What to pack for a day trip: the ultimate kids’ backpack
School breaks and bank holidays are coming! If you’re lucky enough to be going on a day trip or weekend getaway, here are some quick ideas for what to pack in your children's backpack to make the journey as stress-free as possible.
The ultimate backpack
There’s nothing kids enjoy more than feeling independent, or copying the grownups, so make sure they’ve got their very own backpack for the journey. It will also help them look forward to the trip and give them some ownership of packing.
Our children’s backpacks come in two handy sizes, ideal for a range of ages. Choose from more than 30 styles!
What better bag for a road trip than a mini Road Trip backpack? £14.95
Larger children's backpacks are available in a range of designs. £19.95 each.
Water bottle
Save money and avoid single-use plastic by packing your own water bottle. Some shops or cafes in service stations or train stations will also have free refill fountains so do keep an eye out for those!
Ladybird water bottle, £7.95
For longer journeys, why not take a stainless steel bottle? They're perfect for keeping drinks cool for up to 24 hours. For cold journeys, they can also keep drinks hot, such as hot chocolate for children, or coffee for the grownups.
Wild Wonders stainless steel bottle, £14.95
Snack boxes
Even if they've just had a big meal, you can almost guarantee that you won’t be far into your journey until you get a request for snacks. Packing your own snacks is nearly always cheaper and healthier than stopping on the way or purchasing from a train trolley. Keep them fresh in style with handy snack box or pot.
Sharks mini snack pot, £2.95
Top Banana snack boxes (set of 3), £6.95
Travel games
Depending on their age, children might be less satisfied than grownups to pass the time by staring out of the window, or people-watching at motorway services. Be sure to pack small games and activities to keep them entertained, such as this travel bingo game.
Travel bingo, £9.95
A magic slate is the perfect travel-friendly alternative to loads of paper and crayons. Lightweight and slim, it has all you need for endless doodling and games, ideal for in the car, at stations and services, and beyond.
Secret Agent magic slate, £1.95
A book
Lots of children enjoy reading in the back of the car. Make sure fast readers have got enough packed into their backpack for both legs of the journey.
Other useful items
Whether you pack these items in your bag or theirs, these items are always useful when travelling with children:
- Plasters
- Wipes
- Spare outfit (tops, trousers, underwear and socks)
- Portable battery charger
- Medicines if needed - paracetamol and antihistamines are useful as well as any prescription medicines
- Travel potty seat or nappies, depending on the age of the children
- A favourite toy (the ideal travel companion!)
Sharks plasters in a tin, £3.95
Happy travelling!
