Family holidays are all about creating memories, exploring new places, and enjoying quality time together. But as any parent knows, keeping children entertained during travel — whether on a long road trip, a flight, or downtime in a hotel — can be a challenge. One great way to keep kids engaged and off screens is through arts and crafts. Not only do these activities foster creativity and self-expression, but they can also turn idle moments into enriching experiences.
Here are ten of the best travel-friendly craft kits that are portable, fun, and perfect for sparking creativity while you’re on the move.
1. Melissa & Doug On-the-Go Water Wow!
This mess-free painting kit is ideal for younger children. It comes with reusable water-colouring books and a refillable water pen, making it easy to use in cars or airplanes. Kids can colour the same pages over and over again, making it great for extended use during trips.
2. Crayola Colour Wonder Mess-Free Colouring Sets
Crayola’s Colour Wonder line includes markers that only work on special Colour Wonder paper, preventing accidental artwork on airplane trays, hotel bedding, or rental car interiors. These sets come in compact packaging, with themes ranging from dinosaurs to princesses.
3. Creativity for Kids Craft Kits
This brand offers a variety of themed travel kits that range from bracelet-making to mini sewing kits. These packs are designed with portability in mind and come with all the necessary materials in one box. Many even include reusable cases for easy storage.
4. Kid Made Modern On-the-Go Craft Kit
These kits are a great choice for families who want a little more freedom in crafting. Each one includes a mix of supplies like pom-poms, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and glue, allowing kids to create their own original masterpieces on the fly.
5. Loom Bands Travel Kit
Perfect for older kids, loom bands are compact, quiet, and engaging. With just a small loom, a hook, and some rubber bands, children can make bracelets, keychains, and more. The kits often come in travel cases with divided sections to keep everything organized.
6. Usborne Activity Books
These interactive books come packed with puzzles, drawing prompts, and colouring pages. Titles like “100 Things for Little Children to Do on a Journey” combine entertainment with educational value and are slim enough to slide into any backpack or carry-on.
7. Sticker and Activity Books
From Peppa Pig to Marvel superheroes, sticker books are universally loved and incredibly portable. Many also come with reusable stickers, allowing kids to build scenes and stories multiple times without creating waste.
8. Wikki Stix Traveler Playset
Made from wax and yarn, Wikki Stix are bendable and reusable. They don’t leave a mess and can be used to create 3D sculptures or flat designs on any smooth surface. The travel set includes a carrying case and activity ideas, making it ideal for in-transit fun.
9. Paint by Sticker Kids
This is a unique spin on paint-by-numbers. Kids use pre-cut stickers to complete colourful illustrations. It’s clean, quiet, and incredibly satisfying for children who enjoy puzzles or step-by-step activities.
10. Travel Journal Kits
Encouraging kids to document their holiday is both fun and educational. These kits usually come with a small notebook, stickers, coloured pens, and prompts. They give children a chance to reflect on their experiences, record memories, and develop storytelling skills.
Traveling with kids often requires a bit of creativity and planning, and craft kits offer a simple yet effective way to keep young minds occupied. Not only do they provide entertainment, but they also support cognitive development, fine motor skills, and emotional expression — all while encouraging a break from screens.
Incorporating arts and crafts into your holiday can even enhance the overall experience. Resorts like Manor & Ashbury Resorts recognize the value of creative play during vacations and offer on-site workshops and craft sessions to engage young guests in meaningful activities.
Whether you’re waiting at the airport, winding down after a day of sightseeing, or dealing with a rainy afternoon indoors, these travel-friendly kits provide the perfect solution. They’re lightweight, self-contained, and versatile enough for a variety of ages and interests. Plus, they offer a special kind of bonding — one that’s quiet, focused, and full of imagination.
So next time you’re packing for a family trip, don’t forget to throw in a craft kit or two. You might just find that some of your child’s favourite holiday moments happen while cutting, sticking, and colouring — not just sightseeing.