So you finally decided to travel with your toddler, but on the other, you are worried about how to get them busy and entertained throughout the journey; your answers are here.
Just like you, so many people don't know how to keep their toddlers entertained during trips, which can be a pain if it's not done, considering the level of disturbance they can give.
Records show that the majority of millennial travelers (62%) brought children under the age of five to travel with them. In the next 24 months, a lot more people are planning to take their family on holidays with children (44%) than with friends (40%).
This means that more people are traveling with their kids, and it only keeps increasing because family is everything, right?
In this blog post, we'll be going through how to entertain your toddlers during travels; you will learn all the tips and hacks of how to do it right.
Below are the ways you can entertain toddlers when traveling with them;
Use Interactive Games to Entertain them.
The very first on our list of what you can entertain your toddlers with when traveling are Interactive games.
Remember the "I Spy" game, right? It's a classic! You can say, "I spy with my little eye, something that is blue," and let your toddler guess.
Or how about "20 Questions"? You think of an object, and your toddler gets 20 questions to guess what it is. It's like a detective game!
Interestingly, these games pass the time and get your toddler thinking and talking. Double win.
Travel-Friendly Toys
When choosing toys, consider portability and modest size. Add some new toys to their collection along with their beloved action figures, dolls, or building blocks.
Things stay interesting with variety! Your toddler's hands and mind will be kept fully engaged with these little treasures.
For your toddler to carry their particular toys, you can additionally bring along a small backpack. They feel like big kids and are imbued with a feeling of responsibility. It's also very adorable.
Color and Drawing
Drawing and coloring are nothing more than portable superpowers. Throughout your journey, keep an eye on your toddler's play and bring along a coloring book and crayons or markers.
It's all about having fun; therefore, it doesn't have to be the greatest thing ever. Encourage your toddler to draw their favorite creatures or construct their bright environment.
There are washable markers available that make cleaning effortless if mess becomes an issue.
Using Interactive Applications
Using interactive applications might be your secret weapon if you want to keep your toddler engaged while you're out and about.
You can easily install age-appropriate applications on your tablet or smartphone, giving your toddler access to them at all times.
Your kid is likely to become engrossed in these applications' interactive storytelling, games, and movies.
Storytelling
There's no better way to keep a toddler interested than to tell them stories, and it doesn't need costly gadgets. Through your words, people can create vivid ideas and lasting recollections.
Put some interactivity into it by asking queries like "What do you think happens next?" Perhaps "Can you describe the main character?" Allow your toddler's imagination to run wild and include them in developing stories.
Enjoy Your Snacks
This is an additional method for keeping your child occupied while traveling, as snack time serves as a means of amusement and satisfying hunger.
Even simple snacking can promote creative thinking. A creative approach to this might be arranging crackers, fruits, or vegetables to make shapes or narrate a snack-time tale.
For instance, notice how delighted your toddler is when you build a "car" out of carrot sticks and cucumber wheels.
Sing-alongs and music
When traveling, your toddler and you can always keep each other engaged with music and sing-alongs.
Music can make all the difference, whether driving or flying.
You can do this by just singing their songs or introducing them to new ones. Music has a magical ability to either calm or energize.
Remember to bring headphones for them (and maybe a spare set if you want to listen to your toddler's music in moderation, lol).
Puzzles and Activity Books
Puzzle and activity books are a great way to keep your child occupied while you're on the road, parents.
The majority of them are jam-packed with puzzles, games, mazes, and coloring sheets to keep you thinking.
Above all, they are not only fun to watch but covertly teach valuable lessons to kids by encouraging creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Nature Exploration
The greatest entertainment is sometimes found just outside your window. Toddlers' greatest playtime is nature. Exploring nature can always provide a wealth of new discoveries, whether you're hiking, visiting a park, or simply taking a leisurely stroll.
Pointing out birds, animals, colorful plants, or fascinating insects is an easy way to do this.
It teaches the kids about the world around them, much like an outdoor treasure hunt.
Entertainment During Travel
Long travel days can go by quickly if you have entertainment en route. The "grab bag" technique falls under this heading. Similar to Mary Poppins' carpet bag, but with travel toys, books, and games in place of coat hangers and plant pots.
Additionally, you can go ahead and sometimes surprise your child with a new toy or activity from the bag. It helps divide the trip into more manageable halves and keeps things interesting and novel.
Parental Interaction
You should never underestimate the power of good old-fashioned interaction.
Your child loves spending time with you, so make the most of it. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and let your bond with your more. You can read our full guide on how to start meaningful conversations with a toddler.
Try playing games like peek-a-boo, sing songs together, or just chat about the sights you see.
The simple act of being present and engaged can be the most meaningful entertainment for your toddler.
FAQs
Let's take a look at some of the frequently asked questions about how to entertain toddlers when traveling with them;
How do I engage my toddler during travel?
Engage your toddler with interactive games, toys, and activities. Keep them entertained with their favorite items and introduce new experiences along the way.
What is the hardest age to travel with a toddler?
Traveling with a 1.5-year-old can be challenging, as they're very active but unable to communicate effectively. However, every child is unique, and challenges can vary.
How do I keep my 1.5-year-old busy on a plane?
Keep your 1.5-year-old busy on a plane with snacks, toys, and in-flight entertainment. Interactive toys and familiar items can occupy their time.
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Final Thoughts
It doesn't have to be a boring trip when traveling with a toddler anymore; all you have to do is try our suggestions above.
You can try coloring, music/Sing-Alongs, interactive applications, puzzles/Activity books, etc., to keep your toddler busy and entertain during the transit.
It is also important to note that your toddler will only like some games or activities in this guide, which means you should make good use of what works for them.
Now you know how to keep your toddler entertained when traveling, go and have fun, you two.
Thanks for reading, and happy traveling.