Originally posted April 2016, Updated April 2026
Take a peek inside my kids’ travel activity box. This has been one of my go-to travel hacks for years.
My kids were 9 and 11, so this setup is geared toward older kids, but you can easily adjust it depending on ages. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, flight or even just a long travel day, having a simple activity box makes a huge difference & keeps things tidy.
What is a Travel Activity Box?
A travel activity box for kids is just a small, organized case or bag filled with things to keep kids entertained while traveling. It doesn’t need to be fancy.
Ideas:
- Books
- Drawing supplies
- Small games
- A few fun surprises
It’s basically your screen-free backup plan when boredom hits. And we all know it will.
What I Use for Our Travel Activity Box
We originally used small notebook-style cases for each child. Those exact ones are no longer available, but a scrapbook case or similar could work just as well especially for roads trips.
A soft travel organizer or zippered pouch works really well if you’ll be using it for a lot of flights as it’s much easier for planes than bulky boxes.
These are some ideas of what to look for in the box. It needs to fit your specific travel plans and kids needs/preferences.
- A small travel organizer or activity bag
- Something that fits in a backpack or carry-on
- Not too big (or they’ll try to pack everything they own)
The goal: contained, portable, and easy for kids to manage themselves because parents have enough things we’re trying to juggle during travel.
What to Put in a Travel Activity Box for Kids
Here’s what we typically pack:
- Paperback chapter book
- Drawing pad and/or activity book
- Pencil pouch with colored pencils/crayons/markers/pencils (kids choice). I usually add 2 pencils to each bag and split a box of colored pencils between the kids.
- Small pencil sharpener
- Stickers (My 9 year old likes these, but my 11 year old doesn’t)
- Playing cards – fun for the whole family!
- Silly putty
- Journal for recording our travels
- Magazines like Highlights or Ranger Rick
Tip: I usually split supplies such as colored pencils between the kids so everything doesn’t disappear at once.
I placed an Amazon order for our trip to France. We will have lots of airplane and train time, so I let each kid pick a new drawing book. Lucy picked How to Draw 101 Animals and K picked Boys’ Guide to Drawing.
Travel Activity Box Ideas by Age
Younger Kids
- Coloring books
- Stickers
- Matchbox cars
- Finger puppets
- Small stuffed animal
Older Kids
- Journals
- Chapter books
- Card games
- Drawing books
You can also throw in things like pipe cleaners, ribbon or random “junk drawer treasures” – those are sometimes the biggest hit. What’s included will again depend on the kid. Lucy loves all things arts and crafts. K – not so much.
What I Avoid Packing
I learned the hard way to avoid:
- Legos or anything with tiny pieces
- Items that roll easily (hello, airplane floor)
- Anything that requires constant help
This is nothing worse than digging around under airplane seats mid-flight because turbulence caused a Lego piece to fall off the tray table! Speaking from experience here.
Our Approach to Screens While Traveling
Yes, we do still bring an iPad, but I keep it separate from the activity box. My kids are not going to color or play games for 4 hrs straight. Make sure to have everything ready on the iPad or tablet before travel – don’t rely on WiFi.
- Download movies or games
- Pack headphones
- Have a backup option for long travel days
I try to start with screen-free travel activities first, and this box helps make that easy. Then they will move to electronics followed by a nap if I’m really lucky…
Refreshing the Box Before a Trip
Before big trips, I usually let each kid pick something new or different for their boxes. Now, if they weren’t being used regularly, the items will likely be like new anyways. You’d just want to ensure the markers aren’t dried out, etc.
A few things I like to get:
- A new drawing book
- A fresh notebook or activity book
I typically hit up the Dollar Tree for other new items or we just use activity books that haven’t been finished and I can throw away at the end of the trip.
It doesn’t have to be expensive. Just new-to-them before travel.
There are so many ways to put together a kids travel activity box, but this setup has worked really well for us over the years.
Again, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Just a small, organized collection of things your kids will actually use.
Pair this with my Printable Travel Games for Kids for even more easy, screen-free travel fun!
What would you put in a travel activity box for kids?
Great list! Thank you!