Screen-Free Entertainment for Kids (Ideal for Lines and Riding on Trains/Buses/Metros)

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If you're going to be traveling with kids, there is inevitably going to be moments where they need to be chill and happy. (Think: sitting on a train, a plane, waiting in line, etc.) It's in these moments you would love them to quietly read a book, or look peacefully at the scenery around them, or even take a little cat nap. But if left to their own devices, they will be like: 

It's incredibly helpful to have games/things to do to distract them so that they don't bounce off the walls and drive everyone crazy. 

Here are some of the games and things we did to keep our kids calm when we travel. They have come in handy while on public transportation, waiting in lines, and other downtime on our trips. Hope you enjoy!


1. I Spy

This usually means spotting something.One person spies something and describes it by color to the other person(s). "I spy with my little eye...something [insert color here]." Then the other player(s) try to guess what it is. We switch off who was the spy and it definitely helped bus and train rides go faster! 


1. ABC game
I'm sure you've heard of this. But if you haven't, I'll describe. Basically try to find all the letters in the alphabet (in order mind you). For example, if you see your next metro stop is called "Valdecarros" — you just found the letter 'A'!  If your son or daughter is obsessed with the ABCs like mine is, you’re in luck here! This actually was a fun one for me as well, especially since letters like j and j are fairly non-existent in Italy. This was really challenging because certain languages don't have certain English letters but that made it more fun.

 

2. Rainbow game
Same thing as above, but try to find all the colors of the rainbow (in order!). You can make this harder by saying it can only be clothing or only signs, etc.

3. Stickers, stickers, and more stickers

We brought a bunch of stickers with us to Europe and it really helped keep our kids busy. They stuck them all over the stroller (¯\_(ツ)_/¯) and their notebooks, it was lovely for a day when there was a strike and our train that was supposed to arrive at 11 am actually got us there at 3 am (long story for another time!).

 

4. Coloring (if you can)

This isn’t always easy but is great if if you’re going to be sitting in one seat for a long time — for example, in a plane. Kids also like it when you color with them so be sure to get an adult coloring book too.


5. Snacks

Eating while sitting still is a good move while traveling (especially for road trips). The more small snacks with little bite-sized amounts, the better. 



6. Tell Stories

Sometimes it’s just fun to sit and listen to someone you love tell a story. My kids love listening to familiar stories over and over again so be sure to pick ones you like telling as well.

Weird as it may sound, I have a whole list of stories on my phone that my kids love to hear over and over! Things like stories from my childhood, funny stories from all stages of life, and stories from family members are a lot of fun. They also love hearing classic fairytales and such too. 


7. Pictionary
It's fun to draw pictures but it's even more fun if someone has to guess what you're drawing! Our kids love this game and it's fun to play it in categories too (fruits, candy, instruments, etc.)

8. Hangman
This can be fun for kids whether they can spell or not. And it's a great way to review the alphabet. 

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That's all for now! What are your favorite screen-free entertainment ideas for when you're traveling? Leave me a comment!