Traveling with kids: how to prepare for a trip the whole family can enjoy
Travel really can bring more happiness to family life. Whatever your destination, what matters most is your family bond, and a holiday away from home is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together.
Another important part of preparing for a trip with your children is "packing." We know that packing for a trip with kids is no easy task. There is so much to bring, so it helps to plan ahead: what should go in the bags?
Diapers, towels, wet wipes, pacifiers, bottles, a bottle warmer, milk, and a changing mat are basic essentials for traveling with young children, and some are useful for older children too. Find more items in our article on preparing baby essentials before heading out.
But that is not all! Wherever you travel with your children, don't forget the toys! We mean it: children want to play wherever they are, so pack your child's favorite toys too. Your choices will largely depend on whether the toys can be used at your destination, so they can become part of your planned activities.
Let's look at what to bring on a holiday with kids!
A beach holiday
The seaside never gets old. If you love sunshine and white sand, you might forget it is time to go home. With your child set to spend days swimming and running along the sand, here are the essentials for a beach holiday...
- Pack sun protection to shield children from harmful UV rays.
- Several swimsuits to change into, and
- Most importantly, sand toys!
Safety note: Babies under 6 months should avoid direct sunlight. Keep them in the shade and dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. For babies this age, sunscreen should only be used when necessary on small areas, after consulting a doctor. For older children, use children's sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours or after water play (source: HealthyChildren.org (AAP)).
When children play in the sea or a swimming pool, an adult must stay within arm's reach at all times, even if the child is wearing a swim ring or life jacket, because young children can drown in seconds (water safety advice from the AAP).
Playing with sand is an excellent activity for helping children develop their thinking and motor skills.
Playing with sand and mixing it with water to build castles stimulates learning and develops creativity. Sand tends to capture children's interest, so beach toys worth bringing include shovels, buckets, and sturdy, good-quality plastic trays that will not break easily.
To help children develop a greater sense of responsibility, let them pack their own beach bag before heading out to play. They can use it to carry their towel, sunglasses, and other essentials for beach fun.
One last reminder: no beach trip is complete without sand toys! If you need play ideas, take a look at 5 beach games to play with your child.
Camping in the mountains
Hiking is a favorite activity for children because they get to explore nature with their parents or guardians. Safely spotting animals of all sizes in their natural surroundings makes it even more exciting.
For this kind of trip, you need camping equipment, including a tent, sleeping bags, and other essentials for camping in the mountains with children. For example, bring plenty of clothing to keep everyone warm and ready for changing mountain weather.
For young children, we recommend bringing a baby carrier to make outings and mountain walks easier. Remember to pack snacks and equipment that lets children take their outdoor play further. A compass can make an adventure even more exciting, or they can use a magnifying glass to examine insects and types of rock, observe birds and flowers, or enjoy a treasure hunt. See how much your child enjoys taking part in exploring the world.
Exploring the city
If you would rather stay nearby than travel to another province, a city outing can be a good option. But visiting five museums in one day could easily leave your child tired and bored. Break up the sightseeing with a walk in a park to recharge. Be sure to include places with playgrounds or children's museums so your child stays interested and enjoys exploring the city with you.
City-trip essentials include snacks, a camera, and a few small toys in your bag. Small, portable musical instruments can bring a cheerful, relaxed atmosphere to sightseeing breaks. Children can shake maracas or play a harmonica to unwind while sitting in line.
For older children, creative travel games are a good choice. They can play alone or with you and their siblings! A game like Gone fishin lets your child spend time catching fish during the car ride! If you have a long drive ahead, read 5 tips before your first road trip with your baby.
Preparing to travel with children is not easy, especially when they are very young. You need to bring more than usual, but you do not have to pack the entire house. Once you know where you are going, organize the essentials you will actually use and bring those along. And, of course, make sure at least 1 of your child's toys is among them!
If you are looking for a great developmental toy to pack for a trip with your child, Hape toys are a good choice, with a wide range of wooden toys that support development at every age.
Thoughtfully designed with children's learning in mind, they help children practice important skills such as seeing, listening, observing, using fine motor skills, solving problems, imagining, and thinking creatively. They also promote integrated academic learning through STEAM.
Their designs and durable materials support children's development while making child safety a priority, with non-toxic colors and FSC-certified wood. Their sturdy construction gives them a long lifespan, and they are environmentally friendly.
Hape is therefore a global wooden toy brand that prioritizes toy safety standards and environmentally conscious manufacturing.
It is easy to see how Hape wooden toys can enrich these activities and help keep little ones away from screens.
What matters most is sharing happy moments as a family, because wherever there is love, there is a complete home! What activities do you enjoy with your child? 😁
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