Today I’m sharing my ultimate kids activity pack that is perfect for travel or whenever you need to keep your kids entertained in small spaces!
If, like me, you have kids who don’t sit still then these activity pack ideas will come in so handy. I have three young children (ages 7, 5 and 2) and we travel a lot. We take lots of plane journeys and long car journeys and I’ve created these DIY travel activity packs to keep them busy, happy and quiet for hours at a time.
My kids play with them during long journeys but they’re also handy when we’re eating out on holiday or just any situation when they’re going to be bored!
My eldest son is 7 so he’s getting much better at entertaining himself during long journeys (it’s a dream come true for him to have unlimited screen time!) but my energetic 5 year old and my stroppy toddler are still a bit of a handful!
- 【PREMIUM FABRIC & DETAILS CREATE QUALITY】Made of 600D cationic Oxford cloth, which is water-impermeable and not easy to scratch and wear.In case of water droplets, just drying it with a dry...
- 【DOCUMENT FOLDER WITH LOCK】With a three-digit code lock design, whenever and wherever you can keep your important documents and valuables safe.
- 【LARGE CAPACITY&MULTI-LAYERED FILE ORGANIZER】Large capacity with 2 interior compartments to keep your important items well organized and easy to find what you need. Built-in 4 passport mesh bags,...
Let me introduce you to my kids activity pack….
I first discovered a similar kids activity pack on Pinterest that involved using a zippable binder and I’ve adapted the idea to fit my kids and my budget.
Most Busy Books and Busy Binders I came across were created for learning purposes like teaching kids the alphabet or animal names. My kids activity packs do have some educational activities but the main purpose is to keep kids happy, entertained and playing independently for as long as possible!
I’m based in the UK so I’ve recommended UK stores to purchase everything to go inside your busy binder – but many of these items are pretty generic and can be picked up on Amazon, stationary stores and budget shops (like Dollar Tree). I think the trick is to find a good binder and everything else will be fine!
This kids activity pack can be personalised to your child depending on their age and interests. You can create your Busy Binder on a real budget or go nuts and create something incredible! I’ve got some ideas to create a kids activity pack on a budget below.
Here are some things I like to add to our activity packs:
- Unicorn & Animals Colouring Books are colouring and activity books ideal for children aged 3-8 years.
- Each book contains 36 pages (72 sides) and 1 page of stickers filled with colouring & activities for keeping children entertained for hours.
- Dimensions are 270 x 197mm
- Creates thick or thin lines and are ideal for those little details on arts and crafts projects for school and home
- These premium felt tip pens give a smooth intense colour laydown, no squeaks or drags
- The inks wash off skin and clothing
- Ross, Bryce (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 305 Pages - 09/18/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- CREATE SPARKLY JEWELLERY: Combine glitter and pearlescent beads with the picture beads on silky cord to make necklaces, or add cool beads and holographic stickers to elastic to make fun bracelets
- ARTS AND CRAFTS SET: The bracelet making kit includes 25 round, heart and flower picture beads, holographic stickers, 20 heart beads, 20 star beads, 120 round beads, silky cord, elastic and guide
- LEARNING MADE FUN: Watch your children be inspired with the jewellery making kit, The kids craft kit encourages self-expression, innovation and creativity, and helps to improve fine motor skills
- Hours of Cute Crafting Fun: Create 4 adorable fluffy friends with the wooden animal templates and colourful wool
- Develops Early Creative Skills: Wrap the wool around the animal template and cut to create a fluffy pompom
- Builds Confidence: Make fluffy friends to proudly hang on your bag or give to friends
- FANTASTIC FOIL ART KIT: Create 8 sparkly pictures by simply peeling off a section from the picture, place the foil over the sticky area, rub and then lift to transfer sparkly foil to your picture
- COMPREHENSIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS SET: The craft set includes 25 foil sheets in 8 assorted colours, 8 pictures and a useful how-to guide to help you through the activity set, Picture size: 18 x 12.5cm
- LEARNING MADE FUN: Watch your children be inspired with the Fab Foil Art kit, The kids craft kit encourages self-expression, innovation and creativity, as well as helping to improve fine motor skills
- FOIL ART & CRAFT ACTIVITY: Let your child's imagination soar with this magical, mess-free foil art and craft activity. They can create stunning pictures featuring princesses, fairies, and unicorns,...
- INCLUDES: 100+ Foam Stickers, 100 Colourful Foil Sheets, 10 Picture Canvases, Googly Eyes & Instruction Manual
- EASY TO USE: Select a picture canvas, apply sparkly foil sheets using the included stickers, and watch the picture come to life!
- Get ready for a colour explosion with the PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Book
- Item package quantity: 1.0
- Age range description: 3 years and above
- NEW Funny Faces Sticker Books with double the amount of faces to create. Ideal for children aged 3-8 years
- Each book contains 8 pages (16 sides) & 4 pages of stickers.
- Filled with 16 faces to create for hours of fun & laughter.
- 【Learn From Happiness】Toddler Busy Book Perfect for children practicing fine finger movement, hand-eye coordination, creative expression and other abilities.
- 【More stickers】 Some animals stickers have words and some don't, to help children learn and recognize them. You will get 88PCS stickers
- 【Fold-Out Scenes Book】Sticker books can be expanded to larger, rich and interesting play scenarios for children to imagine and create infinite stories.
- Mess free coloring: colors appear only on special Color Wonder paper, not on skin, clothing, or carpets!
- Travel Far and wide Keeping your Children entertained with our exclusive Easel set!
- Exclusive Collection of PJ Masks Color wonder pages Included
- Marvel Entertainment International Ltd (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages - 01/06/2022 (Publication Date) - Studio Press (Publisher)
And let’s not forget that the trust iPad with chunky bumper has to be in there too!
- Striking 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
- A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU
- 12MP Wide back camera
- 🎉【Compatibility】: This case designed for New iPad 10th generation 2022 10.9 Inch. (Model: A2757/A2777/A2696). ⚠ WILL NOT FIT ANY OTHER MODEL. Please check the model on the back before...
- 🎉【Super Protection】: Our case is durable, prevent your iPad 10th generation 10.9 tablet from accidental drops, screen scratches, bumps, and collisions, give your iPad 10th generation 2022...
- 🎉【Lightweight & Portable Handle Stand】: This iPad 10.9 Inch 2022 case with portable handle stand, and it is lightweight, convenient for your kids to catch the handle around. And the built-in...
- 【Safer Kids Headphones】: Designed to prevent hearing loss, iClever kids headphones boast 2nd generation 85dBA safe volume limit technology which meets CDC recommendations. Kids can enjoy up to 8...
- 【High Definition Acoustics】: Featuring a built-in 40mm drive unit, these headphones for kids deliver crystal-clear stereo sound with rich bass and crisp highs. With these comfortably fit childrens...
- 【90°Swivel Ear Cups & Comfy Wearing】: The soft head pad and 90°swivel ear cups offer a snug fit, perfect for long-term wearing during flights and road travels. The adjustable headband ensures a...
What is a Busy Binder?
A Busy Binder is a zippable folder you fill with kids activities to keep your children entertained during long journeys.
Using a zippable folder is a great way to keep all your kid’s activities together and stop everything getting lost, messy or rolling away! I find it much easier to use a folder and the kids find it super exciting too!
If I just shove everything into a bag then things get lost, forgotten and generally a bit chaotic. When it’s all inside a binder, kids can place it on their knee and they’re happy for hours and barely need to move! They don’t need to go rummaging in bags which can be awkward on a plane or while strapped in a car seat.
If you can keep your kids activity pack a secret until you get on the plane then you’ll get extra brownie points because your kids will love it!
You can fill your binder with plastic wallets and place activities inside the wallets. If you have paper-based activities (like drawing and colouring) you can either place them inside a wallet or holepunch them and insert them in the folder.
You can also get pockets and pencil cases with binder holes so it can be clipped inside the folder so things don’t get lost.
I’ve used three different styles of binder for each of my kids to show you how you can do them differently.
You could create this kids activity pack without a binder but putting everything together in the binder seems to be what makes it so exciting for kids.
How do you create a Busy Binder?
To create a Busy Binder kids activity pack you’re going to need:
- A binder / folder (suggestions below)
- Some plastic wallets
- Activity booklets (info about printing your own activity books further down)
- Colouring books
- Sticker books
- Magazines
- Reading books
- Crayons, pencils or pens
- Small toys
What binder should I use?
You can use any kind of binder you like, from a basic folder you’re probably already got at home, to a fancy zippable conference folder with different sleeves, wallets and compartments.
It would be easy to get carried away and spend an absolute fortune on your kids activity pack for the plane. I’ve tried to keep mine within a reasonable budget but it’s totally up to you. If it’s something you’ll be using regularly then I think it’s money well spent to avoid a toddler meltdown or whinging kids during a long journey! It’ll be something you can use time and time again and once your kids have outgrown it, you’ll probably use the binder for boring adult stuff! It also starts your holiday well as the kids will be so excited to sit down on the plane and open their activity packs.
When looking for a binder, look for one that features:
- A zip so things don’t fall out
- A hard case or clipboard function so kids can lean on the binder for drawing
- Interior pocket for pens and crayons
- A handle so kids can easily carry it
Here are some options for different binders….
- 【PREMIUM FABRIC & DETAILS CREATE QUALITY】Made of 600D cationic Oxford cloth, which is water-impermeable and not easy to scratch and wear.In case of water droplets, just drying it with a dry...
- 【DOCUMENT FOLDER WITH LOCK】With a three-digit code lock design, whenever and wherever you can keep your important documents and valuables safe.
- 【LARGE CAPACITY&MULTI-LAYERED FILE ORGANIZER】Large capacity with 2 interior compartments to keep your important items well organized and easy to find what you need. Built-in 4 passport mesh bags,...
- Zippers, we know your documents matter, that's why we use the industry's highest quality zippers to better protect your documents
- ELEGANT ROSE GOLD: This is the rose gold that every girl can't resist! Give it to your girlfriend, daughter or girlfriend and they will love it. It is suitable for office workers, interviews, speeches...
- Size and capacity: 9.8 x 12.9 x 1.57 inches (25 x 33 x 4 cm). Can carry: at least 2 pens, headphones, business card holder, file folder, more than 150 sheets of standard paper, writing pad, etc
This rose gold ring binder would be a great option for a little girl.
- 【Premium Fabric & Details Produce Quality】Made of 600DD twill Oxford tarpaulin, it is not easy to abrasion and scratches. Built-in shock-absorbing cotton,which protects important documents and...
- 【Security Code Lock Design】You can keep files safe and organized wherever you are.The combination lock is designed to make your valuables and important documents more secure.
- 【Large Capacity & Well Organized】This document storage bag is designed with 2 compartments,which includes 4 passport mesh bags, 12 card slots, 4 U Disk pockets, 6 A4 file bags and one main pocket...
This is the one I ordered for Alba (my two year old) and this is a really good option for a toddler who will want toys as well as paper and pens. This is much deeper than a normal binder so there’s space for toys as well as organised sections for paper activities.
- A4+ (Plus) full sized soft zipped conference folder portfolio organizer.
- For A4 documents secure Zip Up with 2 ring binder and made from durable strong plastic light weight folder.
- You can easily contain all you needs for your important meetings and conferences documents, paper, plastic pockets, dividers, and certificate.
This is a good budget option and comes in purple or blue. It doesn’t have any interior pockets or compartments but you could put everything inside plastic wallets.
- 【Waterproof Multi】:Combination of tablet sleeve,pen holder,cellphone case,storage pockets and folder.Could be used as document case or other storage bag you want,suitable for...
- 【Various Pockets】: The document bag has a total of 10 pockets,2 x zippered pockets(inner x1 and outside back x1),2x A4 pad holder,1x phone pocket,1x pen pocket,1x net pocket,3x open pockets( inner...
- 【A4 Size】: 25cm X 35cm X 3cm(LxHxW) Smart and compact,could be put in a briefcase/shoulder bag/backpack/handbag/messenger bag/laptop bag.
This one doesn’t actually have a ring binder function but it has so many compartments I don’t think it matters. I’m using this one for my eldest son who is a little more capable at keeping things organised! I previously used this as my laptop case so I’m repurposing something I already had. It comes in loads of colours and patterns and is really handy.
Mala Portable Drawing Case from IKEA
One of the best options to create a kids activity pack for the plane is the Mala Portable Drawing Case from IKEA. If you can get to IKEA or order online then they’re only £10! They do actually sell on Amazon for £18 but IKEA delivery only costs £4 so you’re better off ordering directly from IKEA.
What should I put in my kids activity pack and where should I buy it?
I’ve found The Works to be the best place to get things for a kids activity pack. They have so many options and everything can be ordered online with free delivery on orders over £30 and you can pay a little bit extra for next day delivery (I think I paid £2 extra).
Amazon do have loads of great options too!
For toddlers, I highly recommend sticker books. All the sticker books! A really good option is the Galt Reusuable Sticker Books so you can use them again and again.
- Create fun scenes with over 150 reusable stickers
- With 8 different backgrounds (4 single page and 4 double page)
- Use the stickers over and over again!
My daughter also likes scratch art (which can be a little messy so make sure you’re on hand to sweep away the scratched stuff into a cup!)
- 【Super Safety】: Non Toxic - No odd flavor, no toxic powder, so kids can create colorful, no-fail designs safely.
- 【Easy To Use】: Simply use the wooden styluses included to easily scratch away the black film to reveal the beautiful rainbow colors! safirst Kids can use to jot down notes, etch doodles, and...
- 【Create Any Pattern】: Eprestar Kids can create cool illustrations, doodle, jot notes, create cards, sketch, draw, trace, surprise people, label items, create arts and crafts projects, and express...
I find plasticine is better than play doh as it’s not as messy.
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Water painting books can also be a great mess-free option.
I would also put a tablet in there. If you don’t have a tablet then a Kindle Fire is a great option for kids. I would get one with a lot of storage space so you can fill it with films and TV shows.
- A full-featured 8" HD tablet (not a toy) with a kid-proof case, parental controls, 2-year worry-free guarantee and 1 year of Amazon Kids+ with apps, games and videos.
- 2-year worry-free guarantee: if it breaks, return it and we'll replace it for free.
- The included 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, giving kids access to thousands of popular apps, games, videos, books and audiobooks, including content from Disney, Nickelodeon and Sesame Street.
We also have these headphones for all of our children and they love them.
- Idea fit with adjustable headband
- Ultra lightweight with soft ear cushions for comfortable fit
- Extra protection as screw free
Can I create my own activity booklets?
You can buy activity books with things like word searches, dot-to-dots, spot the difference, colouring games etc from lots of budget home stores like Home Bargains, the PoundShop, The Works, The Range, Wilko etc.
But if you’ve got access to a printer then you can print out your own using templates from Etsy.
Go onto Etsy and search for ‘Busy Book Printable Activities’ and you’ll have so many options.
If you’ve already got the printer, paper and ink then this is a much cheaper way to fill your Busy Binder with activities – especially if you’ve got more than one child as you can use the same downloads to print out multiple copies.
What is the best activity for a toddler on a plane?
There definitely isn’t one ‘best activity for a toddler’ because every child is different. Two of my kids liked to sit and colour when they were toddlers but my third child could barely hold a crayon until he was 4! (He’s an excellent drawer now – so don’t be worrying if you’ve got a kid who doesn’t draw!)
In my experience, sticker books are the best activity for a toddler – especially on the plane. They’re mess free (unless they start going rogue with the stickers!) and they can keep them busy for ages. Many sticker book activity packs require kids to find the correct sticker and put it in a specific place, so this encourages them to think about it and take their time.
Activities for toddlers on a plane should be:
- Mess-free (avoid felt tip pens, paint and glue)
- Not have too many small parts (avoid Lego or you’ll spend the whole flight picking it up off the floor)
- Not too noisy (avoid toys that repeat the same irritating phrase again and again!)
- Don’t need batteries (or won’t chew through batteries really quickly!)
- Aren’t too bulky or heavy
Our favourite activities for toddlers on a plane include:
- Plasticine (it’s not as messy as play-doh – just keep an eye on where it’s rolling to)
- Colouring
- Reading
- Scratch art
- Sticker books
- Find the xxxx (a bit like Where’s Wally but with different things)
- iPad shows
- iPad games
- iPad drawing and colouring
- Little toys like cars, little men, dolls, soft toys
- Arts and craft packs
And last but most importantly, you can’t forget about takeoff, landing, eating snacks, going to the toilet and walking up and down the aisle! Realistically, these are the activities that take the most amount of time.
I’m sure toddler parents are the only people on a plane who hope there is a long queue for the toilet. Just standing in the queue and chatting to people, looking at people and stretching your legs becomes the best form of entertainment!
Laura
Saturday 6th of April 2024
This is amazing, thank you. I just wondered can the children take these Oxford file storage bags as their hand luggage on the plane?
Monica
Monday 8th of April 2024
Yes they can! My kids put them inside their backpacks but you could carry it on without any additional bag.
J
Tuesday 25th of July 2023
What is that pink bag you used for your kiddo? It looks like it has a nice deep capacity and I'm having trouble finding something similar. Thanks!
Monica
Wednesday 2nd of August 2023
Here's the link to the one I have https://amzn.to/43Q22Xp
Carol G
Saturday 3rd of December 2022
Thank you for writing this article. I am excited to make a travel bag for my granddaughter before she moves across the country.