Travelling with Littles: Play Tips That Actually Work on the Go
You know how travel and family outings with young kids can be super stressful? As an OT and someone with lots of little ones in my family, I’ve seen firsthand how tough it can be. Whether it’s sitting through a long flight, waiting at a café table, or being strapped into the car for hours, young children often struggle with the sitting still, the noise, and the unpredictability.
I’m on a mission to help parents feel more confident managing these moments. Over the years, I’ve learned strategies and play tools that can make outings and travel feel a little smoother and I'm sharing some of them with you here. And because I know how valuable it is to have something ready to grab‑and‑go, I’ve even been working on a little travel kit behind the scenes that I’ll share more about soon.
🎒 Be Prepared & Proactive
Transitions are one of the hardest parts of travel for young children. New environments, loud sounds, long waits, and sitting still for hours—all of it challenges their ability to self-regulate.
Here's where play comes in. Research shows that sensory-rich play as an example, helps sustain attention, and settle into routines. When you plan ahead with a few intentional play options, you’re not just preventing meltdowns—you’re setting your child up for calmer, happier travel.
🧸 Toy Selection Tips
When choosing what to bring, think small but mighty. The best travel toys are:
Compact and lightweight – easy to slip into a backpack or carry-on.
Quiet – no noisy buttons or beeping that will test everyone’s patience mid-flight.
Open-ended – toys that can be used in multiple ways spark creativity and hold attention longer.
Safe for travel – avoid tiny parts that can get lost or launched across the aisle.
💡 Novelty, novelty, novelty!
Kids crave novelty. That’s why pulling out the same toy over and over won’t always cut it.
Why it works: Novelty activates dopamine pathways in the brain, which boosts motivation, attention, and emotional regulation. Even a toy your child hasn’t seen in weeks can feel brand new on a long car ride or flight.
✨Pro tip: Create a dedicated travel kit filled with new toys or toys your child hasn’t used in a while. Keep these separate from their everyday playthings and only bring them out for travel. This keeps the sense of novelty alive and makes the toys feel extra special.
🔄 Rotate
Bringing several activity ideas helps maintain novelty throughout the trip. Choose a small variety of toys and activities, but only bring out one at a time. This way, each item gets maximum play value and your child stays engaged for longer stretches.
🧼 Storage Matters
How you store toys can make or break travel play. A simple bag with compartments keeps things organized, separates activities, and helps you rotate toys to keep play feeling fresh.
It’s not just about convenience—this kind of setup also builds independence. When kids choose, pack away, and swap toys themselves, they’re practicing focus and self-regulation while having fun on the go.
Need inspiration? I’ve rounded up some of my favorite budget-friendly options:
Best Travel Toys from Kmart and Officeworks – OT-approved picks that support sensory play and child development on the go.
Essential Kids Activities for Travel with Kmart Items – easy prep ideas that reduce stress.
Kmart finds for happy toddler plane travel – quiet, compact toys that actually work mid-flight.
Run, don’t walk! 🙈 Perfect toys for quiet time and travel – great for cafes, waiting rooms, and flights.
KMART KIDS ACTIVITIES || HOW TO ENTERTAIN KIDS WHILE TRAVELLING - includes coloring books and bath toys for travel
Kmart Haul for Travel Hacks – clever storage ideas and travel-friendly activity setups.
✨ Stay tuned!
My Kids Travel Kit is coming soon. It’s a portable, purposeful play kit designed to be truly grab‑and‑go, filled with OT‑designed activities that support regulation and connection while you’re on the move.
Because let’s be real, travel and outings with little ones will always come with a bit of chaos. But with the right play tools, those moments can feel lighter, calmer, and a little more enjoyable for everyone.
Join the Travel Kit Waitlist
If you’d love a grab-and-go play kit designed for travel and outings like cafés and waiting rooms, join the waitlist here. I’ll let you know when it’s ready—and you’ll get first dibs.
