Keep Your Sanity With a Travel Entertainment Kit

Pack a travel entertainment bag and make it unique

Now that holiday travel is almost on us, we should probably talk about the role of entertainment kits in keeping kids (and adults) happy.  When you need to travel long distances, your passengers can get restless. Can you hear it…”Are we there yet?” An entertainment kit is simply a survival kit dedicated to keeping everyone calm, happy, and well – entertained.

Instead of packing a little in a bag for each person, you can create one backpack with all kinds of things to do. This pack should not be used for any other purpose but travel so it keeps its special status. Kids will be excited about this pack and being able to use it.

Remember your entertainment kit needs items that are versatile so they can be used many times without the family losing interest.

NOTE: Go here for a discussion of Emergency Entertainment Kits to accompany your bug out bag, and 8 “On the Road” Travel Safety Tips.

First let’s talk traveling with adults

Adults need to be entertained too. These items were invaluable to my husband and me as we traveled 2300 miles twice in one month. There is only so much talking you can do!

1. Books on CD or through Audible –. We spent some time listening to books that will help us hone our business. We also like to listen to fiction.
2. Read a book to the driver – If you don’t get carsick, it can be fun to read to each other.
3. Music – Be sure that you have access to music when you are out of a service area.

Here are some things you might consider adding to a Travel Entertainment Kit for the kids:

1. Comfort items – This could be a small stuffed animal and blanket. Does your child have one that they literally can’t live without? Consider hiding a second one in your pack if losing this will become a major issue. This one comfort item is important in helping children cope, and gives them a feeling of security.
2. Hit the dollar store for some simple Games – Think puzzles, and small board games, plus card games like UNO, Phase 10, Old Maid, and Go Fish.
3. A Notebook with pens, colored pencils and water proof markers will really save the day. Whether drawing or writing, a notebook can be important not just for entertainment but for coping emotionally with what is happening. Don’t forget to include a sharpener.
4. Books– You will be most successful if the books are new and unfamiliar, but similar to some beloved favorites. However if your kids have a stack of favorites that they could read for hours – purchase a few second copies and pack them as well.
5. School Workbooks – Some children just love to do these, others don’t.
6. Use battery operated toys or devices with caution. We’ve all experienced the melt down that accompanies being forced to turn something off, or when the batteries die. You could set a limit on the number of battery changes they can use so you don’t need to carry 10 pounds of them.
7. Small toys and action figures, a small Lego set, balls, and other smaller versatile toys will give them something to play with and use their imagination.
8. Purchase a Craft kit – to keep fingers occupied and brains focused on creating. You want to make sure it’s already a familiar skill. You will only get frustrated if trying to learn/teach a new skill like knitting or crocheting.
9. Don’t forget some healthy finger food, and skip the sugar treats.
10. Go on over to Our Best Bites and download the Kids Road Trip Survival Guide. A fun set of games that include the license plate game and other items to place into a binder for each child.

Get the Kids Involved

Have your family help determine the contents of the Entertainment Kit. They will be much more willing to try new games and crafts if they have had a hand in the creation. Plus, this gets them excited for using it. Do your shopping and assembly together as a family and you’ll find that road trips look rather fun.