From fidget bags to sticker books, readers have shared their hard-won hacks for keeping children entertained during long journeys. The tips come in response to a call for tried-and-tested tricks, with respondents offering solutions for car trips, flights, and train rides.
Fidget Bags and Wrapped Toys
Reader Tim Leadbeater, on a long car trip from the UK to France with his kids, attached small plastic baskets with string around the pillars of the front headrest. “They held everything from felt tips to half-eaten food, not only preventing stains on covers but also keeping everything reachable for kids in car seats,” he said.
Deborah Berzins made a “fidget bag full of little characters, a toy snake, a stretchy man toy, and finger puppets,” which only came out on car journeys so the novelty didn't wear off. Another reader, Kate, suggested wrapping small, individual toys in old wrapping paper. “Even the oldest crayon, book or tiny Lego figure became an exciting discovery; the unwrapping was a game in itself, and the activity helped pass the time,” she said.
Boredom Busters
Nettie Hall, who has a no-screen policy, survived a solo trip from London to Cornwall with her three-year-old by arming herself with multiple activities. “I got several sticker books, a simple crown-making kit (sticking gems on a cardboard crown that ties around the head with string), small pots of play-dough, colouring pencils and Orchard Toys packable games,” she said. “Don’t overestimate the attention span of very young children!”
Sophie recommends packing “thousands of snacks,” but this isn’t just to keep her daughter preoccupied. “My daughter is intolerant to loads of things, so this is extra important as we can never guarantee a station shop will have anything she can eat,” she said.
One reader said she has never boarded a plane or train without a small colouring book for inevitable delays, sticking plasters and antiseptic wipes for cut knees, and small lollipops for cheering up children – and sometimes adults too.
Editor's Pick: Eye Masks Tested
When Jane Hoskyn tested sleep aids last year, she was surprised that a sub-£10 eye mask ended up giving her the best night’s sleep. Now she’s tested a range of 12, including masks that play music, massage your temples, and give you psychedelic light shows. Her guide reveals whether anything has toppled her favourite.
In Case You Missed It: Portable Chargers
Heading off on holiday or to a festival? Packing a portable charger can save the day. The Filter’s test of the best power banks features everything from a sub-£20 device that fits in a pocket to one for multiple users that might stop family squabbles. Remember: if flying, keep it in hand luggage.
Get Involved: Share Your Holiday Mishap Stories
Summer holidays aren’t always perfect. Sometimes we get sunburnt, lose luggage, or eat something that disagrees with us. How did you cope when things went wrong? What saved the day? Email thefilter@theguardian.com.
