Travel Toys: Tips and Activities for on the go entertainment for kids
Taking one child to their sports game or extracurricular is a breeze! When there are siblings along for the ride, things can get tricky. Keeping siblings entertained on the sidelines is a juggling act many parents know all too well. You can turn game day into an enjoyable experience for everyone with a bit of planning and the right travel toys! Here are practical tips and easily portable travel toys to keep younger occupied while supporting their athlete siblings.
This Post Contains Affiliate Links through the Amazon Associates program and other affiliate programs. This means I make a commission from purchases made through links on this page.
The Best Travel Toys to Bring for Younger Siblings
You don’t need to pack the whole toy box, but having a few well-chosen travel toys can help keep little ones entertained. I recommend starting with a portable picnic mat to create a home base for kids of all ages. Here are some of the best game-day activities (with links to shop for easy game-day prep):
- Coloring Books & Crayons – Compact and mess-free, a coloring book or drawing pad and crayons can go a long way. This stencil kit (in the photo above) has been a hit with the siblings on our team.
- Water Wow! Activity Books – No-mess painting books that can be used again and again.This is toddler and toddler parent’s favorite!
- Mini Building Blocks – A small container of LEGOs or this Magna-Tile travel set can keep hands busy and provide hours of open-ended play.
- Card Games – Kid card games like Uno or Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza are a great way to get several kids involved and keep them close when the venue is large or crowded.
- Picture Books to Assigned Summer reading– Storytime or fulfilling school required reading can be a great way to pass the time at a game.
- Crafts –The girls in our group of sports families love to sit on the picnic mat or in the play tent and craft. They make bracelets, pot holders, and other simple crafts.
- A Play Tent- A tent can provide hours of pretend play. They can use their imagination to transform the tent into a fort or clubhouse. It also can act as a weather barrier for sun or wind on intense weather days. Find one that is relatively small and easy to set up/ break down.
- Scooters/Bikes- Depending on the sports facility (it works well if it is mostly paved or has walkways) a scooter, balance bike, or skip-it can be a great toy to bring along. You will avoid having to carry a younger sibling. These active toys also provide a way for the sibling to burn off energy too
- Tennis Balls/ Nerf Footballs- let the sports siblings play their own game with a soft tennis ball or nerf football. Kids can play toss or make up endless games while working on their own sports skills.
Tips for Bringing Kids to Sibling’s Games & Events
Reinforce Family Values of Cheering on Siblings
Attending a sibling’s event teaches patience and the importance of family support. Support can be demonstrated in many forms. Time and attention are two ways kids can show support to each other. Talk with your younger kids about why cheering on their siblings matters. Make a connection that relates to the sibling in the stands. “We are at our older brother’s baseball game today to cheer him on, and he will come to support you at your swim meet next week!” Having a tangible event can help them make the connection. This is a special opportunity for them to watch and cheer for their sibling when they are in the game, and be part of the post-game celebration.
Bring Snacks (Lots of Them!)
I love the popular meme that says “I’m sorry for what I said when I was hangry.” This sentiment is never more true than when it comes to toddlers or young kids on a long day. Hunger is the quickest way to derail a smooth game day.
Pack snacks like cheese sticks, granola bars, apple slices, and crackers. I always try to pack snacks with protein to help balance blood sugar and stabilize mood. (See our favorite healthy sports snacks here). If you’re feeling extra prepared, have a special “game day” snack box that makes snacking your way through a game extra fun!
Bring the right travel toys
While sports games are exciting, they’re often long for younger kids. I always keep An activity bag filled with our favorite travel toys or arts and crafts supplies in my sports mom bag. See the list above for the best travel activities for kids.
Make It Special for Them
Find ways to include siblings in the experience. They can make signs or posters in support of their sibling or wear a team shirt. Let them be part of the game by giving them a small responsibility, like holding the team’s snack bag or keeping track of how many goals or runs their sibling scores.
Game Days Can Be Fun for Everyone
With a little preparation, sports games can be enjoyable for the whole family—even the younger siblings watching from the sidelines. By bringing the right snacks, choosing engaging activities, and emphasizing family values, you can turn those long game days into fun, memorable experiences for everyone.
What are your go-to tricks for keeping little ones entertained at games? Share your ideas in the comments below!
