How to create a portable activity kit for your kids
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Traveling with kids often comes with the challenge of keeping them entertained during long flights, restaurant visits, or waiting times.
A portable activity kit is a simple and effective way to ensure your child stays engaged wherever you go.
It’s small enough to fit in a backpack yet packed with fun, open-ended activities that encourage creativity and independent play.
We have used a portable activity kit on many trips, and it has made a huge difference in keeping our kids happy and making travel smoother.
Whether you’re preparing for a plane ride, a road trip, or just looking for an easy way to keep little ones occupied on the go, this guide will help you put together a kit that works for your family.
Why create a portable activity kit for your kids
A well-packed activity kit offers:
- A simple way to keep kids entertained without needing screens
- A compact and lightweight solution that fits in a backpack
- Mess-free activities that are easy to use in small spaces
- Open-ended play options that spark creativity and imagination.
It’s not just for travel — this kit is also great for restaurants, waiting rooms, or any time kids need quiet entertainment.
How to create a portable activity kit
Step 1: Choose the Right Container
The best option for a portable kit is a zippered lunch box or a small storage case. It should be:
- Compact and easy to carry
- Sturdy enough to hold small toys and supplies
- Simple for kids to open and access on their own
A zippered case helps keep everything organized while fitting easily into a bag or backpack.
Step 2: Select the best activities for your kit
When choosing items, focus on small, lightweight, and reusable activities that match your child’s interests.
Here are some great ideas:
- A small notebook and drawing supplies (colored pens, twistable crayons, or markers)
- Mini activity books (doodle books, puzzle books, travel activity books)
- Card games or travel-size board games
- Small sticker books or sticker sheets
- A zipper pouch with small toys (mini figures, small toy cars, or animals)
- A mini playdough kit
- Simple craft supplies (pom-poms, craft gems, or craft sticks)
- A few new surprise items to spark curiosity (a spinning top, a compass, or a small fidget toy).
Step 3: Keep it fresh and engaging
To make the portable activity kit exciting every time, try these simple strategies:
- Include a mix of familiar favorites and new surprises so kids stay engaged.
- Rotate items before each trip to keep the kit fresh and interesting.
- Customize it for different travel situations — add more quiet activities for flights or more hands-on fun for road trips.
A portable activity kit is one of the easiest ways to keep kids entertained while traveling.
By choosing simple, engaging activities and keeping everything neatly packed in a small case, you’ll always have an easy solution for keeping kids happy on the go.
I hope you’ll enjoy trying this idea with your kids!
