And Now What? Fun Games & Activities to Keep Little Ones Entertained During Holiday Gatherings
Congratulations—you’ve made it! You’ve arrived at your holiday destination, bags are unpacked, and the festivities are about to begin. But then the inevitable question arises: What do we do now?
If you're traveling with kids, you know the importance of keeping little ones entertained so the holidays stay merry and bright. Whether you’re spending time with family or friends, we’ve rounded up the best games and activities to keep the kiddos busy and create cherished memories for everyone.
1. Indoor Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt is a surefire way to keep kids engaged and moving. The best part? It’s easy to customize for your holiday theme and your surroundings. Write a list of items for kids to find, such as candy canes, ornaments, or small holiday decorations. For younger children, use pictures instead of words, making it easy for them to join in.
For older kids, spice things up with riddles or clues that lead them from one item to the next. If you’re feeling extra festive, wrap small trinkets or toys as the “treasure” they’ll uncover at the end. This simple activity provides entertainment for hours and gets everyone involved in the holiday spirit.
Pro tip: WAYB Bags are the perfect for stashing surprise treasures without taking up extra space in your luggage!
2. DIY Holiday Crafts
Crafting is the perfect mix of creativity and calm, making it an ideal activity for kids during the hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings. Set up a mini crafting station with simple supplies like construction paper, markers, glitter, and glue.
Some easy and fun ideas include:
- Homemade ornaments: Provide plain ornaments for kids to decorate with stickers, paint, or markers.
- Holiday cards: Let kids make personalized cards for family members using stamps, stencils, or hand-drawn designs.
- Paper snowflakes: A classic activity that only requires paper and scissors—plus it doubles as festive decor for your space.
The best part? Crafts don’t need to be perfect. The joy is in the process! And for parents, it’s a chance to capture adorable holiday memories on camera.
3. Classic Board Games with a Twist
Board games are a travel-friendly way to keep kids entertained and foster a little friendly competition. Pack compact or travel-sized versions of family favorites like Uno, Connect Four, or Guess Who? For larger groups, turn the activity into an all-family event with holiday-themed charades. Write down prompts like “building a snowman,” “wrapping presents,” or “Santa stuck in a chimney” for kids and adults to act out. If trivia is more your style, look up some fun holiday-themed questions in advance, or create a quiz using your favorite holiday movies and traditions.
WAYB tip: Stick to games with minimal small pieces to avoid losing them on the go. And remember, laughter is the ultimate goal, not competition!
4. Family-Friendly Cooking Session
There’s something magical about bringing everyone together in the kitchen. Get kids involved with age-appropriate tasks like mixing dough, decorating cookies, or assembling snack platters.
- For younger kids: Let them roll dough into shapes, add sprinkles, or use cookie cutters.
- For older kids: Teach them simple recipes, like making hot cocoa from scratch or assembling holiday appetizers.
Make it more festive by playing holiday music while you cook or turning it into a mini bake-off challenge with a fun (and kind!) competition for the best-decorated treat. Cooking together not only keeps the kids entertained but also provides a chance for meaningful bonding—and delicious results!
5. Storytime & Puppet Shows
Storytime is a classic activity for a reason—it’s soothing, imaginative, and a great way to bring everyone together. Bring along a favorite holiday storybook or make up your own tale about the season.
For an extra layer of fun, create simple puppets using socks, paper bags, or even your hands. Let the kids design their own characters and come up with a short holiday-themed play to perform for the family. This activity encourages creativity and teamwork while giving parents a chance to sit back and enjoy the show!
6. Active Play to Burn Off Energy
After hours of sitting in the car or plane, kids often need to get moving. If the weather allows, take the fun outside for a game of tag, a snowball toss, or even a kid-friendly obstacle course using what’s available in the yard.
No snow? No problem! Indoor activities like freeze dance or hide-and-seek can be just as fun. Create a mini scavenger hunt around the house or designate a “safe zone” for an indoor game of tag. Active play not only keeps kids entertained but also helps burn off some of that extra holiday energy, making bedtime easier for everyone.
7. Holiday Movie Marathon
When the day winds down, a holiday movie marathon is the perfect way to relax. Let the kids pick a few family-friendly classics like Home Alone, The Polar Express, or Elf. Set up a cozy movie area with blankets, pillows, and popcorn for the full theater experience.
If you’re traveling with a portable projector, you can even turn an empty wall into a makeshift big screen for added excitement. Don’t forget to dim the lights and add some hot cocoa to the mix—it’s all about creating a magical atmosphere the kids and grownups alike will love.
8. NORAD Santa Tracker
Need something to keep the kiddos entertained on Christmas Eve? Add a little extra magic to your holiday with the NORAD Santa Tracker! This beloved tradition lets kids (and adults) follow Santa's journey around the world in real time. From watching him take off from the North Pole to seeing his sleigh land in different countries, the tracker brings excitement and wonder to Christmas Eve. You can access the tracker on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, making it a perfect on-the-go activity if you’re traveling. Bonus: NORAD also features fun holiday games and facts about Santa’s travels to keep kids entertained while they wait for the big night!
Pack Smarter, Play Easier with WAYB
No matter where your holiday travels take you, WAYB makes it easier to keep kids comfortable and entertained. Our lightweight and sustainable travel gear, like the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat and versatile travel bags, are designed with families in mind. With WAYB by your side, you can focus on what matters most—spending quality time with your loved ones.
With these games and activities, your holidays will be filled with laughter, connection, and happy little ones. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the festive season—you’ve earned it!