This article was written prior to 15 March 2021, before the launch of the new Financial Advice Regime, and was published for information purposes only. It is not being actively promoted by Dollar Insurance. Dollar Insurance does not provide financial advice about the suitability of their products and cannot take into account your personal situation or goals. Before you decide to take out a Dollar Insurance Policy, you should read the relevant Policy Wording document which contains the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the Policy, and seek independent financial advice, if required, to ensure the insurance policy is suitable for you.

The first person to ever say “I need a holiday from this holiday” was probably traveling with kids. Every parent has likely had to deal with holiday meltdowns in the car, at the airport or walking around their destination. We can’t guarantee that this list of tips will stop every tear, but hopefully they’ll help!

Here are 26 ways to entertain the kids when you travel:

1. Get them involved in the planning

Ask the kids where they’d like to go and what they’d like to do and see when you get there. They’ll be more excited if they’re doing stuff they love!

2. Let them pick their clothes

Everyone feels better in their favourite threads! Just give the kiddos a bit of guidance when it comes to weather or local customs. 

3. Ask them what they want to bring

Within reason, of course! Have each kid pack travel-friendly toys, games or books for car rides, flights or downtime.

4. Load up the tablet

A smartphone or tablet can hold hours of entertainment. Download games, movies, music and more that don’t need the internet (and remember to pack a spare charger).

5. Buy a surprise pressie

Everyone loves getting gifts. <3 Buy a little something for each tyke, like a colouring book, sunglasses or headphones to unwrap right before you take off.

6. Play travel games

A good old-fashioned round of I Spy or 20 Questions could keep the entire family entertained in the car, at the airport or whilst you queue up.

7. Read up on your destination

Hit up the web or your local library for info on your destination’s history and culture. Then make a game of spotting things you read about during your trip.

8. Learn a new language

Well… just a few key phrases really. Practice staples like “hello”, “please”, “thank you”, and “excuse me” at the airport on during the flight.

9. Imagine your destination

Have the kids draw or write what they think your trip will be like—where you’ll stay, what they’ll see, how the locals dress. Then see how close they got to real life when you arrive!

10. Give them a camera

Taking photos has never been easier! Hook each kid up with their own digital camera or an old smartphone and encourage them to snap away.

11. Start a photo scavenger hunt

Snap a statue, something yellow, a wild animal, a famous painting… Your kids might start to look at the world a little differently, and you’ll have tons of photos for a holiday slideshow!

12. Ask them to draw what they see

Bring a sketchpad and some crayons, markers or coloured pencils. Your littlies can sketch the sites whilst you rest your legs!

13. Have them keep a travel diary

If drawing’s not their thing, buy a small journal so the kids can write about your trip each day. It’s a great way to relax before bed and create a fun way to remember your trip later!

14. Put them in charge of the map

Give older kids or teens a challenge by putting them in charge of navigation when you’re walking. Have them use a paper map and compass app to really test their skills. 

15. Try a new mode of transportation

Younger kids especially get a kick out of traveling by ferry, bus or train. But depending on where you go you could try something more exotic, like a tuk tuk, scooter or carriage!

16. Book a bike tour

Bikes are also a great way to see a city—and help the kids burn off excess energy! Join a guided tour or rent some wheels and make your own way.

17. Get sporty

Give something more adventurous than bicycles a try. Teens might like paddle boarding, hiking, kayaking or snowboarding, too!

18. Try a new food

There’s no better way to experience a new culture than through its food. Try something new at least once a day—you might be surprised at what the kids end up liking!

19. Pack a picnic

Enjoy the great outdoors with a picnic lunch! Many cities have famous parks that are perfect for a casual meal and people watching.

20. Bring a deck of cards

You can start a round of Go Fish, Snap or Old Maid just about anywhere—after meals, on a park bench or before bed. Special favourites, like UNO, also travel well.

21. Do some animal spotting

Keep your eyes peeled in parks, at the beach, in the bush or wherever else you go on your trip. Or guarantee an animal encounter by visiting a zoo or wildlife refuge.

22. Take in the local culture

Experience the music, dance, storytelling, art and more of your destination. Look for shows put on by cultural groups or galleries showing native artwork. 

23. Pick up the kid’s guide

Museums, galleries and historical sites often have tours or guidebooks written with little visitors in mind. Grab one on your way in to help plan your visit. 

24. Watch street performers

Entertaining the kids doesn’t have to cost you much. Stop along the way to watch interesting buskers—just keep your wallet safe if you do!

25. Let them choose a souvenir or two

Bringing home special mementos is a fun way to remember your trip. Give the kids a little freedom to find their own perfect souvenir, as long as it’s within your budget.

26. Send someone a postcard

Help brighten a family member or friend’s day by sending a postcard from your trip! Kids can write to their granddad, Auntie Cheryl or a classmate just to say “hi.”

Know another surefire way to keep kids entertained on holiday? Share with us on Facebook! 

About the author: Dollar Insurance is all about making insurance as painless as possible, with easy to get funeral cover, for just $1 a day. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and seek independent financial advice, if required, to ensure an insurance product is suitable for you.

Any product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Dollar Insurance website.