Are you planning a long road trip, waiting at the doctor’s office, or simply looking for ways to keep your kids entertained on the go? Portable activities are the answer! Whether you’re traveling or just need a break from screens at home, these ten activities are sure to keep your kids engaged and entertained wherever you are.

1. Coloring Books and Crayons: Compact and mess-free, coloring books are a classic portable activity. Pack a few along with a set of crayons or colored pencils and watch as your kids unleash their creativity. And, if you don’t have a book handy (or if you’ve a perfectionist child that wants to do the same image multiple times), a quick Google or Bing search for “color book pages [topic]” will give you hundreds you can print out. For instance, here’s a nifty assortment of cat coloring pages.
2. Sticker Books: Sticker books offer endless possibilities for imaginative play. From themed scenes to blank pages waiting to be adorned, these compact books are perfect for keeping little hands busy. Of course, you’ll either want to keep a close eye on younger kids or be ready with methods for removing sticky stickers.
3. Activity Books: Look for activity books filled with puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dots, and more. These books come in various themes and are great for stimulating young minds while on the go. Don’t forget to include Summer Solutions. Those few minutes a day help a student retain knowledge over the summer. Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. (Buy the books for the school year just completed.)
4. Card Games: A deck of cards opens up a world of possibilities for portable entertainment. Teach your kids classic card games like Go Fish or Crazy Eights, or invent your own games together. The Bicycle Cards site has rules for most classic card games.
5. Story Cubes: Story cubes are small dice with pictures on each side. Roll the dice and let your kids create imaginative stories based on the pictures that come up. It’s a fun and creative way to pass the time. Rory’s has a large selection, including licensed brands like Harry Potter or themes like mysteries and heroes.
6. Pipe Cleaners: Pipe cleaners are a versatile and mess-free craft supply. Challenge your kids to create animals, shapes, or anything else their imaginations can dream up. Here are several sites with crafting ideas: One Little Project, Mod Podge Rocks, and Gathered.
7. Miniature Puzzles: Look for compact puzzles with fewer pieces that are easy to transport. These puzzles provide a great opportunity for quiet concentration and problem-solving skills. Many companies offer these MicroPuzzles, Puzzledly, and Galison are just a few. Note: Be sure to choose puzzles with pieces that fit the needs and abilities of your child and avoid any choking hazards.
8. Travel-sized Board Games: Many classic board games come in travel-sized versions, making them perfect for on-the-go entertainment. Whether it’s chess, checkers, or Connect Four, these games are sure to provide hours of fun. La Jolla Mom offers more ideas with 30 Travel Games for Kids.
9. DIY Busy Bags: Create your own busy bags filled with small toys, puzzles, and activities. Customize them based on your child’s interests and age, and you’ll always have a go-to entertainment option wherever you go. There are pre-made ones you can buy online and Pinterest has so many great ideas for making ones yourself!
10. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Turn any outdoor space into a fun adventure with a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for your kids to find, such as pinecones, flowers, or rocks, and let them explore their surroundings. Here are links to a few premade, printable ones: Arts & Crafts Kids, Mrs. Merry, and Doing Good Together.

I’d like to say that with these ten portable activities in your arsenal, you’ll never have to worry about keeping your kids entertained on the go again, but you will be well-prepared. Whether you’re traveling or just need a break from screens at home, these activities are sure to spark creativity, imagination, and plenty of fun!