We all know how frustrating travelling with kids can be. You’re going on a road trip or maybe waiting at the doctor’s, and then your child starts to sing the “I’m bored” song, and we all know that once that 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 or stop screaming their lungs out. Times like these are exactly why I started packing simple travel activities whenever we leave the house.
Recently, I discovered a few Skillmatics travel activities that my kids have been loving so far, and my personal favourite things about them are that they’re reusable and they keep my kids distracted from asking to watch Gabby’s dollhouse. That being said, I’m sharing 5 travel activities that have been occupying my kids on our road trips and appointments.
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Why Travel Activities Are a Lifesaver for Moms
My kids would always cry and complain in the car during road trips, and it usually sounded something like this: “Mama, I’m bored,” “Mama, are we there yet?” “Mama, can I have your phone?” It always frustrated me, but ever since I came across other mom creators on social media sharing these travel activity ideas, I realised that having a few simple activities ready was the best solution for us. Now, instead of constant complaints, my kids have something else to focus on when we’re on the go.
I actually put together a simple Mess-Free Activities Book filled with easy, no-prep ideas you can use anytime, not just for travel days. It’s a new project I just completed, and it’s a collection of the printables I’ve created and used with my own kids, so you know it’s something that’s genuinely part of our everyday routine. Also, these are the kinds of activities I usually turn to when I need something quick that actually works for us. So if you ever find yourself thinking, “I just need something easy to keep them busy right now,” this book is exactly for that.
Mess-free activity book for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2–5. Specifically created for busy and not-so-crafty moms who just need something quick and simple that actually works.
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, and what I love about this travel activity is that while they’re focused and searching, they’re also learning new words. My four-year-old daughter learned some restaurant words just by searching and ticking off words. On top of that, it’s an activity that would literally buy you 20 minutes.
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. You just need to fill the pen with water and give it to your kids to 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.
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.
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.
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
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Do You 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.”
