Kid-Friendly Travel Tips and Ideas (All you need to know)

At Travel-and-Home, we love planning our own family holidays, finding smart ways to travel comfortably without overspending. When you travel with kids of any age it can feel tricky at first, but with the right tips and little preparation, it can be fun for everyone. In this guide, we’ll share practical ideas and travel hacks to keep kids happy, make days run smoothly, and help parents enjoy the holiday too.

1. Keeping them busy - so you have time at the pool

Keeping little ones entertained on holiday can sound like a challenge, but it’s often easier than you think. Many hotels and resorts have excellent kids’ clubs or activity programs where trained staff keep the children happily occupied with games and crafts — leaving you free to unwind by the pool or enjoy a quiet coffee without worry.

TRAVEL TIP: So the secret is to choose a place that makes both parents and kids feel like they’re on holiday.

If you have small kids, always remember to check for child-safe facilities (like pool fences, stair gates, or balcony safety).

Practical Hints & Tips:

Include destinations and activities that are easy for kids. (Don’t think “adult”, you’ll thank me later…)
Parks, promenades, or beaches are perfect for free play.
Hotels with kids’ clubs, supervised activities, or indoor playrooms, are a must – especially if you’re traveling during the colder months.
Arrange in advance for some short, interesting sightseeing stops that would be suitable for little legs. Rotate activities to avoid boredom.

(Always keep travel games, coloring books, or audio stories handy when you travel with kids.)

There are many options, for example ‘Family Tours and Trips‘ to fun places, which can include sightseeing or ‘Family Adventure Holidays’ (for kids a bit older).

Discover Unique Kid-Friendly places to stay around the world

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Most of the dream destinations on our website offer well-maintained and fun play areas for toddlers — Switzerland is a perfect example. Other places feature scenic promenades or charming town parks, where a simple walk can keep little ones happily occupied at no extra cost. We often include “things to do” ideas in our destination articles to help parents plan fun days out.

2. Eating with Kids While Traveling

Best tips for traveling with picky eaters.

Look for restaurants with kids’ menus or casual eateries with outdoor seating.
Choose places where you can share small plates or order a la carte, so kids can try a bit of everything.
Seek out local bakeries or markets for fresh bread, pastries, and fruit, which is usually kiddies-approved.

Pack a few favorite snacks from home as a backup in case they refuse restaurant food.
If you have access to accommodation with a kitchenette, make simple meals like pasta, sandwiches, or cereal.
Consider timing meals to avoid peak hours — kids are less fussy when they’re not tired or hungry.
Let children be involved: ordering their own food or choosing a dessert can make meals more exciting.
Don’t stress over messes — bring wipes or a small cloth napkin and enjoy the experience.

Practical Hints & Tips:

When you travel with kids, remember to bring a reusable snack box or small cooler for picnics and day trips.
Look for restaurants with high chairs, changing tables, or kid-friendly restrooms.
Try local soft foods like pasta, bread, or cheese — easy for toddlers to eat and explore new flavors.
Keep portions small or shareable to reduce waste and pressure on picky eaters.

Now, keeping all of the above in mind, let’s look at the destination:

3. Choosing the Right Destination

Picking a holiday spot that works for both kids and parents makes all the difference. Family-friendly destinations often have safe, clean, and easily accessible activities that keep little ones entertained while giving adults time to relax.

Switzerland: Beautiful parks, gentle mountain walks, and well-maintained playgrounds make it perfect for toddlers. Many towns have scenic promenades ideal for stroller walks.
Italy: Coastal towns, piazzas, and promenades are great for kids. Gelato stops, small beaches, and open-air markets keep meals and walks fun.
South Africa: Family-friendly safaris, nature reserves, beautiful beaches with soft white sand, lagoons, and outdoor adventure parks let kids explore safely while parents enjoy the views.
France: Countryside villages and garden walks provide quiet, picturesque places for kids to roam. Many hotels offer swimming pools and kids’ clubs.
Spain: Beaches with calm waters, promenades, and small-town parks make traveling with little ones easy and affordable.

When choosing a destination, think about ease of transport, accessibility of facilities, and safety. Destinations with stroller-friendly streets, shaded parks, and kid-focused attractions will make your holiday much smoother.

Here are a few travel essentials that make life much easier for both children and parents:

3 Things to keep in mind when you travel with kids (Best Tips):

Pack a lightweight stroller for easy walks around parks and promenades, or an off-road stroller if you plan to explore uneven paths, nature trails, or cobblestone streets. A versatile stroller makes sightseeing, strolls, and outdoor activities much more manageable for both toddlers and parents.

- Choose a stroller that’s easy to fold and carry on public transport.
- Bring a rain cover and sunshade to protect your child from the elements.
- Keep a small backpack with snacks, water, and wipes within easy reach.
- Test your stroller before the trip to make sure it handles different surfaces comfortably.
Consider the climate when planning your trip — hot summer days can make toddlers uncomfortable or dehydrated, while cold mountain trips may require extra layers and frequent breaks to stay warm. Dressing in layers and planning activities around the weather helps keep children happy and healthy.
- While on holiday check the local forecast daily to adjust clothing and activity plans.
Travel Time and Convenience: Shorter flights, train rides, or drives are easier on little ones. Avoid destinations that require multiple connections or long travel days that can leave toddlers cranky.
- If you do take long flights, count in extra time for boarding, bathroom breaks, and stretches — toddlers need to move around often. Make the journey fun by packing a new travel game, coloring books, snacks, and a few of their favorite and comforting toys. Let them choose a small item to play with during the flight to keep them engaged and happy.

4. When you travel with kids - on a budget

You might be dreaming of a vacation to the beautiful Switzerland, but as we all know, it is one of the destinations that are not so budget-friendly. But this is only one option, as there are many more “not so expensive” destinations or budget-friendly ideas. (However, do read our article on how to visit Switzerland on a budget – there are some awesome cost-saving ideas.)

You can also check out Viators’ Best Budget Travel Tour Packages.

Self-Cater When Possible – Stay in accommodations with a kitchenette or prepare simple meals and snacks. Buying groceries and making sandwiches, pasta, or cereal is much cheaper than eating out for every meal.
Pack reusable water bottles (for everyone). Some countries like Italy has water fountains that are safe to drink and it’s free. This is a fun activity (refilling the bottles) for the kids as well.

Travel slightly off-peak to save on flights and accommodation.

Should you be going on a self-catering trip, we have ideas for how to keep the family busy during rainy days.

5. Extra Notes for parents going on a self-catering holiday

Plan night time relaxation:

Comfort at night is often, for smaller kids, having something familiar so remember to pack that special blanket or soft toy.
Download movies in advance, if you’re staying in self catering option. Hotels usually have many kiddy tv channels to entertain at night.

6. Activities kids would love

Walking through a museum is not always on the top of the list for toddlers. So keep in mind when booking fun activities, that you want “stress free” activities.

Our best tip is to book family friendly activities with a trusted tour operator.

Keep a lookout for activities that might include things like “a carriage ride”, “pizza making”, “gelato or ice cream tastings”, etc. A promise of something nice to come during a tour is always a good incentive.

Plan day Activities that are interesting for kids

Walking through a museum is not always on the top of the list for toddlers. So keep in mind when booking fun activities, that you want “stress free” activities… to keep the adults happy as well.

Our best tip is to book family friendly activities with a trusted tour operator like we do. Local tour guides often look like the best and cheapest idea, but that’s not always the case… (I’ve heard many stories of transport failure, etc…) Keep to a company you can trust. One that have backup.
Keep a lookout for activities that might include things like “a carriage ride”, “pizza making”, “gelato or ice cream tastings”, etc. A promise of something nice to come during a tour is always a good incentive.
Plan one main activity per day instead of trying to see everything.
Keep flexible timing — allow for delays, potty breaks, or mood swings.
Use travel time (train, car, or flight) as an opportunity for rest when possible…

Ideas on holiday activities that are Kid-Friendly

7. Unexpected things do happen when you travel with kids…

Something people often overlook is packing for unexpected messes or emergencies. Kids spill food, get muddy, or have accidents, and being unprepared can turn a fun day into stress quickly.

Helpful Hints or Tips:

Always carry extra clothes, wet wipes, and a small towel in your day bag.
Pack a basic first-aid kit for minor cuts, scrapes, or bumps.
Include plastic bags for dirty clothes or trash.

NOW ALL THAT’S LEFT IS FOR YOU TO ENJOY THE VACATION !