard function so kids can lean on the binder for drawing
• Interior pocket for pens and crayons
• A handle so kids can easily carry it

Here are some options for different binders….

• Zippers, we know your documents matter, that's why we use the industry's highest quality zippers to better protect your documents
• ELEGANT ROSE GOLD: This is the rose gold that every girl can't resist! Give it to your girlfriend, daughter or girlfriend and they will love it. It is suitable for office workers, interviews, speeches...
• Size and capacity: 9.8 x 12.9 x 1.57 inches (25 x 33 x 4 cm). Can carry: at least 2 pens, headphones, business card holder, file folder, more than 150 sheets of standard paper, writing pad, etc

This rose gold ring binder would be a great option for a little girl.

• 【Premium Fabric & Details Produce Quality】Made of 600DD twill Oxford tarpaulin, it is not easy to abrasion and scratches. Built-in shock-absorbing cotton,which protects important documents and...
• 【Security Code Lock Design】You can keep files safe and organized wherever you are.The combination lock is designed to make your valuables and important documents more secure.
• 【Large Capacity & Well Organized】This document storage bag is designed with 2 compartments,which includes 4 passport mesh bags, 12 card slots, 4 U Disk pockets, 6 A4 file bags and one main pocket...

This is the one I ordered for Alba (my two year old) and this is a really good option for a toddler who will want toys as well as paper and pens. This is much deeper than a normal binder so there’s space for toys as well as organised sections for paper activities.

• A4+ (Plus) full sized soft zipped conference folder portfolio organizer.
• For A4 documents secure Zip Up with 2 ring binder and made from durable strong plastic light weight folder.
• You can easily contain all you needs for your important meetings and conferences documents, paper, plastic pockets, dividers, and certificate.

This is a good budget option and comes in purple or blue. It doesn’t have any interior pockets or compartments but you could put everything inside plastic wallets.

• 【Waterproof Multi】:Combination of tablet sleeve,pen holder,cellphone case,storage pockets and folder.Could be used as document case or other storage bag you want,suitable for...
• 【Various Pockets】: The document bag has a total of 10 pockets,2 x zippered pockets(inner x1 and outside back x1),2x A4 pad holder,1x phone pocket,1x pen pocket,1x net pocket,3x open pockets( inner...
• 【A4 Size】: 25cm X 35cm X 3cm(LxHxW) Smart and compact,could be put in a briefcase/shoulder bag/backpack/handbag/messenger bag/laptop bag.

This one doesn’t actually have a ring binder function but it has so many compartments I don’t think it matters. I’m using this one for my eldest son who is a little more capable at keeping things organised! I previously used this as my laptop case so I’m repurposing something I already had. It comes in loads of colours and patterns and is really handy.

Mala Portable Drawing Case from IKEA

One of the best options to create a kids activity pack for the plane is the Mala Portable Drawing Case from IKEA. If you can get to IKEA or order online then they’re only £10! They do actually sell on Amazon for £18 but IKEA delivery only costs £4 so you’re better off ordering directly from IKEA.

What should I put in my kids activity pack and where should I buy it?

I’ve found The Works to be the best place to get things for a kids activity pack. They have so many options and everything can be ordered online with free delivery on orders over £30 and you can pay a little bit extra for next day delivery (I think I paid £2 extra).

Amazon do have loads of great options too!

For toddlers, I highly recommend sticker books. All the sticker books! A really good option is the Galt Reusuable Sticker Books so you can use them again and again.

• Create fun scenes with over 150 reusable stickers
• With 8 different backgrounds (4 single page and 4 double page)
• Use the stickers over and over again!

My daughter also likes scratch art (which can be a little messy so make sure you’re on hand to sweep away the scratched stuff into a cup!)

• 【Super Safety】: Non Toxic - No odd flavor, no toxic powder, so kids can create colorful, no-fail designs safely.
• 【Easy To Use】: Simply use the wooden styluses included to easily scratch away the black film to reveal the beautiful rainbow colors! safirst Kids can use to jot down notes, etch doodles, and...
• 【Create Any Pattern】: Eprestar Kids can create cool illustrations, doodle, jot notes, create cards, sketch, draw, trace, surprise people, label items, create arts and crafts projects, and express...

I find plasticine is better than play doh as it’s not as messy.

No products found.

Water painting books can also be a great mess-free option.

I would also put a tablet in there. If you don’t have a tablet then a Kindle Fire is a great option for kids. I would get one with a lot of storage space so you can fill it with films and TV shows.

• A full-featured 8" HD tablet (not a toy) with a kid-proof case, parental controls, 2-year worry-free guarantee and 1 year of Amazon Kids+ with apps, games and videos.
• 2-year worry-free guarantee: if it breaks, return it and we'll replace it for free.
• The included 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, giving kids access to thousands of popular apps, games, videos, books and audiobooks, including content from Disney, Nickelodeon and Sesame Street.

We also have these headphones for all of our children and they love them.

• Idea fit with adjustable headband
• Ultra lightweight with soft ear cushions for comfortable fit
• Extra protection as screw free

Can I create my own activity booklets?

You can buy activity books with things like word searches, dot-to-dots, spot the difference, colouring games etc from lots of budget home stores like Home Bargains, the PoundShop, The Works, The Range, Wilko etc.

But if you’ve got access to a printer then you can print out your own using templates from Etsy.

Go onto Etsy and search for ‘Busy Book Printable Activities’ and you’ll have so many options.

If you’ve already got the printer, paper and ink then this is a much cheaper way to fill your Busy Binder with activities – especially if you’ve got more than one child as you can use the same downloads to print out multiple copies.

What is the best activity for a toddler on a plane?

There definitely isn’t one ‘best activity for a toddler’ because every child is different. Two of my kids liked to sit and colour when they were toddlers but my third child could barely hold a crayon until he was 4! (He’s an excellent drawer now – so don’t be worrying if you’ve got a kid who doesn’t draw!)

In my experience, sticker books are the best activity for a toddler – especially on the plane. They’re mess free (unless they start going rogue with the stickers!) and they can keep them busy for ages. Many sticker book activity packs require kids to find the correct sticker and put it in a specific place, so this encourages them to think about it and take their time.

Activities for toddlers on a plane should be:

• Mess-free (avoid felt tip pens, paint and glue)
• Not have too many small parts (avoid Lego or you’ll spend the whole flight picking it up off the floor)
• Not too noisy (avoid toys that repeat the same irritating phrase again and again!)
• Don’t need batteries (or won’t chew through batteries really quickly!)
• Aren’t too bulky or heavy

Our favourite activities for toddlers on a plane include:

• Plasticine (it’s not as messy as play-doh – just keep an eye on where it’s rolling to)
• Scratch art
• Find the xxxx (a bit like Where’s Wally but with different things)
• iPad drawing and colouring
• Little toys like cars, little men, dolls, soft toys
• Arts and craft packs

And last but most importantly, you can’t forget about takeoff, landing, eating snacks, going to the toilet and walking up and down the aisle! Realistically, these are the activities that take the most amount of time.

I’m sure toddler parents are the only people on a plane who hope there is a long queue for the toilet. Just standing in the queue and chatting to people, looking at people and stretching your legs becomes the best form of entertainment!

Saturday 6th of April 2024

This is amazing, thank you. I just wondered can the children take these Oxford file storage bags as their hand luggage on the plane?

Monday 8th of April 2024

Yes they can! My kids put them inside their backpacks but you could carry it on without any additional bag.

Tuesday 25th of July 2023

What is that pink bag you used for your kiddo? It looks like it has a nice deep capacity and I'm having trouble finding something similar. Thanks!

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

Here's the link to the one I have https://amzn.to/43Q22Xp

Saturday 3rd of December 2022

Thank you for writing this article. I am excited to make a travel bag for my granddaughter before she moves across the country.

11 Best Travel Bags for Children (+ Kids Luggage Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2023

Are you looking for a travel bag for your children and wondering which one to get? Or maybe you are wondering if it’s even worth getting a separate travel bag for kids? This article should answer your questions.

When it comes to traveling with kids , a little organization goes a long way! Something that we’ve found key to a smooth journey is packing carefully and making sure that we have easy access to things we need when we need them. The best way to achieve this is by having a dedicated luggage space for everyone’s belongings.

If you have no luggage restrictions, then it’s often really handy to allow your kids to have their own travel bags.

One thing you should keep in mind, however, is that every trip is different and so your kids’ luggage needs might be very different as well, depending on your family vacation destination . You won’t pack the same way when you are going for a short weekend getaway by plane compared to a long road trip with your own car…

So while sometimes it’s extremely convenient to have separate travel bags for kids, there might be trips where you better do without them (especially if you are traveling with more than one child).

To help you decide, we listed some of the advantages of kids having their own travel bag . See further below.

Also, there are dozens of kids travel bags on the market right now. So it is not always easy to choose the right travel bag for your children. Further below you can find some tips on what to look for in good travel luggage and how to choose the best travel bag for kids .

And finally, you will find our hand-picked selection of some of the best kids’ travel luggage available with a list of the features they offer. Hopefully, this will help you find just the right thing to make your family travel easier. Find out!

Kids Luggage – OVERVIEW

• Should you get a travel bag for your child and why?
• What to look for in a good kids travel bag
• Our selection of the best travel bags for kids of all ages

Advantages of Kids Having Their Own Travel Bags

As already mentioned, there might be situations when you don’t want to carry any extra bags on your family trip. However, there are many advantages of each child having their own travel bag. Take a look!

Better Organization

If you have several family members traveling together, packing everyone’s things individually is a real time-saver. Rather than trying to separate a large mixed bag of toys and clothes on arrival at your destination, everyone will have their own items at hand, making it quick and easy to unpack.

The same applies to hand luggage for your journey. Having each child carry their own toys, snacks, and precious items keeps your own bag clear. This also makes it easier for everyone to locate exactly what they need.

TIP: We always try to pack a spare set of clothes in each child’s travel bag. Accidents happen and it’s reassuring to know that you can easily access a change of clothing in an emergency! If you travel with several kids of similar ages and your luggage space is limited, you can also just pack one set of emergency clothes in the carry on luggage.

TIP: If you don’t want to take a separate travel bag for each child, give them each a packing cube (or two). That way, they can still have their own travel ‘bag’ to pack something that they really want to take with them.

READ ALSO: What to Pack in Kids Hand Luggage

Excitement!

Getting your children involved in the packing really helps add to their excitement as your trip draws closer. Furthermore, having your kids help you pack, teaches them some organizational skills.

Sense of Responsibility

Kids respond so well to independence and by providing them with their own travel bags, you are giving them a real sense of responsibility during their journey. It’s also helpful for them to realize at the packing stage that they can’t take ALL their toys with them and that choices have to be made!

When our kids were younger, they would usually get a set number of toys they could bring with them (usually not more than 2-3 if we traveled by plane and a few more if we travelled by car). As hard as it looks, it really helps you travel light. In addition, it teaches your kids to make choices. More often than not, kids don’t play with the toys they pack from home anyway. Playing with shells and stones on a beach is much more exciting than anything they could have packed from home.

What to Look for in a Good Travel Bag for Kids

If you think that it’s the right time for your kids to have their own travel bags, here are a few tips on what to look for when choosing the right luggage for your kids.

How durable a bag needs to be, depends largely on the type of traveling you’ll be doing. If the bag is only needed for shorter, local journeys, then you will be able to get away with something lightweight and less robust. But for other types of journeys – particularly air travel – it makes sense to have a sturdy bag. You need something that can withstand the trials and tribulations of long-haul travel, especially if you are planning to check it in.

Hardshell or Softshell?

There are pros and cons to both types of luggage.

Hardshell bags offer the most protection for fragile items and they are better at protecting their contents from the weather. This is especially important if you plan to check the bag for flying and there’s a chance it might be sitting on the runway in the pouring rain!

Hardshell bags, however, are more prone to scratches and cosmetic damage and are much less flexible in terms of how much you can pack.

You can certainly cram a lot more into a soft bag and they often have lots of extra little pockets and compartments, which make it easy for your kids to separate their toys, snacks etc. They are often more lightweight too.

TIP: The fact that you can get a lot more into a softshell bag makes it easy to overstuff it! If you are planning to take it on a plane as hand luggage, make sure that it meets the airline requirements.

The zipper is often the weak point in any luggage and can be the first thing to break. It can be pretty devastating in the middle of a packed airport! Look for strong zippers that are easy for little hands to manage, and sturdy seams that are less likely to bust.

Weight and Design

You need to make sure that your child can manage the weight of the travel bag you buy, and that you will be able to manage it in addition to your own bags if they ask for your help. And they certainly will! You should always anticipate that young children will tire of carrying their own bags and you will be the one who ends up carrying it.

Backpack or Suitcase?

Kids travel backpacks are a good choice for shorter trips, for carry-on, or when the luggage isn’t too heavy. The weight is divided by the straps which make them easier for children to carry. Just make sure to look for wider straps for ultimate comfort.

Another bonus with backpacks is that they tend to include lots of compartments, helping to keep items better organized.

Trolley-type bags and kids suitcases with wheels are great for longer journeys, or when the luggage is heavier. If your child has smaller items to organize, look for a wheeled bag that includes additional pockets or get them a couple of packing cubes .

Make sure that the wheels roll smoothly and that the suitcase won’t easily tip over, which children can find very frustrating.

Depending on the trip or your child’s age, you may want to consider a hybrid design, which offers the option of a backpack and a wheeled bag. This gives the best of both worlds, allowing your child to go from one mode to another when they get tired.

A Bag That Will Grow With Your Child

If you only travel now and then, you really want to look for a bag that will give you several years of service. This means that you need to give careful thought to the design of the bag you choose. It needs to be large enough for both a younger child and an older child to use, both in terms of capacity and height.

In this case, you may also like to avoid cartoon designs or certain colors. While your child may love a certain TV character now, it could be a very different story even a year from now!

However, if your child will be using their travel bag on a regular basis, then its life may be fairly limited anyway. In this case, I would let your kids choose the bag they like the most, even though it has pink unicorns or colorful cars all over it. The more they like the bag, the more likely it is that they will carry it themselves the whole time.

TIP: Choose a bag that the kids could also use at home – for sleepovers, school trips, extracurricular activities, and similar. That way, you don’t waste money on a travel bag that will only be used once.

Some kids’ travel bags offer extended warranties, although it’s important to note that these only usually cover manufacturing faults rather than wear and tear, accidental rips, etc.

Also, if you are getting a travel bag for a really young child, chances are that it will not be used for long anyway. So I wouldn’t necessarily let my choice for kids luggage depend on the warranty duration.

The Best Travel Bags for Kids

And finally, now that we covered the advantages of kids travel bags and what to look for when choosing one, below is a list of some of the most popular travel bags, backpacks, and suitcases for kids of all ages.

As the kids get older, you won’t be buying any special kids’ travel bags anymore, so most of the bags in this selection are mostly meant for younger children. But we also included several timeless luggage suggestions that will suit school-going kids and teenagers as well.

For each of the kids’ travel bags listed below, we also included a short review and a list of the main features that we think make them most useful. Find the best travel bag for your kids – see below!

• Skip Hop Kids Luggage with Wheels
• American Tourister Kids’ Softside Suitcases
• American Tourister Hardside 18″
• Trunki Original
• Kids Hardside Luggage Sets with Wheels
• Jack Wolfskin Explorer Backpacks
• Mountaintop Kids Backpacks
• Stephen Joseph Rolling Luggage
• Yodo Zoo Toddler Backpack with Wheels
• ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack
• Trunki BoostApak

Please note that the numbering in this post is totally random. It’s also a pure coincidence we ended up with a round number of 10. All the kids travel bags listed here are really good and they all have something unique. There is no one perfect choice for everyone, but I hope that this list will help you find the right bag for your child. Find out!

1. Skip Hop Kids Luggage with Wheels

One of the cutest travel bags for kids on the market, Skip Hop Kids Luggage will best suit the youngest members of the family . It has been a favorite of many traveling families for years. In fact, we already featured this travel bag in our selection of the best kids travel gear . I know several families who use these bags for all their kids and all their trips.

The Skip Hop kids luggage is not only fun to look at, but it’s also really well made and easy to use.

Available in different animal designs, this kids’ travel bag is sturdy and durable. We love the cute, matching zipper pulls and the handy write-on name tag, which is useful if your child takes the bag to daycare.

Deceptively spacious, the bag will hold up to a week’s clothing for younger children. The only disadvantage is that the retractable handle can’t be set to different heights, so it can be difficult for younger children to pull comfortably.

• Suitable for youngest kids – from toddlers to preschoolers.
• Dimensions: 7″ x 12.5″ x 18″.
• Easy to clean.
• Elastic mesh bottle pocket.
• Back loop to keep shoulder strap tucked away.

TIP: Skip Hop has a big selection of matching items, such as toddler backpacks , lunch boxes , or reusable water bottles , so you can get the whole set of accessories for your kids.

2. American Tourister Kids’ Softside Suitcases

There are a variety of American Tourister softside bags to choose from. The kids’ models often feature Disney characters and there are also really nice designs that would appeal to teenagers as well.

The front is made of vinyl, which is flexible enough to allow you to squeeze in those extra items, and there’s a large mesh pocket on the interior panel.

These bags tick lots of boxes – they are durable, lightweight and easy to roll, with an easy-pull handle that makes them perfect for little hands. The 18″ models are fairly small in size, so we recommend using them for younger children only. For older kids and teens, we recommend 21-28″ luggage.

• Suitable for kids of all ages, starting with 18″ bags that will suit kids from about 3 years old.
• Wide range of designs and sizes available.
• Easy-to-roll in-line skate wheels.
• 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

3. American Tourister Hardside 18″

There are lots of different vibrant Disney designs to choose from in American Tourister’s hardshell range , which offers that extra layer of protection for your child’s belongings.

The 18″ kids hardshell suitcases feature a very useful zip-around mesh divider which effectively creates an extra compartment. The zippered side is really useful for storing socks and undies.

The wheels move smoothly and quietly and the bag rolls along upright, so it’s very easy to manage, also for young kids (age 3 and up). The handle is comfortable for little hands and slides up and down easily.

• Suitable for kids from about 3 years old.
• Dimensions 18.0″ x 13.0″ x 8.0″.
• Mesh divider to create a separate compartment inside the suitcase.
• Cute Disney zipper pulls.

TIP: There are also similar models for somewhat older children and teens – take a look at the bigger sizes here .

4. Trunki Original

The durable Trunki is the original ride-on suitcase for kids and is a great way to keep little ones occupied when they are waiting around en route. It can also be used as a seat when the kids are tired of standing.

It has horn grips for steering and a comfy saddle, but there is also a shoulder strap that doubles up as a tow leash. This means you can easily pull your little one along if he’s simply too weary to ride!

The perfect size to use as carry-on luggage, the Trunki has a capacity of nearly 15 gallons, with an internal pocket and elastic straps to keep everything in place. There’s also a lock, so you don’t have to worry about it coming open as your child moves it along.

One disadvantage is that the wheels of the Trunki are designed to allow it to move in a straight line only. This means it has a tendency to tip over fairly easily on corners, which can be annoying when it happens repeatedly!

Nevertheless, this is still a great travel bag for kids. It provides some entertainment and might help you survive airport madness without losing your mind! Just make sure to make clear arrangements with your kids, so that they don’t get too wild on their little wheels, because other passengers might not appreciate that.

• Suitable for children age 3+.
• 5-year warranty.
• Ride-along, tow-along, carry-on.
• Dimensions 17.5″ x 8″ x 12.2″.
• Can be locked.

5. Kids Hardside Carry on Luggage Sets with Wheels

There are so many really nice luggage sets for little kids . The iPlay iLearn luggage sets offer a nice cuteness/quality ratio. They come in a range of different fun designs.

These kids luggage sets are constructed from tough, durable polycarbonate material, offering great protection for delicate items and that all-important weather-proofing!

Despite being tough, these bags are lightweight and easy for kids to manage, with multi-directional wheels that make it easy to roll them along. The telescopic handle is comfortable for little hands, with smooth and sturdy grippers.

The backpack has nice wide, adjustable straps so it’s comfortable to wear, while the case has pockets inside (a nice touch, since some hardshell suitcases don’t offer this feature).

TIP: The backpack would work well as a school backpack too, making the most of your investment.

• Best suitable for little kids.
• Made of durable Polycarbonate, ABS and Nylon.
• Lightweight.
• Sturdy, 2-way zippers.

6. Jack Wolfskin Explorer Backpacks

If you are looking for a comfortable travel backpack for kids, take a look at the Jack Wolfskin Explorer series . These backpacks are very light and extremely comfortable to wear for a longer time. These backpacks exist in various sizes; for preschoolers as well as for kids from about 6 years old.

Two of our kids have these backpacks (20l) and they use them on many trips and also at home, for music school or school field trips. If we plan a vacation that involves lots of hiking, we always pack these backpacks and the kids can carry them without any problems for longer hikes of 4-6 hours.

These backpacks are really well-made and have no zippers. I was a bit skeptical about that at first, but kids love them and don’t mind the closing mechanism at all. In fact, I think that any backpack with a zipper would have been broken long ago, while these bags have been used for over 3 years and they still look as good as new.

• The smaller backpacks are suitable for kids up to 3-5 years old, and the bigger ones – from about 5-6 years. Our twins used their 20l backpacks from about the age of 7 to 12.
• Lightweight and very comfortable to carry for longer periods of time.
• Durable quality materials.

7. Mountaintop Kids Backpacks

Mountaintop kids backpacks come in several sizes – from toddlers to school-going kids. These backpacks are great for all types of travel because they are light, versatile, and you can use them for so many purposes.

These backpacks have comfortable wide adjustable straps so they can be worn for longer periods of time. They can be easily used as a lightweight kids’ carry-on bag, but are also suitable for short hikes and other activities. In addition, they can be used for (pre)school and school trips too.

So if you don’t need a big travel bag for your child, this backpack might be a much better investment. Most designs are timeless, so these backpacks can easily be used for several years.

• The toddler bags are suitable for kids up to 3-5 years old, whereas the bigger models will suit kids from about 4 to 10 years old.
• Timeless designs.
• Water-resistant quality materials.

8. Stephen Joseph Rolling Luggage

The Stephen Joseph Luggage Range includes lots of brightly colored designs for younger children, but the brand makes lots of other items for kids too, including umbrellas, rain boots, totes and more. If your child likes matching items, then a Stephen Joseph Luggage Set makes a great coordinated accessory.

Kids will love the multiple outside compartments on these bags, which are great for organization, but not always found in other models of kids travel bags. That extra bit of space is very useful and you can fit around a week’s clothing for a younger child into this bag.

The case rolls easily and can be easily used as kids carry on luggage. Our only cautionary note is that these children’s bags aren’t quite as sturdy as the others in this review.

TIP: Some parents find that the area at the top of the front pocket is ideal for adding your child’s name!

• Dimensions: 14.5″x 18″x 6.5″.
• Coordinates with a wide range of Stephen Joseph Accessories .
• Multiple outside compartments for better organization.

9. Yodo Zoo Toddler Backpack with Wheels

Yodo Zoo 3-Way Kids Rolling Luggage is a toddler backpack with wheels. These cute sturdy bags are great travel bags for toddlers and younger kids. They can be used as a hand-held bag, a backpack or a rolling case.

Smaller in size and more suited for day or weekend trips, these bags come with a zip pocket on the inside and mesh pockets for drinks.

If your child becomes tired of carrying the bag as a backpack, he can secure the straps out of sight with Velcro and use it as a roll-along bag. And when he wants to use it as a backpack again, he can use the built-in covers to hide the wheels.

The bags come in small and medium sizes, although it’s worth noting that there is no name tag or inner pocket in the small versions. The only thing to take into account is that the backpack might be a bit too big for very young children.

TIP: Make sure that your child has removed the wheel covers before he starts rolling this bag along. It’s very easy to forget, but then there’s the risk of the covers becoming damaged or dirty after being in contact with the ground.

• Dimensions: 11.8″ x 6.1″ x 15″.
• Can be used as a hand-held bag, backpack, or rolling bag.
• Easy-to-use zippers.
• Adjustable handle height (meaning that it’s not too uncomfortable for you to pull the bag if needed).

10. ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack

This ultra-light packable backpack might be just the perfect solution if you don’t want to invest in a real travel bag for your kids or aren’t sure if and how often it will be used. It folds so small that you can always take it with you even if you are traveling extremely light.

These backpacks come in many different sizes and are actually meant for adults, but the smallest 20l backpack could be perfect for kids from about 10 years old as well.

This backpack is so light and versatile and offers great value for your money. Chances are big that you’ll end up buying one of these for each member of the family. This is a perfect travel backpack that you can always take with you. It will be used time and again.

• Weight 0,5 LB (0,22kg).
• Water-resistant.
• Wide, breathable mesh shoulder straps.

11. Trunki BoostApak

No list of kids travel gear on my blog would be complete without mentioning our favorite travel bag that our kids have used for years – Trunki BoostApak .

The backpack makes a perfect kids carry-on luggage. Its 8-liter capacity is usually more than enough for everything that our kids want to pack on the plane .

We just love the versatility of this backpack, which doubles up as a booster seat. You can read more about it on our review of the best booster seats for travel .

Good to know: There is just one disadvantage – the booster seat is only approved in the EU, so you cannot buy Trunki BoostApak in the United States.

• Suitable for children age 4-11 years, weighing from 15-36kg.
• Approved as hand luggage by most airlines.
• Converts from a backpack to a booster seat in seconds.
• The fold-out seatbelt guides and seat belt adjuster help you ensure a perfect – and safe – fit.
• EU-certified for everyday car use.

So, this is our selection of the best travel bags, suitcases, and backpacks for kids. Does your family have a favorite kids’ travel bag or backpack? Let us know by leaving a reply below.

READ ALSO: Travel Gifts for Kids (That they’ll actually use)

More tips for traveling with kids:

• Essential read: Family Travel Tips
• Flying: Tips for Flying with Kids
• Gear: Best Travel Gear for Kids
• Car seats: Best Car Booster Seats for Travel
• Footwear: Best Travel Shoes for Kids
• Books: Travel Books and Destination Guides for Kids

Travel gifts for the whole family:

• Travel Gifts
• Nordic Gifts

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Image credits: Jurga/FullSuitcase.com// tatyana_tomsickova/iStock.com// LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Friday 25th of November 2022

What kind of suitcase is the child pulling in the main picture? The red case with 2 wheels? Finding it so hard to find cabin cases with 2 wheels these days and I love this one in the picture - just not sure where to get it from.

Thursday 1st of December 2022

Hi Alan, luggage collections change all the time and you just have to see online or in the shops what you can find. There are still cabin bags with two wheels, you just need to look a bit deeper. But indeed, nowadays, most luggage is with 4 wheels (and it has lots of advantages too). Anyway, here is a nice 2-wheel cabin bag for adults. And here is a hardshell 2-wheel bag for kids. Hope this helps.

Sunday 2nd of May 2021

What kind of backpacks are the kids wearing in the train station picture? Thanks

Hi Riley, the green and the blue backpacks are Jack Wolfskin Kids Explorer 20l. They also have them in 16l size for younger kids. If your child is older than 6, definitely go with the bigger one. The black one our oldest son has is a limited edition from Salewa that I don't see anywhere. I think they only made it for promotional purposes - we got this one at a local tourism board in Italy. This model is the closest to the one we have, but they are quite big for younger kids. PS The Jack Wolfskin backpacks that our twins have are really good quality. When we are not traveling, kids use them for music school. We have them for over 3 years now and they are still in perfect condition. Hope this helps!

Tuesday 28th of January 2020

Hi Jurga, I just can't decide between a ride-on suitcase or a 'regular' kids suitcase (and soft or hard) for my 4-year old. We are flying to the Dominican Republic and she would take it as hand luggage on the plane. What do you suggest?

Hi Liv, it's really hard for me to say - it's such a personal choice. Why don't you just ask your daughter which one she'd prefer? :) If it was me, I'd probably go with a little suitcase with wheels for a girl that age (like this 18" soft-sided suitcase or this 18" hard-side suitcase). It's not too big for a little girl to pull and she'll probably be able to use it for several trips for at least 3-4 years. The only problem here might be the design - so make sure it's somewhat timeless and one she really loves. Whereas if you buy a ride-on suitcase, it's likely that it will be fun now and maybe next year, but not much longer. It's great for kids age 3-5 who travel more often because they'll use it a lot at the age when it's really fun, but if you just go on one trip a year and she's already 4, it's quite likely it won't be as interesting to her next year anymore... Hope this helps a bit. Enjoy your trip!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags
• Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

The 13 Best Kids Backpacks for Travel, Tested and Reviewed

We tested backpacks with kids aged 3 to 18 years old and picked the best bags for upcoming trips.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Tested

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure

A backpack designed for kids is the best way to store any and all carry-on essentials in one easy-to-access place. From packing snacks to technology, a kids travel backpack can be a game-changer on your next family vacation, ensuring they have what they need on long journeys.

Our expert product-testing parents and their children tried 38 kids backpacks from brands like Nike, Lululemon, Jansport, and more to find the best of the best for durability, comfort, design, and capacity. After carefully reviewing each backpack, we're recommending the most durable, comfortable, and functional bags for all ages ranging from preschoolers to seniors in high school.

Best Overall, Younger Kids

Wildkin jurassic dinosaurs backpack.

The backpack has comfy padded straps and a material that spot cleans easily.

There aren’t many pockets.

The Wildkin Pack-it-all Backpack is both kid- and parent-approved after impressing us in the durability and comfort testing categories. While the dinosaur print pattern was a big factor in design ratings, the lightweight material and padded straps also won us over. The adjustable straps were easy to tighten and the backpack remained securely fastened, especially for active kiddos. No worries if the backpack gets dirty, as all you have to do is grab a washcloth and the bag can be spot-cleaned in minutes to look good as new.

In addition, we love that the capacity is big enough to fit a laptop, folders, a lunchbox, and a water bottle without feeling bulky or cumbersome to carry. The smooth zippers open up to reveal a spacious main compartment, but we wish there were a few more pockets besides the front slip pocket and side water bottle holder. With no major drawbacks during testing, we think this Wildkin backpack is plenty versatile for your little one to travel from the classroom to the airport in comfort and style.

The Details: 1.25 pounds | 15 x 11 x 4.7 inches | Ages 3 to 10 | Polyester

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure

Best Overall, Older Kids

The north face vault backpack.

The 27-liter capacity is perfect for storing everyday school supplies without feeling too bulky. 

There could be one more zippered pocket for extra organization. 

Middle and high schoolers alike will appreciate the sleek and straightforward design of The North Face Vault Backpack. The 27-liter capacity is just the right size for loading up the bag with necessities for school, including a lunchbox, water bottle, binders, and a laptop or tablet, and would offer great space for plane trips, too. 

There are two separate compartments for dividing contents with a 15-inch laptop sleeve in the back section and several slip and zippered pockets in the front compartment. One more zippered pocket on the inside of either compartment would have been helpful for extra organization but the backpack still offers a solid amount of storage. When it comes to comfort, the back panel has two strips of thick foam padding in addition to the plush padded shoulder straps that are also adjustable. The bag is the perfect size for swinging it on and off the shoulders and the zippered pockets are easy to access with one hand to conveniently grab a snack or water bottle. 

The Details: 27 liters | 1.11 pounds | 18 x 11 x 8.5 inches | 15-inch laptop sleeve | Polyester

Best Budget

Abshoo classical travel backpack.

The generous capacity is perfect for packing everything from clothes to snacks.

It feels a bit bulky to wear.

This cost-effective travel backpack wowed us with an impressive capacity for packing kids' essentials. With two large zippered compartments, the bag can stash a lunch box, water bottle, folders, gloves, and a football for school days — all in just one section — so we're certain in-flight essentials will easily fit, too. Although the backpack feels a bit bulky due to its large capacity, the adjustable and padded straps certainly help with customizing the fit of the backpack for extra comfort. After using the backpack in various weather conditions like rain and snow (and the occasional water bottle leak), it looks good as new without any signs of wear.

The Details: 16.5 x 12.2 x 5.3 inches | Ages 3 and up | Polyester

Best for Air Travel

State bags kane kids backpack.

The dual compartments make it easy to separate and organize items while flying.

It’s best suited for older kids.

When it comes to traveling by airplane, the State Bags Kane Kids Double Pocket Backpack is the best option for kids. The two spacious compartments make it easy to efficiently pack a carry-on backpack with your child since there are designated spots for air travel essentials plus a luggage sleeve on the reverse. The back compartment has a padded laptop or tablet sleeve, so you’ll know exactly where to grab electronics when you pass through TSA security checkpoints. Since both the back and front sections are similar sizes, there’s plenty of space for a blanket, headphones, snacks, and a change of clothes.

After testing the backpack on sunny and rainy days, we were thrilled that the polyester canvas material holds up perfectly against the elements without any color fading or staining. For long travel days, we’re confident this backpack will provide plenty of comfort, as we found the padded and adjustable straps to be snug and secure without feeling constrictive or rough. One thing to note is that the bag is on the bulkier side so it could be too large for smaller kids.

The Details: 16 liters | 14.95 x 11.22 x 7.5 inches | Ages 7 and up | Polyester

Nike Elemental Kids Backpack

The design is simple and ideal for versatility.

The capacity is on the smaller side.

The no-frills design of the Nike Elemental Backpack makes it a versatile backpack for a range of activities. Our middle-school-aged tester used the backpack for trips to school, but they noted after the initial tests that they are looking forward to using it for upcoming hikes , as its lightweight feel is perfect for treks. While the polyester material is noticeably lightweight, the backpack doesn’t feel flimsy or any less supportive. In fact, the padded back panel and straps were a hit with our tester for comfort and stability while running or walking. There aren’t any interior pockets, but we were still able to fit books and a jacket, though the capacity could be a bit bigger if the backpack is being used for school. One of the best parts of the bag is that it’s exceptionally easy to clean with a paper towel to wipe away stains from daily wear and tear.

The Details: 20 liters | 18 x 12 x 5 inches | Polyester

Best Pattern

Lands end kids classmate small backpack.

The fabric design is colorful and sparkly without getting glitter everywhere.

The straps are slightly difficult to adjust.

Lands’ End is known for boasting unique patterns on clothing and accessories, and the Kids ClassMate Small Backpack is no exception. The sparkly green, purple, and blue paint stripe pattern was an instant eye-catcher and there are plenty more unique colors and patterns to choose from. Besides the colorful design, we love the lightweight polyester material of the backpack and our tester was able to wear it without feeling any discomfort. Parents will appreciate the lighter weight of the backpack since they carry the bag half of the time, too. The only issue you may run into is with adjusting the backpack straps, as it might be slightly difficult for little ones. One of the bag's best features is that the material dries very quickly if it gets wet or caught in the rain, so we think this backpack not only looks stylish, but it’s versatile and functional for traveling year-round.

The Details: 16 x 11.5 x 6 inches | Polyester

Travel + Leisure

Best Customizable

Light + nine kids starter backpack.

The exterior polyester has little holes in it for charms and pins.

The holes in the material could make it difficult to clean.

This customizable backpack makes getting ready for school or traveling a little more fun with the option to buy Light + Nine’s Nimix decor sets for adding removable patches like rainbows, animals, and astronauts. The backpack is designed for adding decorations without damaging the exterior fabric thanks to the small silicone holes surrounding the bag. In addition to the customizable features, we appreciate that the lining is easy to wipe down for cleaning, and the backpack can be unzipped to lay flat to clean and dry easier. The backpack and straps feel a little stiff, but the materials loosen up over time so we don't think that's a deal-breaker by any means.

The Details: 1 pound | 11.5 x 14.5 x 4 inches | Ages 3 to 6 | Polyester, EVA, and silicone

Best Wheeled

J world new york sunrise rolling backpack.

It’s easy for small children to wear the backpack or wheel it when it’s packed full.

We wish there were a few more pockets for organization.

Sometimes a backpack can be a little too heavy for a little one, so we’re big fans of the JWorld Sunrise Rolling Backpack. From wheeling the bag to preschool to packing it with snacks and clothes for trips, it's super easy and intuitive to load up and use the bag. The main compartment is simple to unzip with two hands so you can pack it with clothes, a water bottle, a tablet, books, and snacks. While we love the spacious main compartment, we wish there were a few more interior pockets for storing smaller items. While it's important to not back a bag too full for small kids, the option to roll the backpack if it felt too heavy is helpful for days when the bag is on the heavier side. Whether the backpack was wheeled or carried, it proved to be plenty comfortable while on the go and easy to maneuver, which is perfect for a busy airport .

The Details: 4.5 pounds | 34.50 liters | 18 x 13 x 9 inches | Ages 8 and up | Polyester and rubber

Best for Toddlers

Skip hop spark style backpack rocket.

The generous capacity is ideal for travel necessities for little ones like an extra change of clothes.

The straps are lightly padded and a bit stiff at first.

The rocket ship design of the Skip Hop Spark Style Big Kid Backpack offers a creative backpack that toddlers will surely love. Thanks to the wide opening into the main compartment, it was a breeze to pack toddler travel essentials like a change of clothes, snacks, and a water bottle. The durability of the backpack material made it a winner since all it needs is a quick spot clean to get any dirt or other stains out quickly. While this wasn’t the most comfortable backpack we tested due to the stiff straps and less padding, there wasn’t any noticeable discomfort or pain after wearing the backpack over time.

The Details: 10.5 x 5 x 14 inches | Ages 3 and up | Polyester

Best for Middle Schoolers

High sierra loop backpack.

There are lots of pockets and compartments for organizing school supplies.

The capacity could be a bit bigger.

The High Sierra Loop Daypack Backpack offers an impressive amount of comfort and generous capacity for storing school supplies. The three different-sized compartments make it easy to pack items like folders, binders, lunch boxes, headphones, pencil cases, and water bottles with ease. There is an interior media pocket that is ideal for easy access to headphones or a tablet while traveling. We wish the middle compartment was a little bit bigger for a lunch box, as it was a squeeze to get it in with everything else, but the capacity works well for travel and school necessities. The straps are fully padded and, although there isn’t a chest strap, the weight feels evenly distributed when our tester wore the backpack for long periods of time. After wearing the backpack in the rain , we’re happy to report that it kept all of the contents dry, and with lots of use to and from school, it’s still in excellent condition with minimal stains.

The Details: 2.05 pounds | 33 liters | 19 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches | Duralite rip-stop

Best Organization

L.l. bean deluxe book pack.

There are plenty of pockets and the capacity is large enough to fit a jacket, books, snacks, and a water bottle.

The chest strap doesn’t get tight enough to fit snugly across the chest. 

The L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack will keep the contents of the backpack neatly organized thanks to the variety of pockets and pouches for a variety of items. We were able to fit a jacket, a water bottle, a folder, a binder, and several library books between the two main compartments. For smaller items like little toys or cash, we loved the interior zipper and mesh pockets, as well as the small front pocket for easy access to the packed items. In terms of comfort, the plush padded straps were a hit with our tester and although the chest strap was a little big, the backpack stayed in place while running to catch the bus.

The Details: 1.5 pounds | 32 liters | Ages 10 and up | Nylon

JanSport Main Campus

The bag lives up the reliable backpack brand’s promise of durability and functionality for all ages.

Some of the pockets and compartments felt excessive. 

One of the most recognizable bag brands out there, you simply can’t go wrong with a durable and affordable JanSport backpack. Come rain or shine, the recycled 600-denier polyester protects the contents packed in the bag thanks to the double-layered and water-resistant fabric. There are two main compartments for packing a sweatshirt, binders, books, notebooks, or a lunchbox, and there are pockets upon pockets for organizing smaller school or travel supplies, too. For peace of mind, the laptop sleeve is fully padded to protect your expensive technology while out and about. 

Some of the pockets seem unnecessary but for those who like to be extra organized, this backpack is your best bet. The fabric does attract some dirt and dust when it’s on the floor but as soon as you shake off the bag, it looks good as new. Plus, there are 25 colors and patterns to choose from to please any age range. 

The Details: 32 liters | 1.55 pounds | 17 x 12.5 x 7 inches | 15-inch laptop sleeve | Polyester

Best Capacity

Columbia zigzag 30l backpack.

The minimalist design and larger 30-liter capacity makes it easy to pack the bag with a variety of items. 

There could be more pockets for smaller items. 

For packing sweatshirts, lunchboxes, and any smaller supplies in between, the Columbia Zigzag backpack has an impressive 30-liter capacity. The backpack has two main compartments that are super spacious and help separate bigger items to stay naturally organized when traveling or heading to school. There aren’t many interior pockets but the front of the bag has one medium-size zippered pocket and a water bottle holder on the side for some extra storage. For school-aged kids using laptops or tablets, there is a padded laptop sleeve that can fit a device up to 15 inches long. Both the back panel and shoulder straps have generous padding which helps with comfort but it isn’t the most breathable on warmer days which is something to consider for hot or humid climates. The shoulder straps are very easy to adjust to get the best fit and the water-repellent PU-coated polyester fabric is long-lasting so the backpack can easily be reused year after year. 

The Details: 30 liters | 1.3 pounds | 18.1 x 11.8 x 10.6 inches | 15-inch laptop sleeve | Polyester and PU

Other Kids Backpacks We Tested

There were several backpacks we tested and liked, but didn’t quite make our final list due to a few downsides like slight discomfort, thin materials, and a lack of pockets for organization.

Pottery Barn Kids Glow-in-the-Dark Backpacks : We love the bright patterns and ability to customize the backpack with a monogram, but the fabric feels a little flimsy and less durable than other backpacks we tried.

Simple Modern Disney Kids Backpack : This backpack is comfortable to wear, comes in tons of designs and colors, and spot cleans easily, but we felt that there were other backpacks with more standout features for traveling.

Adidas Prime Backpack : This sporty backpack is made with a durable recycled polyester material that can be spot-cleaned to get rid of dirt or grass marks easily. The capacity is impressive but excessive and there was almost too much room left over, even after the bag was packed with school supplies and sports gear.

Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack : The no-frills backpack has an intuitive design for packing up all of your essentials in an organized manner thanks to the variety of helpful pockets. The backpack is a little large and bulky so it might be too big for smaller kids.

When it comes to testing travel products for kids, we turn to our expert product-testing parents and their children to help us find the best picks on the market for upcoming trips. For this test, the parents provided us with detailed observations and insights about each backpack after their children (ages 3 to 18 years old) used the bags for school, travel, and extracurricular activities.

Paying close attention to capacity, design, durability, and comfort, we packed 38 backpacks full of everyday essentials like snacks, extra clothing, water bottles, and books, and then the kids used the bag for school or other activities. In the end, the best backpacks we tried had plenty of room without feeling bulky, plus padding and adjustable straps for comfort. We loved the backpacks with a variety of pockets for staying organized while traveling and found the most durable backpacks were easy to spot clean after getting dirty and looked good as new even with prolonged use.

Tips for Buying a Kids Backpack

Look at backpack size and weight.

When it comes to purchasing a comfortable backpack for your youngster, it's helpful to look at the capacity, weight, and materials of the bag to get a better idea of the size. Usually, there will be product specifications that also list the intended age range for the backpack, so you can factor in the most important features of the backpack to select the best one for your child.

Consider wheels versus straps

Traveling with a backpack with just shoulder straps is the most common route to go, but backpacks with wheels can be ideal when the bag gets too heavy to be carried comfortably. However, it can be slightly difficult to maneuver a rolled backpack so you may want to look for a wheeled backpack that also has straps for extra versatility.

Factor in the intended use

Whether you’re looking for a backpack for school, travel, or both, you’ll want to consider the main use of the backpack to choose the best one for your child. For example, a larger backpack might be better for school, because it can accommodate a tablet and a lunch box, for example, but it could be cumbersome to carry around for long trips. Opting for a lightweight backpack with less space or pockets might be better for a little one carrying a bag through an airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

In general, anyone with a ticket for a flight will be able to have a personal item like a small backpack. Packing travel necessities in your child’s backpack is a great way to utilize the amount of bags you’re allowed to bring onto the plane. However, you’ll want to double-check any airline restrictions if you’ve booked a fare with no allotted carry-on bags .

We always recommend looking at the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing a backpack, but if directions are unavailable, you should be able to spot clean the fabric with soapy water and a towel.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best kids backpacks for travel based on a series of tests completed by parents and their children (ages 3 to 18) in a real-world setting.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

55 Road Trip Goodie Bag Ideas for Kids

By: Author Couch Potato Camping

Posted on Published: May 18, 2024  - Last updated: July 22, 2024

Categories DIY

Travel goodie bags are the perfect way to eliminate boredom on a road trip. Hours of driving with nothing to do can wear on your morale and your mood. Road trip goodie bags offer something to look forward to and break up the monotony of travel. After all, who doesn’t love opening up a small present of items chosen just for them to enjoy?!

For kids, busy bags for car trips also encourage positive behavior during the drive. No more whining, complaining or melt downs in the back seat.

And you won’t hear “Are We There Yet?” moaned a hundred times before the end of the day! When there is the promise of a present, you will be surprised at how well the kids can behave for a while!

Make your vacation goodie bags extra special with our printable travel goodie bag labels ! These labels allow you to write down the times or reasons of when and why the bags can be opened.

Put a few of the items in the list below in lunch-size brown paper bags and fold over the top to secure. Staple or tape one of these labels to the top of each bag.

Goodie Bag Ideas

When finding the best items for car activity bags, you want small items that won’t take up much room, as well as fun things to do that don’t require electricity or batteries. These are some of the best ideas for travel goodie bags for adults and for kids.

Fun Stuff to Do

• Travel Journal
• Word Puzzle Book
• Crossword Puzzle Book
• Old-School Pen and Paper Games
• Sudoku Book
• Window Crayons
• Pack of Cards
• Rubik’s cube
• Coloring Book
• Paper dolls
• Mini Notebook
• Drink Koozie
• Kaleidoscope
• Old Fashioned View Finder
• Mini Puzzle
• Mini Lego Kits
• Magnetic travel games (this Minecraft magnetic game is a great STEM toy)
• Wipe-off activity book
• Charm bracelet making kit
• Book to Read
• Flavored Lip Balm
• Sheet Masks for a Spa-like Experience
• Manicure sticker sets
• Cash or Gift Cards for Destinations You Will Stop At (McDonald’s, Wendy’s, etc.)
• iTunes Gift Card
• Gaming Gift Cards

See our list of 52 Road Trip Activities for Kids for some more great ideas.

• Snack Size Potato Chips
• Snack Size Pretzels
• Trail Mix Packs
• Cookie packs
• Granola bars
• Dried fruit
• Squeeze pouches of fruit

Be sure to see our huge list of 317 Non-Perishable Foods for Camping for even more great ideas.

• Bottled water
• Soda bottles or cans
• Juice Boxes
• Boxed Milks
• Energy Drink

How to Use Travel Goodie Bags

Travel goodie bags are perfect for encouraging good behavior from kids in the car. Think of it as a bribe of not complaining!

Road trip bags for adults are also great to have something to look forward to. They are a great way to share your love with your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, or partner when they are not traveling with you.

Nothing says that you care like a fun treat bag full of things you know they will like.

Remember, you can print out these fun labels in 3 different styles that have times or ideas of when to open the bags.

Here are some ideas for using car activity bags for both adults and kids:

• Give out a bag after good behavior
• Promise a goodie bag for not complaining or asking “When Are We Going to Get There?”
• Help kids learn time by giving out a goodie bag at a designated time of the day
• Have travel goodie bags for adults to open each time they stop to stretch their legs (this helps encourage physical activity when driving)
• Make a goodie bag with a theme of stops along the drive.
• Hide a goodie bag in their luggage or in the vehicle for them to find along the way.

👑Used By the British Royal Family👑

• Sensory/Fidgets
• Customer Reviews
• PRESS & TESTIMONIALS
• Delivery & Returns
• Corporate Gifts

100% satisfaction guarantee

Top quality

Crafted with care

Our award-winning KeepEmQuiet®️ entertainment packs

British Royal Family Approved

Check out our latest collections & best sellers!

Hundreds of thousands of packs shipped! Thousands of 5 star reviews from REAL customers

Was so excited to try these we are regular flyers but I was highly dissatisfied lots of stickers not ideal on a plane some things way out of her age range. No snacks as advertised I could have done a better job myself.

My son hasn't seen the pack yet. So shouldn't be writing a review based on my son. However I was thoroughly impressed with what I received. We are travelling late July so already packed in his cabin bag. He will be over the moon.

Lifesaver, thank you

This is a great buy. Contents spot on for my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter. Very good value for money with an interesting contents selection. Would highly recommend.

I bought this for my grandson only 18 months old, he loved the dinosaur figure, but his favourite was multi coloured caterpillar, the story book he enjoyed bit little for some of the other items, but as he gets older will introduce them to him. Will definitely be ordering another bag as he gets older. Well worth it as there are so money different items. Keep up this brilliant idea.

My two year old absolutely loved his pack and it kept him occupied on a short flight and dinners out on holiday! Brilliant idea and made my holiday prep so much easier. THANK YOU!

Great pack for my daughter in the car journey and also at the holiday home, lots to do and she especially loved the unicorns!

Really cute little bag. My little man is Batman mad so he loved this

Although I haven’t shown the children yet because it’s a present for the eurotunnel I have seen the pack it’s so beautiful and they will love the fidget set 🥰

Great value and selection Quality is great

Delighted with purchase as we're my grandaughters who wore them non stop on our trip to Disney land paris

Great pack - kept the little one very busy!

These headphones were such a brilliant purchase for our long coach journey. My 2 year old son loves the baby shark design and I love the noise limit on them so do not have to worry about it being too loud for him. The added bonus is they are compact and foldable.

My little girl loved it great value.

My daughter loved the pack, was great for a long journey. Will definitely order again!

Ordered two mega sensory packs for my children as Christmas gifts. There were some issues with the delivery company but the customer service team at KeepEmQuiet resolved these with speed and efficiency. The products I received are fab and I can’t wait to give them to my children. The Christmas bags are a lovely touch. Would 100% recommend this company and their products.

Featured in

Our Award Winning Products

Our 5 star rated entertainment packs are crammed full of super fun items that are sourced from all over the globe, such as: toys, activities, crafts, educational items, books, learning activity workbooks, puzzles, games, collectibles, & more, all crammed into our KeepEmQuiet® branded child-friendly rucksacks that kids love to wear! Our surprise bags include everything needed to keep them happy, entertained, occupied and QUIET!

We were lucky enough to supply our KeepEmQuiet® entertainment packs for the Royal Wedding of Princess Eugenie & Jack Brooksbank in 2018. We supplied our award-winning packs to keep the little guests entertained during the downtime of the wedding and for the lunch. The packs were used & loved by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Mia Tindall, Teddy Williams (Robbie & Ayda Williams' daughter) to name a few, all of whom have used them multiple times since!

Frequently Asked Questions

KeepEmQuiet specializes in creating bespoke travel entertainment packs for children to keep them entertained during journeys. Our packs are tailored to the child’s age and the duration of travel, including a mix of toys, books, puzzles, and activities.

Our products cater to a wide range of age groups, from toddlers to elementary kids. We have products suitable for preschoolers, school-age children, and even products that the whole family can enjoy together.

You can contact our customer support team through email at [email protected] our website's contact form. We are always happy to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.

Keepemquiet's refund policy primarily covers instances where items are missing, damaged, or faulty, though refunds or exchanges may occur under rare circumstances, such as mistakes made by the company. Customers have a 14-day window upon receiving the item to return it in its original, unopened packaging, particularly for hygienic reasons. Additionally, the company won't be liable or issue refunds for late deliveries or if a product, like Plane Pal, is declined by a third party. Please refer to our full refund policy!.

Sign up for our newsletter

Be first in line for exclusive deals and exciting promotions

• Toys+Loads More

Customer Support

• Terms of Service
• Refund Policy
• Privacy Policy

[email protected]

© 2024 KeepEmQuiet . Copyright 2024

Let customers speak for us

I was really looking forward to my son having this for our holiday plane trip but sadly two of the items were unuseable. A wipe clean writing book with no felt pen. And an item that was recommended for 6 year old which was not appealing to a 3 year old. Felt like it was therefore very poor value. I received quick replies to my emails stating concern but only resolution provided after a second email was a 5% refund- £1.14!! And there are no snacks included in the packs- I was told this has discontinued.

I had high expectations after reading reviews but unfortunately I’m disappointed with my purchase. The pack is advertised on the website advising that 2 snacks are included. When it arrived there were no snacks in the package. I contacted customer services who stated they are no longer supplying snacks and that they hadn’t updated their website and offered me 5% off my next purchase. This didn’t suffice as I’d paid the price I did based on the pack coming with snacks. I asked to return the item or be provided with an additional item sent FOC to replace the snacks. I received the item today and it’s a cheap yo-yo. I feel this isn’t equivalent to the price of what the snacks would be. Overall, I feel the items included in the pack are not worth the money and I wish I’d just purchased the items myself from a local retail. It’s a shame as I like to support small businesses and I wouldn’t have left this review if a suitable additional item would have been sent. Also the fact I was only offered 5% off my next order and I had to ask for an additional item is disappointing.

We have twin 2 year olds, bought this full kit and the additional plane pal without the pump. Would highly recommend. Easy to inflate (I would definitely get the pump if you don’t already have a manual airbed pump). Our girls slept for the whole 8 hour flight (nighttime flight) and half of the 10hr flight there (morning flight). I even managed to lay down and have a nap across them as we had four seats in a row and the two pillows inbetween mine and my husbands seats. Was also great to provide space for the girls to get closer to the plane’s TV screen And to stop dummies/toys/snacks falling on the floor. I’m so happy I bought this and customer service was great!

My little girl really enjoyed opening the bag, some great little items inside including magazines etc... would/will definitely purchase again.

George absolutely loved his travel bag. We purchased the small bag to try first. He enjoyed playing with the new toys and reading the new books. The treats were perfect too, vegan and allergen free. Will definitely purchase a bigger bag for our next trip. Here he is getting excited to find out what’s inside whilst waiting at the airport.

Frugal Living NW

Helping you live well on a budget in the Pacific Northwest.

Welcome to Frugal Living NW!

I'm Angela Davis, a PNW native, mom of lots of kids, and I love saving money. I'm here to help you live well on a budget by making every penny count . You'll find deals at your local stores, ways to save online, recipes, and frugal living tips and inspiration.

Are We There Yet? Bags (inexpensive kids’ travel activity bags)

Shared on February 27, 2020 This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. See the disclosure policy for more information.

Taking a trip by car or plane with the kids? Make the trip a breeze by making “Are We There Yet?” Bags for your trip — travel activity kits for kids!

Plan out your trip and make a kit for the kids to open every hour or so. You can fill several bags for under $10 with items from your local Dollar Tree, your kid’s toy box and existing craft supplies.

RELATED: 10 tips for flying with toddlers

First, you’ll need bags. I found a 10-pack of party supply bags at the Dollar Tree. You could also use plastic zip bags to make them pack well for plane travel.

Now, start packing! Feel free to adapt these activities to work for the ages of your kids. It’s not as much about what’s in the bag as the anticipation of getting the next bag!

I put together a travel Yahtzee game. I laminated some Yahtzee sheets (you should have seen the excitement from the kids when I busted that thing out) — add a dry erase pen and the sheets are reusable plus sturdy enough to use on laps! I used a small gift box and a set of dice, both from the Dollar Tree. The box is the perfect size to throw the dice in and to store them when finished!

I found this adorable canvas bag at the Dollar Tree. Not only will it keep a little girl occupied for awhile, but it can hold her travel kit items as well!

The Dollar Tree has a 3-pack of mini-composition books. Add stickers to the bag and the book can become a sticker book or add a pen for drawing. You could also give your kids specific things to record to force them to look outside the window.

You can pick up any number of activity books from the Dollar Tree — coloring books, word search, crossword, Sudoku, and more! You could put an entire book in a bag or tear out a few sheets for each child to make one book or fill multiple kids’ bags.

I chose a large print word find search book for my kids.

The Dollar Tree always has the best character figures in the toy department. Right now they have tons of super heroes. I picked up one and added a ring pop — my boys will be occupied for quite a while with this combo.

I love the toy aisle at the Dollar Tree (obviously, my kids do too!). Throw a toy or activity into a bag — the glow sticks would be perfect to bust out if you’re traveling in the dark and need just one more hour of fun before you arrive at your destination. The gel clings are a big hit on airplanes (make sure your kids are well past the “let’s see what this tastes like” phase). And the wood puzzle looks like it could occupy an older kid for quite awhile! Kids could time each other on how quickly they can solve it.

Speaking of candy, the Dollar Tree has tons! You could add a piece of gum with a couple of toys you already own for at least ten minutes of fun.

If you’re on a road trip, make sure you plan for some fun during your pit stops. It doesn’t have to be complicated — add a balloon to the ‘Rest Stop” bag and everyone can play hot potato! Gets people moving and doesn’t take up space in the car when you get back on the road.

The internet is filled with activity pages you can print off and travel activities for additional bags. Here are some of my favorites:

• Road Trip Bingo
• Make Your Own Crossword Puzzle
• Make Your Own Comic Book pages
• Printable Mini Books on tons of topics
• Dot-to-Dot printables
• Slug Bug, Alphabet Find, and I Spy printables
• DIY String Puzzle
• DIY Magnetic Tangram Travel Puzzle
• DIY Travel Tic-Tac-Toe
• Lacing & Beading activities

We’d love to hear from you! What is your favorite activity or idea for keeping your kids entertained on longer trips?

Looking for more tips for road trips?

Be sure to follow our Travel {with kids} Pinterest board for more travel inspiration!

This post may contain affiliate links. See the disclosure policy for more information.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

March 21, 2014 at 3:15 pm

My dollar tree in camas doesn’t have super heroes yet. My son would love those if I could find them.

Great ideas. Thank you for the tips.

May 29, 2013 at 8:09 am

Love it! Thank you! We just started our 10 day countdown of fun facts and activities for our family vacation.

May 28, 2013 at 3:56 pm

We’ll be getting on a plane in two weeks! Perfect timing!!! Thanks!

May 28, 2013 at 7:44 am

Great post! Thanks!! Totally going to head to the dollar tree as we’ll be traveling this summer.

May 28, 2013 at 1:48 am

Great ideas!!! Thanks!! 🙂

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• MEMBER LOGIN

Hands On As We Grow®

Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

27 Awesome Busy Bag Ideas for Toddlers On the Go

Activities Fine Motor All Ages Busy Play Resources Traveling 15 Comments

Make your next road trip more enjoyable with 27 awesome busy bag ideas for toddlers. Your kids will love you, and you might actually get to relax!

Summer is upon us and that usually means family trips and vacations. Whether it’s a short weekend trip or a long road trip or even an airplane ride, the kids often need to have some entertainment.

They can only nap so much!

While I have lots of ideas for things to do with kids in the car while traveling, I thought it might be handier to share some specific busy bag ideas for toddlers to use on road trips.

Maybe Mom (and Dad) will get some reading time or shut-eye before reaching their destination!

Hey, we can dream, right?

27 Road Trip Busy Bag Ideas

First of all, what do I consider a “busy bag?”

A busy bag to me is something that can be contained and stored away but brought out to play with and put back (reusable). It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “bag.”

Secondly, what makes these best for road trips?

These busy bag ideas for toddlers are great for road trips because they don’t have a million little pieces that the kids are going to constantly be dropping and not being able to continue on with their play until you have a chance to find the lost piece.

Homemade Busy Books are Great Busy Bag Ideas for Toddlers

• My Busy Book from Powerful Mothering
• Homemade Chalkboard Book from Kaley Ann
• Family Photo Album from Kelle Hampton
• A Guide to Make Your Own Busy Book from And Next Comes L

Travel Versions of Classic Games as Busy Bag Ideas for Toddlers

• Felt Tic Tac Toe from Childhood 101
• Lego Tic Tac Toe from Kids Activities Blog
• On the go chalkboard box  from Dukes and Duchesses
• Homemade Checkers in a Tin from A Girl and a Glue Gun

See the most beloved board games here .

Learning Busy Bag Ideas for Road Trips

• Writing Practice Busy Bag from The Educators’ Spin On It
• Rainbow Color Sorting Busy Bag from Learning & Exploring Through Play
• Geography License Plate Game  from The Suburban Mom
• Magnetic Pom Poms & Letters in a Baking Pan from The Grassy Noall
• Duplo Patterns from My Small Potatoes
• Geo Board To Go from Hands On As We Grow

Want more non busy bag learning ideas for toddlers? Find them here .

Artsy Busy Bag Ideas for Toddlers on Road Trips

• DIY Whiteboard Busy Bag from The OT Toolbox
• Talk-a-long Drawing Kit from Sunny Day Family
• Crayon Roll from Haberdashery Fun

Find a week of art projects for kids here .

I Spy & Sensory Busy Bag Ideas for Toddlers

• Sensory Bags for Babies & Toddlers from Messy Little Monster
• I Spy Peekaboo Game from Childhood 101
• I Spy Jars from Makeovers & Motherhood
• Feed the Shark Sensory Bag  from Kids Activities Blog

Sensory galore! Find a gob of sensory ideas .

So Much More Busy Bag Fun!

• Finger Puppets! Tell a Story from Easy Peasy & Fun
• Velcro Dot Craft Sticks from Powerful Mothering
• Hair Bands to Calm Busy Fingers from Lemon Lime Adventures
• Travel Felt Board from Mama Smiles
• Foam Lacing Shapes from Powerful Mothering
• Build a Paper Clip Chain from Hands On As We Grow

FREE Build Your Own Busy Boxes Download

There ya go!

You’ll be set to have so much fun on road trips from now on, you’ll be begging to go and you’ll never hear the dreaded “Are we there yet?”

We can hope right?!?!

Pick out a few of your favorite busy bag ideas for toddlers and give them a try on your next trip.

Before you head off, you may want to take a look at this amazing list of Sanity Saving Tips for a Long Road Trip from Lemon Lime Adventures.

Want more travelling with kids tips? Look here.

How do you save your sanity on family vacations?

About jamie reimer.

Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram !

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

Reader Interactions

15 comments.

July 15, 2016 at 1:22 pm

What’s the youngest age for these busy bags?

Carolin says

July 17, 2015 at 2:27 pm

This is so cool. I’ve never heard of a busy bag but I can totally see why they might appeal to kids and parents. Thanks for sharing this idea with everyone at Monday Parenting Pin It Party x

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What Parents Have to Say…

Shop ebooks of activities.

Get activity plans delivered to your inbox, every week!

Activities that hands-on parents absolutely love.

6 Different Activities for 6 Lines of Tape

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration

50+ Simple Activities for Toddlers

What Toddler Crafts & Art Projects Can We Do? 30 Ideas

Make a Color Sorting Sensory Bag with Your Kids: Super Easy & Squishy

Improve Kids Fine Motor Skills with 30 Materials & Activities

Get started having fun with your kids.

PLAN THE FUN WITH THE FREE KIDS ACTIVITIES PLANNER! AND RECEIVE ACTIVITIES EVERY WEEK!

• Preschoolers
• Kindergartners
• Grade School
• Literacy & ABCs
• Math & 123s
• Art Projects
• Gross Motor
• Shop Activity Plans
• Member Login

Inner Child Fun

Inner Child Fun | What To Do With Kids | Crafts, Activities, Play Ideas!

• About Valerie
• Meet the Family
• Mission Statement and Values
• In the Media
• Support ICF!
• *New* Weekly-ish Newsletter
• Pretend Play on a Dime
• Father’s day
• Fourth of July
• Memorial Day
• Mother’s Day
• New Year’s
• St. Patrick’s Day
• Thanksgiving
• Valentine’s Day
• April Fool’s Day
• Chinese New Year
• Cinco de Mayo
• Grandparents Day
• Inauguration Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Quick & Easy
• Coupons, Savings, and Samples
• Lunch Box Ideas
• Money Saving Tips
• Suggested Supply List
• Handmade Gifts
• Disclosure Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Official Giveaway Rules

Quick and Easy Travel Activity Bags for Kids

Summer time is upon us, which means that road trips are as well!  As a child, I remember sitting in the back seat, reading sign after sign on the way to our destination and wondering the age old question — “Are we there yet?” And, honestly, as an adult, I often feel that same way. It seems I haven’t grown out of that road trip boredom!  Why not break the boredom with these quick and easy travel activity bags for kids?

With a little bit of careful planning, packing, and a couple of surprises, you can keep everyone fairly well occupied and keep the boredom at bay.

Before road trips I always like to pack up little activity bag for each kid, filled with fun goodies to keep them occupied. This year I even let them create  their own bags!

Supplies needed:

• plain canvas bag
• fabric markers or fabric Cray-Pas
• clothes iron (to set your drawings)

I asked my children to draw something which reminded them of traveling, such as “Where are you going?”, “How will you get there?”, “What will you do there?”  Both of my kids eagerly got to work drawing!

When they were finished we were all quite pleased by the way they turned out.  They had drawn boats, cars, and maps!

And, since they made them themselves, each will know whose is whose and hopefully not forget them somewhere! After they made their activity bags, I filled them up (in secret, the surprise makes it more exciting!) with things like:

• crayons and pencils (the crayon tin and round colored pencil holder are great for travel!)

Or destination themed books and stickers.

And travel games like etch-a-sketch, travel pinball, and mini mazes. Small “sticky” rubbery toys, like the spiders pictured below, are always a big hit, and can be found in the party section of many stores or online.  Anything magnetic, such as the magnetic robots pictured below, are great for travel because they are less likely to slide away.

Aside from the “surprise” goodies, I always pack up our handmade travel toys too.  These included  magnetic peg dolls ,  tic tac toe , and a  travel felt board .

A well packed travel activity bag can truly make or break a road trip! Little fun surprises, fun games and new tiny toys will keep the kids from becoming bored — for a little while!

If you are looking for more ideas,  give the countdown paper chain a try! Travel Bingo and 20 Questions are always favorites of ours.  And, when the games and toys have reached their limit, we always love listening to audio books.  You can find some of our favorite audio books  here!

Happy and safe travels!

Join our "weekly-ish" newsletter!

Popular posts.

Copyright © 2008–2024 Inner Child Fun Media, LLC

Privacy Overview

How to Make Awesome DIY Family Road Trip Goodie Bags

Survive your next family road trip with diy travel activity bags that keep kids and teens occupied and entertained…road trip goodie bags (with free printable tags).

Man, I am totally tripping….

ROAD TRIPPING that is!!

Since we are still in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our big travel plans have all been canceled so we’ve been doing A LOT more road trips with the kids.

And because 2020 has pretty much sucked in SO.MANY.WAYS. we are trying our best to squeeze the most amount of fun out of things we do with our family.

On top of that “fun list” is bringing back the old school style road trips.

Back in the olden days when I was a kid, my parents would make little packages of snacks and activities to open every hour to help make the ride go a wee bit faster and to help keep us kiddos entertained during the long periods of riding on the drive.

Looking back, the time spent together on these vacation trips were some of my favorite memories.

So, I decided to take a page from that early 80’s playbook of child-rearing and get cracking on some ROAD TRIP GOODIE BAGS for our next family road trip!

(Note: The links in this post are AMAZON affiliate links, and we will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through our links. Read our full disclaimer policy here. )

The first task at hand…I hit up the local dollar store…ya’ know, the Dollar Tree and the Dollar Spot at Target, grabbed some brown lunch sacks, made some fun printable tags, and I was off and rolling!

Seriously y’all, if you haven’t done this for your kids…do it! They will love it! No matter the age, whether you have young children or older kids like me, it’s a great addition to any long car trip you have planned!

Picture Proof Above –  Happy Teen holding a road trip goodie bag!

Listen, my kids are teenagers, and when you are an adolescent, you are way too cool for school…and even THEY loved it, so I guarantee your kids will too!

Prepping for a vacation, especially if you are traveling by car, can be stressful, so I’m going to make one thing easier in life for you…I made the cute printable goodie bag tags just for you for your next road trip !!

So all you’ve got to do is buy some “goodies”, print the tags, and fill the bags with all the fun stuff you’ve found. I’ve made them for our last two trips, and if my pandemic-weary mind can do it, you can too!

Seeing the kids happy while you are logging the long miles in the car will totally be worth any extra effort it takes!

Here’s a breakdown of the steps one by one and some helpful tips for you…

1. Stan with the Plan – Prepping Your Road Trip Goodie Bags

The first step in planning your epic road trip goodie bag extravaganza is to first take into consideration how long your trip is going to be.

So first you need to count how many hours you will be in the car on your road trip!

My rule of thumb is to plug in the destination in my Google Maps app and if the trip is 6 hours, I’m gonna make 5 bags (starting at hour one)…if it’s 9 hours, then plan for 8 bags to keep the troops happy and so on. However long your trip is will determine how many bags you make.

We did not open bags as we returned home but if you want to really be industrious, you can make double the amount for your return trip home.

Have at it, momma – you will certainly earn the distinction of “Mom of the Year” with that one!

2. Get the Goods – What to Purchase for Your Road Trip Goodie Bags

The next step is to visit your local discount store or Dollar Tree and load up on some cheap yet entertaining “goodies”.

This is the time where you let your cheesy mom factor shine!

If you have teens, think about what your kids loved when they were little and run with it! Mine loved those magic pen coloring books like these below, so yep, I picked up a set of those!

Hello, Disney Princess toys!

Was silly putty a fave in your house?

Then grab it!

Remember you don’t need to spend tons of money! Buying expensive items is not necessary, and I would actually caution against it.

Search for items that won’t break the budget! Stick to the cheap stuff!

You’ll be surprised how much your “big kids” like the little kid’s things because it brings back some good childhood memories for them!

Also, be sure to get some junky snacks…my kids don’t normally get junk food, but hey, you are on vacation, so get a little C-R-A-Z-Y… hello, Ring Pops and Kinder Joy eggs!  Grab a fun snack that your kids love!

*A word to the wise*…don’t overload your kids with too much bad food, especially if they are not used to eating that poison …um, I mean sugary goodness.

On our first road trip, my son ate every single crappy treat I packed, and he didn’t feel so great when we arrived at our end destination #liveandlearn

Our goodie bags had the following items:

• Bean Boozled Game
• Fidget Spinners
• Ball of Whacks Puzzle Game
• Cheez-it Snacks
• Kinder Joy Chocolate Treat
• Road Trip Bingo Game
• Other Random Entertaining Toys

Also, if you are short on time and don’t want to run all over town looking for goodie bag items, you can order some super fun things on Amazon…

ROAD TRIP GOODIE BAG IDEAS

– Car Bingo

– BeanBoozled Jelly Bean Game

– Ball of Whacks

– Travel Connect Four Game

– Take N’ Play Hangman Game

– Magnetic Tangrams

– Rubik’s Cube

– Paint By Sticker Picture

– Magic Snake Puzzle

Hey, 80’s kids…remember this one…the magic snake?

Oh, yeah, and one more tip…you don’t have to buy all new things!

Some of the items I grabbed from the store and others we had around our house, so be sure to check out your own stash of small toys at home!

I looked through our game cabinet and found a few things we already owned that would be boredom busters in the car, like the “Ball of Wacks” & Rubik’s Cube….and I know you’ve got a fidget spinner somewhere around your house!!

If you have younger kids, I would suggest packing some simple crafts like coloring books, one page Hidden Picture worksheets, or even pipe cleaners to make shapes or “sculptures”.

Heck, you can even plan some fun family competitions for the car ride…”Who can make the silliest face”, “Name that Tune” or the “Quiet Contest”. Anything that will help pass the time!

If you need more inspiration, I created a whole board of Road Trip Ideas on Pinterest filled with all sorts of creative car activities and games!

3. P.P.S. – Print, Pack, and Staple Your Road Trip Goodie Bags

Once you’ve gathered your goodies, it’s time to package them.

I’ve made these bag tags just for you…

Oh, and I have two versions for you…one that’s more colorful…

and one that uses less ink…um, have I mentioned that I am frugal? (yes, even with computer ink!)

When you are ready to label the bags, you can put a specific time for kids to open them or you can write the location along your road trip…for me, going the location route seemed to be harder for me to figure out, so I went with the time….K.I.S.S – Keep It Simple, Sister!

Once you’ve packed the bags, added the tags, and stapled them, you are ready to roll, mama!

See, now wasn’t that easy!?!? (Hint – the answer is “YES”)

Also, do you have all the essentials for your road trip?

Check out my 13 Road Trip Essentials!

And, now you’ve got the recipe for a fabulous family road trip!

What do you think?

Did you find any amazing finds at your dollar store that I should add to my list…my kids would love some new ideas in our rotation!

Until next time, cheers to being a Rocking Road Warrior, and cheers to YOU!

P.S. Got Pinterest and want to remember this post for later?  “Pin” the image below!

Magan Weber

Your Go-To Mama For 

Organizing your health , , home, & happiness.

Ready To Get The Goods?

Provide your first name/email and we will send you our most sought after printables and send you our newsletter.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Dagne Dover’s Excellent Travel Bags Are 35 Percent Off at Nordstrom

Dagne Dover’s roomy, squishy neoprene bags are beloved by Strategist staffers and readers and in-the-know travelers we’ve spoken with over the years .  They’re not cheap, though, which is why we tend to keep an eye out for discounts. As part of Nordstrom’s summer sale, which ends tomorrow night, the brand’s Landon duffel (which is ideal for  weekend trips  or for using as a  personal item  on the plane) is 35 percent off right now. That brings the price down to a very reasonable $140 from the original $215.

If you’ve already got a Landon or are in the market for a smaller bag to stash your passport and phone in while traveling, Dagne Dover’s belt bags and cross-bodies are discounted as part of the same sale. I own the belt bag and can attest that it’s the perfect size for keeping boarding passes, cash, and tech items safe. It’s also unobtrusive enough that you can hide it under a coat or sweater to evade pickpockets or airline staff looking to enforce extra baggage fees at the gate.

The Strategist  is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about  here . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• deal of the day
• packing and gear

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Micro Sales

Greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• 10 Things That Delighted Us Last Week: From Spicy Seltzer to Grab-and-Go Gowns
• The 15 Very Best Protein Powders
• 13 Professional Organizers on the One Item They Tell Every Client to Buy
• The 8 Very Best Shampoos for Fine Hair
• The 21 Very Best Sunscreens for Your Face
• 23 Things Jason Schwartzman Can’t Live Without

• Destination

Travel Hassle Free With These Kids Friendly Activities To Explore In Dharamsala Of Himachal Pradesh

Set amidst the tranquil beauty of kangra valley, dharamsala is a perfect blend of nature's charm, rich culture and thrilling adventures. this himachal pradesh hotspot is a delight for families looking for an amusing yet relaxed getaway. here's a roundup of the top 10 activities that kids would absolutely love in this destination framed by the epic dhauladhar mountains..

Ishika Jain Updated: Sep 09, 2024 10:40 AM IST

Located in the serene Kangra Valley and surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range, Dharamsala is a delightful destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. It's an ideal place for families looking for a mix of relaxation and exciting activities. Here are the top 10 kids-friendly activities to enjoy in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.

1. Visit the Norbulingka Institute

Norbulingka Institute is dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture. It offers a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about Tibetan art, crafts, and culture. The institute has beautifully maintained gardens, doll museums, and workshops where children can see artisans at work. The serene environment and the colorful, intricate artworks will captivate their imaginations.

2. Explore the Kangra Fort

Kangra Fort, located a short drive from Dharamsala, is a historic marvel that dates back to ancient times. Exploring this fort can be an exciting adventure for kids as they navigate through the old stone structures, hidden passageways, and towers. The panoramic views of the surrounding valley from the fort's ramparts are breathtaking and provide a perfect backdrop for family photos.

3. Enjoy Nature at the Tea Gardens

The lush tea gardens of Dharamsala offer a refreshing experience. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens, and let the kids learn about the process of tea making. The expansive greenery and the serene atmosphere are perfect for a family picnic. Some estates also offer guided tours where kids can see how tea leaves are plucked and processed.

4. Adventure at the Dal Lake

Dal Lake, with its serene waters and lush green surroundings, is a great spot for a family outing. Kids can enjoy boating on the lake while parents relax and take in the scenic beauty. There are also several trails around the lake for a nature walk, making it a delightful experience for children who love the outdoors.

5. Visit the War Memorial

The War Memorial in Dharamsala is dedicated to the brave soldiers who fought for India. The memorial is situated in a beautifully landscaped garden with paths perfect for a leisurely walk. Children can learn about the country's history and valor while enjoying the peaceful environment.

6. Trek to Bhagsu Waterfall

The trek to Bhagsu Waterfall is relatively easy and suitable for children. The trail passes through picturesque landscapes and the famous Bhagsunath Temple. The waterfall itself is a stunning sight, and the cool, cascading water is refreshing. There are also small pools where kids can splash around and have fun.

Dharamsala is not just a serene retreat for adults but also a treasure trove of activities that can keep children engaged and entertained. From exploring ancient forts and serene lakes to embarking on nature treks and learning about Tibetan culture, there's something for every family to enjoy. Plan your visit to Dharamsala and create unforgettable memories with your kids in this picturesque Himalayan town.-

• Topics News">Dharamsala
• Topics News">Dharamsala Tourism
• Topics News">Dharamsala Tourist Places
• Topics News">Dharamsala Travel Diaries

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Guide to Russia
• Experience Russia

Fun Things for Kids in Moscow

Photo by  victoria_borodinova  from  Pixabay  

What are the best things to do with children in Moscow?

• Summer: Futuristic parks, river boats and ice caves are perfect attractions for when the temperatures rise above 30.
• Museums: Russians are very proud of their history, which means that their museums are kept to a world-class standard. Both parents and children alike will be sure to learn something new at one of the many, often unique museums in Moscow.
• Culture: From the world’s oldest puppet theatre to UNESCO-listed whimsical, wooden palaces there’ll be plenty to treat your little prince or princess to.
• Winter: New Year is arguably the most magical time to visit Moscow, especially for children. The ice rinks throughout the city, Christmas markets and the magnificent ice-sculpture festival truly make Moscow a winter wonderland. 

Moscow truly is a mega-metropolis like no other. Its non-stop energy and sheer unorthodoxy is sure to enthuse any child with its rebellious, east-meets-west spirit. Just walking down Old Arabat Street— where ancient wooden storehouses are squashed against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by blingy high-rises— is sure to appeal to the childish disdain of all things orderly and conventional. Apart from the main sites, there’s a whole host of family-friendly activities in Moscow from the very traditional to the uber, high-tech that will keep your kids entertained.

For Summer Scorchers:

Photo by  Jamie Taylor  on  Unsplash

VDNKh  is Russia’s version of Disneyland and, to be honest, we think it trumps that tacky theme park by a mile. First things first is its size. At almost 600 acres, this Soviet park has everything; from space museums to soviet shopping outlets to equestrian centers to beaches. In fact, there’s so much to do that there really is no way to cover it all in one day. Our favorite attractions include the ROBO station, the super-cool playgrounds near the aquarium and the world’s biggest ice rink in winter. Better rent out scooters or bikes as well if you plan on seeing at least a fraction of this green gem.

Address: Prospekt Mira, 119 Nearest metro station: VDNKh

Unlike VDNKh, you won’t have to travel far from the centre to seek the lovely lush lawns of  Gorky Park . Come early so that you can grab a beanbag or hammock for yourself while your children have some fun on the colorful playground rides or play ping-pong under the trees. At teatime, head over to the traditional Russian tea house for a brew from a giant samovar. It’s worth staying on for the whole day until dusk when the roof of the park’s planetarium slides open to reveal the wonders of the sky. 

Address: Krymsky Val, 9 Nearest metro station:   Park Kultury

Zaradye Park

Moscow’s brand-new  Zaradye Park  couldn’t be more different from the stern, red brick of the Kremlin that towers over it. Whichever way you look, you’ll be rubbing your eyes to make sure that this other-worldly landscape of floating glass bridges, underground ancient walkways, Siberian tundra and ice caves really does exist. For children, this wild-urban project is the perfect place for them to let some steam off during a day of sightseeing. Thanks to the unbelievable glass-paneled roof that keeps warm air in and the rain out, the lawns are perfect for lounging on all year round. 

Address: Varvarka street, 6 Nearest metro station:  Kitay-gorod

There’s a never-ending stream of tour boats bobbing up and down the Moskva River to hop on to when those little legs have had enough of walking. But for those who’d like something a little special, nothing beats the Radisson yacht. Champagne, on-board dining and floor to ceiling windows make it the most stylish way to cruise round Moscow. 

Address: Naberezhnaya Tarasa Shevchenko, Moscow (next to teh Radisson Blue hotel) Nearest metro station:  Studencheskaya

For Little Einsteins:

Photo by  Robo Wunderkind  on  Unsplash

Museum of Cosmonauts

This is THE museum to go to if you happen to have a Star Wars fan with you. Unlike in countless planetariums around the world where gimmicky models of the solar system and dramatic movies make for a hollow experience, here you get the real thing. There’s a life-size model of the Russian space station, chunks of the moon, a space toilet, the actual Sputnik, heck, even Belka & Strelka, the space dogs, are there standing next to the very space shuttle they flew into space with  (never fear, they were stuffed only after they died of old age).  *For extreme fanatics, it’s worth noting you can arrange a tour to Star City, the astronaut training centre that is still in use outside of Moscow.

Address: Prospekt Mira, 111 Nearest metro station:   VDNKh, Vystavochny tsentr

Darwin Museum

The first museum in the world devoted to explaining the most important concept of biology definitely deserves a visit. Its menagerie of nearly half a million stuffed animals illustrate the steady process of evolution and the many now extinct animals it boasts like the Dodo serve as a warning bell for what the age of mass-industrialization might bring. Despite its name, the  Darwin museum isn’t at all quaint or old-fashioned with plenty of interactive displays and microscopes for children to engage with.

Address: Ulitsa Vavilova, 57 Nearest metro station:   Akademicheskaya

Orlov Museum of Paleontology

This museum could easily compete with the famed Natural History Museum in London. In fact, its extensive exhibit of ginormous skeletons from all sorts of beasts from sloths to diplodocuses might even be more impressive than London’s. After all, Russia is an awful lot bigger than England and probably has lot more giants slumbering away in the depths of its forests just waiting to be dug up!

Address: Ulitsa Profsoyuznaya, 123 Nearest metro station: Kon'kovo

The Experimentanium

There’s lots of fun to be had at this fully hands-on science museum. It’s absolutely perfect for little toddlers and mischievous boys alike because nothing’s off bounds—the whole place is a playground (with a lot of science snuck in!). And don’t worry, most of the descriptions are in English so they’ll definitely learn something along the way.

Address: Leningradsky prospekt, 80/11 Nearest metro station:   Sokol

For Boisterous Boys & Girls:

Photo by  Alexandr Popadin  on  Unsplash

Moscow City

The second tallest, the third tallest, the fourth tallest and the sixth and seventh tallest buildings in Europe can all be found within a few meters of each other in the financial district, Moscow city. Apart from breaking their necks trying to gape at all the quirky high-rises, your kids can get a thrill by going up to the 54th floor of Ostankino TV Tower to its awe-inspiring panoramic viewing platform with a drop-down, glass floor! 

Address:   Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya Nearest metro station:   Delovoy tsentr, Mezhdunarodnaya, Vystavochnaya

A trip down to this veritable villain’s lair is certainly worth it with children, not least because it’s 18 stories underground…. AND the only way back up is by the stairs making it the perfect recipe for a peaceful afternoon. Apart from tiring out children, Bunker 42 has the distinction of being a genuine nuclear bunker. It was intended to be the hide-away of the USSR’s top dogs in the case of nuclear war and the staff here do such an excellent job of recreating the tense atmosphere that we hazard against taking softer children here. Everything, from the actual computer with the big red button which would have been used to start WW3 to the KGB’s rooms, have been preserved exactly as they were at the height of the cold war.

*Entrance only with group tours which can be arranged in English.

Address: 5th Kotel'nicheskiy Pereulok, 11 Nearest metro station:  Taganskaya

Central Armed Forces Museum

Though there isn’t much English in this museum dedicated to all things sickle and hammer (i.e. the Red Army), the genuine American U2 spy plane it has on show and the opportunity to hold real (but thankfully, not loaded!) guns make it a real treasure trove for army-mad kids. 

Address: Ulitsa Sovetskoy Armii, 2 Nearest metro station:  Dostoevskaya

Victory Museum

You don’t actually need to step a foot in this museum dedicated entirely to WW2 to please your wannabe soldiers. Just sit down on a bench as your kids jump on and off the airplanes, tanks, armored vehicles and every other killing machine imaginable that are free to explore outside this museum. 

Address: Ploshchad' Pobedy, 3 Nearest metro station:   Park Pobedy

Armory Chamber

Part of the Kremlin complex, the Armory Chamber’s incredibly diverse displays—spanning folk art to silverware to coronation dresses— cover almost every era of Russia’s royal history. The wedding carriages and ceremonial arms are particularly well-loved by children. 

Address: The Moscow Kremlin Nearest metro station:  Biblioteka imeni Lenina

For Little Princes & Princesses: 

Photo by  Ralph Lindner  from  Pixabay  

Moscow State Puppet Theatre

The oldest puppet theatre in Moscow is also the largest in the world. Its wide-ranging repertoire has shows for tiny tots up to adult-only shows. Its fairytale clock, from which mythical creatures spring out, will be the cherry on top of a magical visit to this dear theatre. 

Address: Pestovskiy Pereulok, 2/1 Nearest metro station:   Marksistskaya

Central Kids Store on Lubyanka

This seven-story department store devoted entirely to little people boasts the biggest Hamleys in the world, the biggest time keeping mechanism and one of the best viewing platforms in Moscow. In other words, it’s kiddy heaven. The building itself is also rather noteworthy, dating back to 1953. Its stained murals and colorful tiles give it an old-world (soviet) charm. 

Address: Teatral'nyy Proyezd, 5 Nearest metro station:   Lubyanka, Kuznetsky Most

Izmailovsky Park

This is possibly the world’s only Slavic theme park. Just joking, but just be warned this recreated Russian village with mini-museums, bakeries and a market is a teensy bit kitsch. If your children are artsy, then why not let them make their own matryoshka at a masterclass instead of buying one at the market. And while the kiddies busy themselves with the business of covering every square inch of their clothes in paint, there’s plenty for parents to peruse; like the vodka museum or the pleasantly, rolling park land. 

Address: Alleya Bol'shogo Kruga, 7 Nearest metro station:  Sokolinaya gora

Kolomenskoye Park

Ivan the Terrible’s summer retreat isn’t at all as gloomy as you’d expect, indeed some might say it’s actually a bit too colorful. In our opinion, its postcard-perfect; with petite trains chugging through the acres of apple orchards, a pearl-white 16th century, UNESCO-listed church and a magnificently vibrant, 300 year old wooden palace. Take your children on a trip back in time, they’ll be delighted - we promise.  

Address: Andropova Ave, 39 Nearest metro station:  Kolomenskaya

For Petrol Heads: 

Photo by  Dimitris Vetsikas  from  Pixabay  

Moscow Rizhsky Railway Station

If you don’t have time to take your children on the Trans-Siberian, then a ride on a Soviet steam train is a superb alternative. The beauty of chugging through the outskirts of Moscow on a train with a red star on its gleaming, coal-black engine will definitely make Harry Potter fans squeal with excitement. Adults will appreciate the cups of tea served in old-style soviet mugs specifically made for train journeys. If you’d like to explore the rail museum after the trip (we highly recommend it), be prepared for the weather as the whole exhibition is uncovered.

Address:  Rizhskaya Ploshad, 1 Nearest metro station:  Rizhskaya

Moscow Metro Museum

After taking your children on the Moscow metro (which you simply must!), chances are they’ll bombard you with all sorts of questions a parent isn’t equipped to answer; like “How fast do the trains go?” and “Who drives them?”. Never fear, Moscow’s metro actually has a free museum which will answer all these questions, as well as even allowing kids to take a seat in the driver’s seat for a virtual ride down the tunnels. 

Address: Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya, 2 Nearest metro station:   Vystavochnaya

For White Winter Days:

Photo by  Mihály Köles  on  Unsplash

Moscow Ice Festival

Each winter in Park Pobedy, blocks of ice are towed in from Russia’s great lakes to be chiseled away into masterpieces. Children will be delighted to find that they can even clamber upon some of these unbelievably big artworks. But the favorite by far, are super slippery ice slides. 

*Just beware of wet bums— waterproofs are a must.

Learn more about winter activities is Moscow .

Address: Park Pobedy on Poklonnaya Hill Nearest metro station:   Park Pobedy

Ice-skating

There are almost 1500 ice-skating rinks in Moscow alone. It’s almost as if every open plot of land has water poured over it; even Red Square is transformed into a mega rink! The park VDNKh boasts the biggest in the world, but there’s also an awesome rooftop ice rink at ArtPlay. Wherever you take your children, you can’t go wrong with a bit of skating.

DESIGNED FOR
BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL

Adventure moto is brutally hard on gear. Rocky water crossings, rutted hill climbs, gnarly descents. Crashing, getting up, then crashing again. If all of that sounds familiar, we designed this gear for you.

CAMP | RIDE | MUSIC | GEAR

Dusty Lizard Campout

A 3-day Mosko Moto Campout held multiple times each year in some of our favorite places to ride and explore.

Apecat 9L Harness

Backcountry Duffle/Pack

Boundary IR Jacket

Come camp and ride with the Mosko Moto crew! A three-day campout in Death Valley, California.

THE KIT THAT STARTED IT ALL

The Backcountry Pannier Kit is our flagship product. Designed for transcontinental adventure touring, enduro-style riding, and camping from your bike. It's tough-as-nails and built to take a beating, and we stand behind it with a lifetime guarantee.

MOSKO MOTO MARKETPLACE

Introducing the Mosko Moto Marketplace. Your official spot for acquiring and selling pre-owned Mosko gear.

Upcoming Events & Rallies

Follow Our Tracks

Warranty and crash replacement.

We never cut corners during development or manufacturing, so we stand behind our products. If one fails due to a problem with materials or workmanship, we’ll make it right.

We offer an industry-leading limited lifetime warranty on all our sewn seam bags, and a two year warranty on welded seam bags. Contact us for discounted crash replacement pricing.

Notify me when available

We will send you a notification as soon as this product is available again.

We don't share your email with anybody

• Kid-Friendly Activities

Things to Do with Kids in Moscow, ID

• TripBuzz found 51 things to do with kids in or near Moscow, Idaho, including 37 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Pullman , Lewiston , Clarkston and Spalding.
• From Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center to Palouse Ice Rink, the Moscow area offers 29 different types of family activities, including: Theaters, Movie Theaters, History Museums and Other Adventures.
• Located in northern Idaho, the city of Moscow is home to the University of Idaho. A thriving college town, it is also a major residential and business community. The city prides itself on its rich artistic culture featuring many local theatre productions and arts in the park productions drawing patrons from surrounding areas year-round.

Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center

Palouse ice rink, appaloosa museum & heritage center, nuart theatre, moscow off leash dog park, eastside cinemas, latah county historical society, university of idaho arboretum & botanical garden, latah trail bike path, mcconnell mansion.