Creating the Ultimate Travel Backpack for Kids

When we were getting ready to travel to Hawaii, I set off to create the ultimate travel backpack for my kids. My plan was to have essentially everything they needed to keep busy on the plane in this backpack because let’s face it, electronic tablets only keep them entertained for so long. I am happy to report that this plan was successful! So successful that these backpacks will be coming with us on every single trip from here on out.

Here is what you need to create your own ultimate travel busy bag for kids (some of these are affiliate links, which means I make a commission at no additional cost to you):

Sensory Toys

The hardest part of travel for my kids is that they have to stay seated on the plane or car. So they need some sort of activity that allows them to fidget and create with their hands. I packed two of my favorites in their travel backpack: Wikki Stix and slime. Yes, you read that right..slime! My husband questioned my sanity when I brought along two small slime petri dishes with a toy frog inside (Target dollar section find!). But he wasn’t questioning me anymore when it kept them busy for over 30 minutes! That’s some pretty golden travel time earned by slime.

Wikki Stix are our favorite travel and restaurant toy. They are made of wax and yarn and allow kids (and adults ha!) to create shapes, people and more. As long as you don’t smush them into a tight ball like my three-year-old did, they are totally reusable.

Art Kit

I found this great plastic clipboard container at the Target dollar section as well. They already had some paper, stickers and a few markers inside. I added some other things like markers, crayons, construction paper, coloring book and a card game (Go Fish). This kit was great because the kids made their own travel journal during our dinners. Double win!

Activity Books and Reading Books

The Dollar Tree is one of my favorite places to find slim activity books. Especially since we were taking the kids out of school, I wanted to include some educational activities. I found age appropriate workbooks for both kids and also found a great sticker puzzle book. I ordered these fun puffy sticker and scene sets that the kids were able to reuse to create multiple scenes. Lastly, I added some books that I knew they would love to read. Not only are books great for the plane, but also double for bedtime stories (my kids won’t fall asleep until they get their bedtime stories!).

Snacks

The key to packing snacks for my family is that I try to limit sugar. It helps for a much smoother trip for all of us. Some ideas are almonds, crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, etc. Although I don’t love sugary snacks, the kids always have lollipops for take off/landing to help with ears. Our pediatrician recommends flat lollipops because the mechanism that helps open up ears works best when the tongue is near the roof of the mouth.

Quality Backpack

Finding a backpack with lots of functional pockets, pouches and can withstand beating from a child AND travel is key. I was a content creator for Ju-Ju-Be last year and fell in love with their high quality bags that are comfortable to carry. The Be Right Back backpack is my favorite as it has lots of great compartments and the padded shoulder straps make for more comfortable travel. Plus my kids are obsessed with the prints!

Neck Pillow

This definitely helps keep them more comfortable during a nap. Especially if they doze off in a seated position. It fit perfectly in the backpack too!

What is your must-have for travel?

With love,

Shahla