15 On-The Go Activities For Kids (part 1)

We’re on our way!

Travel takes us to a multitude of new and exciting places. However, the worst part of traveling (especially traveling with kids) can sometimes be the actual traveling part! In part one of our two-part series, we will suggest some fun and free toddler games and activities to play with your little one to make the experience of driving, flying, or any other kinds of traveling with kids an enjoyable one!

1. License Plate
   During a car ride, especially with little ones who are just learning how to read, a game of license plate is a fun way to both practice reading and counting skills! Start by choosing a number of license plates, and then choose a state! For example, say, “Find three license plates from Florida.”
2. I-Spy
   This game is a classic, simple, and free toddler game! Passengers can identify something they see outside of a window, and describe it by saying, for example, “I spy with my little eye something that is green”. Those playing will then guess by saying, “Is it a tree? Another car?” and so on. Once the object is identified, someone else can take a turn. This is a great way for children to learn about different shapes, objects, and colors!
3. One Word Story You can play this with as few or as many people as you like! Each person participating can choose a word, and one by one the words will come together to form a story! Here is an example:
   Person 1: Once
   Person 2: Upon
   Person 3: A
   Person 4: Time
   And soon, a story will form. This is a great way to practice social emotional learning and creativity while traveling with kids!
4. Karaoke
   Another great activity for car rides! For this free toddler game, choose tracks off of YouTube to play out loud in the car, and let your little ones express their singing abilities to their heart’s content.
5. Audiobooks
   Audiobooks are a great way to experience a story as a family. Either play them out loud during a car ride, or listen via headphones from a tablet or smartphone during a plane, train, or bus ride. If your child has a favorite book they read during their online Montessori preschool classes, that’s even better!
6. Coloring pages/books
   Coloring pages are utilized in many Montessori preschool classes, and are most likely a familiar and fun way for your child to pass the time! Finding a coloring activity book can also provide fun additional free toddler games and activities like mazes and puzzles. This will help your little one with fine motor skills and learning colors.
7. Wiki Sticks
   Wicki Sticks are a common find in many Montessori preschool settings, so again, they will be a familiar item for your child! Wicki Sticks are inexpensive and come in packs with activity booklets included, providing endless ways to explore their creativity! Again, an excellent fine-motor-skill exercise.

Want more ideas for free toddler games to play while traveling with kids? Read our continued article for even more travel activities!

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Continue to Part 2