We all know how frustrating travelling with kids can be. You’re heading out somewhere with your kids, maybe on a road trip or even just waiting in a restaurant or at the doctor’s, and then your child starts to sing the classic “I’m bored” song. And we all know that once the boredom sets in, things escalate quickly, and the last thing we moms want is judging eyes looking down at us because our kids won’t sit still. That’s exactly why I started packing simple travel activities whenever we leave the house.
Recently, we discovered a few Skillmatics travel activities that my kids absolutely love. They’re reusable, creative, and, best of all, they keep my kids entertained when we want to avoid screens for the day or when they’re bored. Today, I’m sharing 5 travel activities that keep kids busy, and these have truly been saving many boring days for us since we got them.
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn a commission if you shop through my Skillmatics affiliate link or use my discount code.
Why Travel Activities Are a Lifesaver for Moms
Before I discovered good travel activities, our trips looked something like this:
- “Mama, I’m bored.”
- “Mama, are we there yet?”
- “Mama, can I have your phone?”
I’m sure this sounds familiar, and having a few simple travel activities ready really helped. So now, instead of constant complaints, my kids have something else to focus on.
1. Skillmatics Search and Find Game
One of the best travel activities I discovered is the Skillmatics Search and Find Game. This activity works a bit like a puzzle and a scavenger hunt combined. Kids look at the colourful scenes and try to spot specific objects hidden throughout the page, then they circle or mark what they find using the reusable marker. What I love about this travel activity is that it keeps kids thinking. They’re focused on the challenge, and suddenly 20 minutes go by without a single “I’m bored.”
A puzzle and a scavenger hunt combined
2. Skillmatics Water Spotter Activity Book
If you’re looking for mess-free travel activities, this one is also really amazing. The Skillmatics Water Spotter Book uses a special water pen to reveal hidden pictures. Kids simply fill the pen with water and start colouring the pages. As soon as they colour, images magically appear, then the page dries, and they can do it all over again. You don’t need markers or crayons for this, and it’s reusable. Honestly, this one has become one of my favourite travel activities to pack in my bag.
Here’s why I love it for my kids so much:
- It’s super satisfying for kids
- The pages are reusable
- The book is compact and can fit anywhere
Satisfying, mess-free travel activity book that reveals colourful images when coloured with water.
3. Skillmatics Magic Scratch Art
Scratch art is one of those travel activities that instantly grabs kids’ attention. Instead of drawing with markers or pencils, kids use a wooden stylus to scratch away the black coating on the page. Underneath, bright rainbow colours appear. It feels almost magical to them. And because there’s no paint or glue involved, it’s the perfect option for travel.
My six-year-old particularly loves slowly revealing the colours underneath her princess scratch art book. It’s her own little boredom buster.
Here’s why we love this activity:
- It’s creative and relaxing
- And encourages artistic expression
Kids discover colourful pictures of unicorns and princesses by drawing and scratching over the pictures!
4. Skillmatics Snip Snip Scissor Activity
If you have preschoolers learning how to use scissors, this is one of the best travel activities you can bring along. The Skillmatics Snip Snip activity will help your preschooler practice cutting along simple lines and shapes. I purchased this one specifically for my four-year-old, who still struggles with using scissors.
Here’s why cutting activities are necessary:
- They are good for improving fine motor skills
- Great for building hand strength
- and developing coordination
Apart from that, kids love the feeling of “doing something grown-up,” and we parents love that It’s one of those few travel activities that feel educational while still being fun.
If you want more free cutting practice, you can grab my free printable at the end of this post.
A cutting practice activity book merged with fun folding and glueing crafts for preschoolers.
5. Skillmatics Foil Art Activity
This is probably the most exciting of all the travel activities on this list. The Skillmatics Foil Art activity lets kids decorate pictures using shiny foil sheets. They simply peel a section of the design and press the foil onto it. The foil sticks to the adhesive areas and creates colourful, sparkly artwork. The most fascinating thing about this one for my kids was the shiny effect; they talked about it a lot. And because everything is included in the kit, I consider it a great travel activity to keep in your bag.
Shiny art & craft activity for kids
OR get 20% off on the Skillmatics website using my code: VICTORIA68594
Prefer to Shop Directly From Skillmatics?
If you’d rather shop directly from the Skillmatics website, you can also get 20% off your order using my affiliate code. Just enter the code ABOVE at checkout to apply the discount. Sometimes the Skillmatics website also offers bundle deals and exclusive activity kits, so it’s worth checking if you’re planning to grab more than one activity.
More Screen-Free Activities for Kids
If you’re looking for even more easy ideas, you might also enjoy my post “How to use magnetic tiles for hours of fun,” and “Three ways I Create Screen-free Afternoons.”
Final Thoughts on Travel Activities for Kids
Travelling with kids can be unpredictable, but having a few simple activities ready can make a huge difference. Instead of boredom and frustration, your kids stay engaged, and you stay calm and at peace.
