Traveling with Young Children

With the holiday season around the corner, many of you may be planning trips to visit family or enjoy a little getaway. Traveling with young children can bring such joy but, as we know, also comes with some unique challenges. Those little adventurers bring a lot of wonder to each journey, though they often add unpredictability as well—think of disrupted routines, managing all those “just-in-case” essentials, or handling meltdowns on the go! So, as you pack up for your next trip, here are some gentle reminders and tips to help make your family travels as smooth and joyful as possible.

Relax the Usual Rules (Just enough)

If screen time is normally limited in your home, remember that a long car ride or flight might be an ideal time to ease those restrictions. A favorite movie or game can provide comfort and keep your child entertained when attention spans are running low. It’s okay if routines look a little different when you’re traveling—your regular schedule will be there when you return. The important thing is to focus on a smooth trip and savoring the special moments.

Spontaneity

While it’s wonderful to have an idea of what you’d like to do, leave room for spontaneous breaks or detours. Children thrive with structure, but they also need breaks and space for downtime. So, aim for a few planned activities with some “breathing room” for rest and exploration. Let your child’s curiosity guide you a bit; they might find joy in something as simple as watching birds or exploring new places.

Engage and Connect

Little hands and minds need something to do! Pack a few small toys, books, and snacks, and sprinkle in some simple games like “I Spy” or “Guess what I’m thinking of?” You can also bring along minimal equipment drawing supplies like LCD drawing tablets for kids, sticker books, tic-tac-toe or simple card games (like War). Present these activities to them one at a time, so they are engaged the maximum amount of time for their attention span. On longer trips, make time for short breaks so your child can stretch, move, and release any built-up energy. Find places that have a playground, with restrooms (Any fast food place that has a playground on your way makes it very easy). These short stops can often make the rest of the journey more enjoyable.

Lower Your Expectations and Let It Go

One of the simplest ways to ease the stress of traveling with little ones is by setting realistic expectations. Try not to expect perfection—your child may get cranky, skip a nap, or act a bit out of character, and that’s okay. Focusing on small, joyful moments together can make your journey memorable. If you approach each hiccup with a sense of humor and grace, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised at how fun the adventure can actually be.

Family Connection

Above all, traveling together offers a special opportunity for family bonding and shared experiences. Your child is watching, learning, and growing through every adventure, big or small. Whether it’s experiencing new sights, meeting new people, or simply being with you in a new environment, they’re absorbing so much from each experience. Try to focus on the joy of spending time together, creating memories, and embracing new surroundings. If you are waiting for a flight at an airport, keep simple activities for them to do in your carry on–like unblown up balloons. Blowing up a balloon, keeping it off the ground, is an easy game to get the wiggles out and have fun in the airport waiting area.

Flexible Mindset

Traveling with children brings endless possibilities for fun and growth, but it also helps to adopt a flexible, “go with the flow” attitude. Trying to maintain a rigid schedule or expecting things to go perfectly can make travel stressful for both you and your child. Instead, allow for some extra wiggle room in your plans and be open to the little surprises that come up. This approach can make your time away feel much more relaxed and enjoyable!

Worth the Effort? Of course!

Despite the unpredictability, the lessons learned and memories made on family trips are well worth the effort. Through travel, children develop adaptability, curiosity, and a sense of wonder about the world around them. They also learn that the world is bigger than their everyday surroundings, building empathy and appreciation for different cultures, communities, and environments.

So, as you buckle up your little ones for the journey ahead, take a deep breath, and remember that travel, with all its challenges, enriches your family and creates memories. Every new experience is an opportunity for them to connect to the world, with you as their guide.