Kids in this age group are at a stage where they can understand and absorb a wealth of information, making travel an excellent opportunity for growth, connection, and fun. While screen time may captivate older kids, travel and vacation time provide a unique chance to introduce new learning experiences.
One of the best ways to ensure that your kid is interested in any part of the travel is to get your kid excited to document the trip in a travel journal. If older children can already write in the journal, younger children can still draw, color, cut, and glue on their travel journal. This great activity will make them busy throughout the entire trip collecting all possible materials in museum, shops, and restaurants. Another great way to make the most out of the trip is to focus on one skill you would like your child to learn during the vacation. It could be anything from learning how to read a dial clock, make jokes, learn the flags of different countries, or embroidering. Ideally, it would be a skill taught when you have a long time, such as a long car ride, a long flight, or while at the hotel, etc. For these and more tips for travel activities for 4-8 year old kids, keep on reading. We will use a trip to Oahu (Hawaii) as an example.
1. Preparing Kids for the Vacation
Several weeks before the trip, parents can build excitement and knowledge about the destination by:
- Utilizing YouTube videos showcasing locations to be visited during the trip. These videos, with or without narration, can be enjoyed during breakfast or playtime as a background.
- Reading kid-friendly books from the library that explain aspects related to the vacation destination. For example, if visiting Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, reading a Pearl Harbor-themed book beforehand can create anticipation and interest when visiting the Pearl-Harbour site. It is a fantastic way to sneak in some history and the key is finding an age-appropriate and exciting book.
- Gathering materials themed around the vacation, such as printing Hawaii coloring pages and acquiring Hawaiian-themed stickers. Some of these can be find in a local grocery store.
- Implementing a reward system to encourage trying new things. For instance, exchanging a little reward for trying unfamiliar foods or activities can motivate a child to step out of their comfort zone. One example could be to give a new special sticker at the end of each “brave” day.
2. Travel Journal
One of the most effective ways to guarantee an unforgettable experience for your little one and the entire family is to ignite their excitement about documenting the trip in a travel journal. Even if your child is between the ages of 4 and 8 and hasn’t mastered writing skills yet, the magic happens through drawing, coloring, cutting, and gluing within the pages of their very own travel journal. This not only keeps them engaged but transforms them into avid explorers on a mission, scouring museums, shops, and restaurants for every conceivable material to fill their journal. What do you need to do? Before the trip, choose together a nice and portable notepad to use as Journal. To add to the creative play give them a new set of special pencils, oil pastels, or crayons and a set of stickers aligned with the theme of the vacation.
Want to take it up a notch? Invest in a Mini Photo Printer. It might be a bit pricey but think of it as an investment in making memories. Your 4-8-years-old can pick the best 2-6 pictures each day and print them in a single sheet for their travel diary. It’s easy to use – just connect it to your phone via Bluetooth with an app. The best part? The app lets you make collages with multiple pictures on a single sheet, so you can cut out many small pictures and save on the printing sheets. Parents can join in on the fun too by participating in the journal by drawing in it or by adding sweet messages to add a special touch.
3. Developing Skills During Vacation
Another great way to make the most out of the trip is to focus on one skill you would like your child to learn during the vacation. It could be anything from learning how to read a clock, make jokes, tie shoes, learn the flags of different countries, or embroidering. Ideally, it would be a skill that can be taught during dead times, such as a long car ride, at a restaurant, during a long flight, at the hotel, etc.., so you can transform those pockets of downtime into valuable learning moments. Here are a few ideas below.
1. Mastering the Art of Jokes
This is a great choice for kids interested in making jokes. Engage your child’s sense of humor by introducing them to the world of jokes. A dedicated book like LOL 101 can be a delightful companion, explaining the nuances of “wordplay” and various joke types making it perfect for car rides and mealtime. Offer a reward if needed to start, but often, the engagement sparked by the book is reward enough.
2. Reading a Dial Clock
For the younger ones, teach them how to read a dial watch with the help of engaging activity books on the topic. Check out available options like this one to make learning to read the clock a fascinating adventure for your child.
3. Flags of Different Countries
Explore the world through flags during car rides. For kids that don’t know flags, you can start by having your child hold the cards and describing the flag colors to the parents who need to guess. This is a great option that doubles as a memory game with flag cards.
4. Introduction to Sewing or Embroidery
For a hands-on experience, consider introducing your child to basic sewing or embroidery skills. Portable sewing kits make it a convenient option for travel. See option 1 and option 2.
5. Basic Origami
Introduce the art of paper folding with basic origami. Teach your child how to create simple animals, airplanes, boxes, or boats using colorful origami paper. It’s a portable and engaging activity perfect for various travel settings. The brand “Djeco” offers one of the best quality and design.
6. Counting in a Foreign Language
Turn language learning into a game by teaching your child to count in a foreign language. Choose basic numbers and phrases, making it a fun and interactive way to introduce them to different cultures.
7. Storytelling Techniques
Enhance your child’s storytelling abilities by teaching them various storytelling techniques. Encourage them to create their own tales, improving their verbal communication skills and fostering creativity.
8. Map Reading and Navigation with a Compass
Utilize maps during your travels to teach your child the basics of map reading. Show them how to identify landmarks, read symbols, and understand directions. It’s a practical skill that combines geography with real-world navigation. Extend your child’s knowledge of directions by teaching them how to use a compass. Turn walks or hikes into mini adventures where they can practice navigating with this basic tool.
9. Introduction to Photography
Turn your child into a budding photographer by teaching them the basics of framing and capturing interesting shots. Provide them with a simple camera or smartphone and encourage them to document their perspective of the trip.
4. Use a Kid’s Camera
Give your child their camera and watch them become the storyteller of your family adventures. This simple act helps them pay closer attention to things during the trip and capture what’s special to them. The combination of a personal camera and a travel journal enhances their ability to tell the story in their own way. When you return home, transform these captured moments into a mini photo album—a tangible keepsake to share their experiences with teachers and classmates. There are a variety of kid-friendly cameras available. Consider a reliable and budget-friendly model for 4-year-olds, like the suggested option. Older kids aged 6-8 can benefit from a slightly advanced yet user-friendly camera, such as the recommended model [provide link]. Providing your child with a camera not only sparks creativity but also leaves them with a cherished memory from the family journey.
5. Mini Backup Activity Kit
In situations where kids are stuck waiting with limited entertainment, a mini backup kit of activities proves handy during travels. Always tucked away in a bag or purse, it’s a compact lifesaver for combating boredom. This mini kit serves as a convenient option in moments when there’s nothing to do. There are many ways to compose this mini-kit but one great combo includes the following
- Activity Cards with Activity Ideas. You will love this relatively inexpensive option that provides 52 things to do on an airplane but can be used for any occasion. The coolest thing is that nothing is needed for this activity just some kids and their brain.
- Thin pieces of chalk. On some occasions having a couple of pieces of chalk can help to entertain the kids while waiting in the street or at the restaurant. You can easily create the basis for a great game such as obstacle courses, hopscotch, or street chalk craft. It is recommended to have one chalk piece per child.
- Two deflated colored balloons. It can work wonders at the gate while waiting for the plane but really can be so helpful in many other situations. They can exercise catching the ball, kicking it, chase it to see who gets it first.
- Lollipops. You don’t have to use them but they could get handy in so many ways.
ADD PICTURE FOR IT
6. Other Favourite Activities/Toys
For the trip itself, consider a mix of reused and new materials. When possible, buying a few inexpensive new toys or tools can help keep the activities fresh. Here is a selection of the best travel games and activities:
A) Kid Map of Destination and Compass
A lot of maps appropriate for kids can be find in the internet for free. You can print and even laminate one for each of your kid, so that they could follow the travel. While in the car, you can give them the compass and ask them if the car is moving North, East, or South and they would look at their compass to answer.
B) New Notepad, Scissors, Glue, Washi Tapes
To draw, write, color, glue materials found at the destination.
C) Connect the Dots
This is a fun and compact activity to use in restaurants or Airbnb. These game cards come in multiple sheets to connect the dots and then color. The back of each card as tic-tac-toe to play.
D) Scavenger Hunt Cards
This is always such a fun game enjoyed by kids of all ages. This specific kit has three sets, one to enjoy during a long drive, one for outdoor, and one for the plane ride.
E) Coloring Book or Activity Book
You can add sticker books too.
F) Polly Pocket
Great for the hotel room too.
G) Cars and Washi Tape Road and road signs
A classic game for car passionate
H) Magnetic travel games
Like a dress up doll or a magnetic travel activity are the best way to keep entertained kids furing flights without having to collect game pieces all over the floor. Melissa & Doug have good options here. A more compact and self-contained option is here.
I) Yoto player
To listen to stories – Yoto offers a more compact version which is optimal for traveling.
If you are interested in the best travel toys and activities for younger children, go to this post (coming soon!).
7. As A Last Thing
As a last thing, it is always a good idea to allow your child to pack his/her backpack with the best things she/he decides to take on vacation. Feel free to try these suggestions and share your experiences with us! As usual, please share your favorite travel activities for the whole community of working parents to enjoy. Happy travels!
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