Tile Tips: Summer Travel Edition
For lots of parents with young kids, summer travel talk tends to come with a side of stress (and maybe even a little dread). These tips can help make things feel a bit smoother and a lot more fun for the whole family!
Get Prepared
Prepare children for upcoming travel by sharing photos, books, or brochures of the people or places they'll be visiting. If your family has traveled to the destination before, try printing out a few photos from past visits to help spark excitement and familiarity. Inexpensive “brag book” photo albums from craft stores are a great option. They are quick to assemble and perfect for little hands.
It’s also helpful to involve kids in the packing process. Even toddlers can assist by placing items in a suitcase. Explaining where the family is headed, what the weather will be like, and what to expect along the way can ease anxiety and help them feel more prepared for the journey.
Create a Countdown
Building anticipation in a visual, hands-on way can help children process the upcoming transitions that come with travel. Try using blank tiles to turn your Springboard into a countdown chart that kids can update each day. Whether it’s 10 days until takeoff or 3 more sleeps until the road trip, this daily ritual helps mark time and gives kids something tangible to look forward to.
Bring Elements of the Routine with you!
Summer adventures often mean new places and flexible schedules, but keeping small pieces of your routine can give kids a sense of comfort and stability. Simple rituals, like a consistent wake-up time or a familiar bedtime routine, help children adjust to unfamiliar settings. If you're traveling with friends or extended family, it can be helpful to share the parts of your regular routine you plan to keep so everyone’s on the same page. And if full routines feel out of reach, try anchoring the day with just a few predictable moments, like a late morning snack or afternoon quiet time.
Make it Playful
Long travel days are the perfect time to turn boredom into learning and fun. Try a seated game of Family Freeze Dance on your next road trip using a favorite playlist: pause the music and call out playful prompts like “hands up high!” or “feet in the air!” to keep little ones giggling and moving.
Another great option? Early childhood expert Beck Goodman suggests playing “I Spy” with a Literacy Twist. This simple game builds early reading skills like rhyming, syllables, and beginning sounds—all while keeping kids engaged on the go. Try prompts like:
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“I spy something that starts with the ‘ssss’ sound.”
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“I spy something that rhymes with ‘car.’”
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“I spy something with two syllables.”
Whether you're in the car, at the airport, or waiting in line, these playful games help make travel time feel more connected—and a lot more fun.
