20 Must-Have Travel Items for Families with Kids
Travelling with young children can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be! With proper planning and the right gear, family trips can be enjoyable experiences. Here are 20 items that have proven to make journeys smoother and more fun.
1. Bubbles!
Bubbles are a great distraction to have on hand. They can entertain kids of all ages, especially in waiting situations or during travel delays. Just ensure they’re under 100ml for air travel.
Set of six assorted bubble wands (35ml), $6.50 from Kmart.
2. Camping Light
This versatile light has eight settings, including a pull-out string of waterproof fairy lights. Perfect for night-time comfort on trips, even if you’re not camping!
Camping String Lights, $15.99 from Amazon.
3. Inflatable Foot Rest
Ideal for flights, this portable footrest inflates and provides extra space for kids to relax, potentially leading to better naps.
Koala Kloud Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow, $23.97 from Amazon.
4. Car Tape
This clever tape resembles a road and allows for creative play with toy cars, making it a compact, engaging travel item.
PlayTape Road Tape for Toy Cars (5cm wide by 914cm), $11.97 from Amazon.
5. Car Seat Organiser
A backseat organizer holds snacks, toys, and devices, making everything easily accessible and freeing you from the constant reach-back struggles.
ONE PIX Backseat Car Organizer, $12.99 from Amazon.
6. Busy Book
A fabric busy book is perfect for keeping little hands occupied during flights, at restaurants, or while waiting in lines.
Wondertivity Lucky Lion Toddler Book, $88.
7. Blackout Sleep Tent
These tents provide a dark space for kids to sleep, making hotel stays easier when sharing rooms.
SlumperPod Blackout Sleep Tent, $379 from The Sleep Store.
8. Mess Free Colouring Book
Water-based coloring books use a reusable pen, making them perfect for travel and mess-free fun.
Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! book, $8.99 from Amazon.
9. Snack Spinner
This game-like snack container dispenses one snack at a time, sparking excitement while keeping kids entertained.
GoBe Large Snack Spinner from The Sleep Store, $53.95.
10. Magnetic Tiles
Lightweight and versatile, magnetic tiles allow kids to build while learning about physics and creativity. They travel well as they take up little space.
Magnatiles Micromags Travel Set $49.95 from The Toy Box or Magnetic Blocks Playset, $22 from Kmart.
11. Tray Table Cover
A tray table cover prevents toys from falling off during flights and doubles as a play area on high chairs.
Airplane Tray Table Cover, $29.99 from Amazon.
12. White Noise Machine
Essential for babies and toddlers, a portable white noise machine helps drown out unfamiliar noises, aiding sleep.
Yogasleep Hushh Continuous White Noise Machine, $59.95 from The Sleep Store.
13. Caddie
A sturdy caddie keeps essentials organized for quick access, whether at home or on the go, like snacks or travel toys.
Bunny Caddie in Classic Tan, $123.
14. Magnetic Dress-Up Set
A travel-friendly dress-up kit with magnets keeps kids entertained without the mess of traditional dolls.
Princess Magic Magnetic Dress-up, $18.25 from Amazon.
15. Sticker Book
Compact and mess-free, sticker books offer interactive play. Paw Patrol Sticker Book Treasury has 350 reusable stickers for hours of entertainment.
Paw Patrol Sticker Book Treasury, $13.99 from Amazon.
16. Air Mattress
A smart inflatable bed, ideal for kids, prevents nighttime roll-offs and is easy to pack and set up.
Intex Kids Travel Air Mattress Inflatable Bed, $41.31 from Amazon.
17. Draw and Wipe Tablet
This fun, battery-powered drawing tablet offers screen-free entertainment that’s easy to clear for continued creativity.
Play and Learn 25cm Draw N Wipe Tablet, $20 from Kmart.
18. Merino Clothing
Merino garments are lightweight, breathable, and great for adjusting to temperature changes on trips.
The Sleep Store All Seasons Merino/Tencel Long Sleeve Bodysuit, $39.95.
19. Headphones
Quality headphones designed for young ears help manage travel noise and allow kids to enjoy their media without disturbing others.
JBL Junior 320 Wired On-Ear Kids Headphones Blue, $39.95 from Warehouse Stationery.
20. Kids Activity Book
Familiar bedtime stories can ease transitions while new books keep them engaged. The Bluey: Where’s Bluey search book is a fun choice!
Bluey: Where’s Bluey, $18.73 from Amazon.
Note: Items can vary in price and availability. We may earn revenue from affiliate links.
