If there’s one situation you don’t ever want to find yourself in, it’s being out and about with a kiddo who’s starting to get antsy. Whether you’ve got a little one whose interest in their older sibling’s soccer practice is starting to wane or a toddler who’s about to seriously spoil a restaurant’s ambience, bored, fidgety kids don’t always make the best travel companions — even if your travels have only led you to the park.
The best antidote for this all-too-common ailment? A bag of tricks, of course. From travel games for toddlers to quiet games for kids of any age, here are 15 portable crafts, games and activities you never want to leave home without. Your inner peace will thank you.
1. Travel “Guess Who”(-ish) game
Guess Who redux! Similar to the game we all played (and loved) when we were kids, Busy Bebes has a stylish cat and dog version no kid will be able to resist. And even better? Busy Bébés is a monthly busy bag subscription service. Never run out of pocket-sized games and activities again!
Where to buy: Busy Bebes Subscription ($38/month, Busy Bébés)
2. Idea coins
How smart is this: 30 wooden coins with 60 different ideas for kids on them? Genius! Not only are the idea coin boxes from The Idea Box Kids portable, they’re also thematic. Choose from topics like masking tape (in which case you should have a roll of tape in your bag, too!), summer and airplane — with each set having pertinent ideas for whatever you’re up to with the kids.
Where to buy: Masking Tape Activities ($25, The Idea Box Kids)
3. Clothespin busy bag
Got clothespins, foam stickers, a marker and a glue stick? Then you’ve got the makings for this clothespin busy bag idea from occupational therapist Katie Yoon. Not only will little kids love playing this simple matching game, they’ll be building up their fine motor skills, too.
4. Portable felt activity binder
This creative felt activity book from Meaningful Mama takes a teeny bit of work on the front end, but it yields lasting results. Not only is it mess-free, it’s portable, educational and entertaining for kids. And it’s the perfect activity to unveil when nothing’s quite doing it for your preschooler.
5. Magical unicorn mini play dough kit
It’s whimsical. It fits into a sweet little bag. It involves unicorns. Need we say more? The unicorn play dough kit from KeduKid is a surefire way to keep kids — and perhaps even adults — engaged and sensorily stimulated.
Where to buy: Magical Unicorn Mini Play Dough Kit ($18; KeduKid/Etsy)
6. Mini construction kit
If you’re with a little one who’s losing steam at the dance studio while their older siblings practice or trying to buy some time while you finish up your coffee, this mini construction kit from Mulberry Toes should do the trick.
Where to buy: Mini Construction Kit ($18, Mulberry Toes/Etsy)
7. “Would you rather?” jar
For slightly older kids, having a jar (or bag) of “would you rather” questions, like this one from Landee See Landee Do, will definitely come in handy. “Would you rather only be able to whisper or only be able to shout everything?” That’s a tough one!
8. I Spy alphabet bottle
This cute, DIY I Spy alphabet bottle from The Best Ideas for Kids is a fun, portable way to help kids recognize their uppercase and lowercase letters — and it’s so easy to make.
9. House coloring kit
What’s more fun than coloring on paper? Coloring a sweet fabric house, of course. These adorable house coloring kits from Cicade Shop will help kids tap into their creative side — while (temporarily) tempering their wiggles.
Where to buy: House Coloring Kit ($29, Cicade Shop/Etsy)
10. Beginner punch needle kit
Punch needling is all the rage right now and with good reason — it’s seriously soothing. Having a beginner kit in your bag can be a great go-to activity for older kids (it involves using a needle), and it’s something they can pick up and put down whenever the mood strikes.
Where to buy: Punch Needle Embroidery Starter Kit ($16, Amazon)
11. Story stones
Whether you buy a bag or get crafty and draw up a few story stones of your own, story stones are a great way to ignite kids’ imaginations, increase their vocabulary and keep them busy when you’re on-the-go. And they take up practically no room in your purse, diaper bag or nanny bag.
Where to buy: Mythical Story Stones ($16, My Story Stones Rock/Etsy)
12. Slime
Think what you want of slime (and the many places it winds up), but kids love it — full stop. Think of having a few mini containers of slime in your bag at all times as insurance for kids who are getting bored.
Where to buy: Easy City 48-Pack of Slime ($18, Amazon)
13. Canvas tote and markers
Want to blow your kiddo’s mind? Pull a tote bag out of your tote bag — and tell them they can color on it! Whether you get one with a pattern that they can work on here and there or simply pick up a blank one, this is one on-the-go art activity sure to hold their attention.
Where to buy: Reusable Bag and Markers ($31, Wired Roxz)
14. Wooden beads and laces
Few children will be able to resist stringing these sweet fruit, veggie and animal beads onto thick laces. A great little bag to have with you, as it’s both compact and will help kids hone their fine motor skills.
Where to buy: Wooden Beads and Laces ($16, Amazon)
15. Exercise dice
The best way to get the wiggles out? Wiggle! This set of exercise dice from Such Fun Goods is ideal for energetic kids who don’t like to stay put for too long (and who don’t respond well to “just run around.”) Keep a set in your bag or babysitting kit and pull out any time your child starts getting fidgety.
Where to buy: Exercise Dice ($17, Such Fun Goods/Etsy)
