Travelling with children is much easier when you have a few good distractions ready. And you don't need anything complicated! Just a handful of activities that are easy to pack, easy to use and actually keep children busy for more than five minutes.
The best screen-free travel toys are small, quiet and reusable. They work in the car, on the plane, in restaurants, at grandparents’ houses and during those funny in-between moments where everyone is waiting for something.
Explore our screen-free travel toys collection here.
What makes a good screen-free travel toy?
A good screen-free travel toy is portable, low-mess, quiet and easy for children to use independently. Reusable colouring activities, washable pens, compact pencil cases, travel games and small creative kits are ideal because they can be used in tight spaces and brought out again throughout the journey.
Best screen-free travel toys for holidays
Holiday activities need to work hard. They might be used at the airport, on the flight, in a hotel room, at dinner, in a hire car and on a rainy afternoon when everyone needs a reset.
Reusable colouring products are a strong choice because they don’t run out after one use. Children can colour them in, wash them and start again. That makes them more useful than single-use activity sheets, especially on longer trips, and it means they have endless creativity!
Travel toys for restaurants and cafes
Eating out with children can be lovely. It can also involve a lot of waiting. A small activity that lives in your bag can buy you a calmer meal and give children something to do while food is on its way.
Colour-in placemats are particularly useful here because they create an instant activity space at the table. Add washable pens and you have something creative, quiet and easy to pack away when the food arrives. Plus, they easily fit at the table, and can all be packed away into their portable carry bag.
Travel toys for car journeys
For car journeys, choose activities that do not need tiny pieces or a perfectly flat surface. Children can colour on a lap tray, doodle in a notebook, play spotting games, listen to stories or use a simple travel checklist.
World map and travel-themed designs work especially well for older children because they can connect the activity to the journey. Ask them to find where you’re going, draw a route or invent a place you should visit next.
Reusable travel toys vs single-use activities
Single-use activity books can be useful, but they often get finished, forgotten or crumpled at the bottom of a bag. Reusable activities are better for repeat journeys because they give children something familiar to return to.
They can also feel more special. A colour-in placemat or pencil case becomes part of the trip, not just something to fill time. Children can personalise it, wash it and use it again on the next adventure.
For more creative, washable ideas, browse our reusable screen free travel colouring activities.
How to build a travel activity kit
A good travel kit should be simple. Start with one main activity, then add a few smaller extras.
Pack a reusable colouring placemat, washable pens, a colour in pencil case, a small notebook, snacks, tissues, a water bottle and a favourite comfort item. For longer trips, add a book, stickers or a small surprise activity to bring out halfway through.
If you travel often, keep a ready-made activity kit by the door. It saves the last-minute scramble and means you’re not relying on screens every time there’s a delay, queue or long lunch.
Travel a little lighter
You do not need to pack half the playroom. A few well-chosen activities can make journeys, meals out and holiday downtime feel easier. Explore our screen-free travel toys for creative, reusable activities made for children on the move:
