Travel Tips for Families: Creating the Ultimate Busy Bag

Setting off on a family adventure, a couple and their child are excitedly anticipating their flight, prepared to discover a new place together.

Here at The Cousins Collective, we highly encourage getting out and about with your kiddos! Traveling offers so many benefits. From multi-cultural exposure to learning how to work through adversity, kids build patience and adaptability skills. Plus, the sheer amount of fun and memories made as a family experiencing something new together is priceless.

However, we also know (from personal experience) that traveling with young kids can be quite challenging. Aligning your mindset and expectations before embarking on an adventure is critical. Here are a few reminders we like to keep in mind for every outing (...and trust me, we need the reminders).

The Busy Bag Cheat Code

The "busy bag" cheat code has saved us from meltdowns. It buys us time in traffic or during unexpected wait times. Plus, it reduces the chances of us resorting to screens for entertainment. If we ever forget to bring it along, we certainly feel the pang of regret!

Start Your Own Busy Bag Today!

Here are some of the greatest hits that are often found in our bag:

Coloring Materials

I never leave home without something to color or draw with! Here are my top picks:

1. Reusable Coloring Mat by Miminoo - A parent-owned brand with lovely designs and many uses!

2. Travel-Size Colored Pencils by Elsewhere Unplug, which come in a compact carrying case. They focus on sustainability, and some items are even made in the USA.

3. LCD Writing Tablets for endless doodling! These are also great for practicing writing numbers, ABCs, spelling, and math.

   
   

Pro Tip: Buy supplies like crayons in bulk or stock up during back-to-school sales so you always have a fresh pack on hand.

Travel Size Colored Pencils - 12 Colors

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Enchanted Forest Reusable Coloring Mat & Markers Set

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Sensory Dough

Sensory dough is a fantastic option for keeping little hands busy. Here are my favorites:

1. Eco-Dough - Another incredible product from Elsewhere Unplug. It’s made in the USA with non-toxic ingredients and sustainability in mind.

2. Mini Sensory Kits - From Magnolia Dough Co, another mom-founded brand we love!

   
   

Eco-Dough (4-Pack) – Natural, Non-Toxic Multi-Colors

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Unicorn Wishes Mini Sensory Kit

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Books

Look for mini versions and paperbacks as space-saving options. Bob Books or their flashcards are always a great choice, with offerings for little readers at every stage. I’ve even used the little books that come with kids' takeout meals!

Wheels

Boy moms, raise your hand if you have a little car stashed in every purse and tote you own. Same here!

1. Pullback Cars and Racers - Check out our adorable line of wooden pullback cars and racers on our site. From planes to race cars to trains and construction vehicles, there’s a set of wheels for everyone!

2. Hot Wheels - These iconic toys are fun to collect and race. They can be found just about anywhere at an incredible budget-friendly price. I like to buy a few individually wrapped for my stash to use as rewards or "just because" gifts.

   
   

Pro Tip for Hot Wheels Fans: Take your collection to another level! Check out the many custom Hot Wheels shelves on Etsy. We ordered one for our son's room, which helped control the car clutter, plus he loves to arrange them!

Race Car Mighty Minis set/4

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Pull Back Wooden Planes

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Pull Back Trains

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Fidget Toys and Squishies

Yes, there is a world of sensory items beyond Needoh. Here are some brands we love!

1. StickiKubes - Fidget, sensory toy, and building blocks all in one. I prefer these over Legos, and we’ve been able to wash multiple times without losing the stick-factor.

2. Worry Stones from Mindful & Co Kids. An unsung hero...for scary thunderstorms at nighttime, to calm nerves ahead of a big day at school, discussing different textures, etc. Our kids love having them near.

3. Ono Silicone Fidget Balls - The adults may try to sneak these for themselves! They come in multiple colors and are available in 4 or 8 packs.

   
   

Worry Stones for Kids – Sensory Fidget Set (6 Pack)

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Comfort Item

For the younger ones, I like to throw in something soft.

1. This little peach set from Little Lamb Co. doubles as a game!

2. A classic bear for on-the-go snuggles from The Blueberry Hill.

   
   

Sack of Peaches Play Set

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Plush Henry Bear

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Sports Ball or Compact Outdoor Toy

Sometimes all you need is to add a ball or frisbee to the mix, especially when other kids are around for group play. Roll, throw, catch, and bounce—open-ended play all day!

These Skytails from Sarah's Silks are lightweight and will delight your little one as they flutter in the sky. You may want to opt for a few!

Silk Skytails

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Screen-Free Classic Games

Here are some classic games that are perfect for screen-free fun:

1. Wooden Ball Game

2. Wooden Pinball Game

3. Paddle Ball

4. Mini Etch-A-Sketch

   
   

Wooden Animal Ball Game

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Wooden Pinball Game

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Neato! Bounce Back Paddle Ball- Retro Classic, vintage toys

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Lastly, I keep a stash of these items to occasionally switch out the toys in the bag. This keeps the activities feeling fresh and the kids excited about exploring its contents.

Do you have your own "busy bag" or travel cheat codes? Comment below. We’d love to hear about it!