Packing for kids sounds simple until you’re on day two of a trip and already missing something you actually needed. I’ve packed enough times now to know what gets used and what just takes up space.
This is everything I actually pack for my boys for summer travel, from younger kids to teens. Including the things that make trips easier and the ones I won’t pack again.
Travel Day Must-Haves
What I Always Pack First
Before I even think about outfits, I start here. These are the things that make the biggest difference on travel days.
1. Backpack
I have each pack their own backpack so they can pick out exactly what they want and need to entertain themselves. (Then I unpack it and usually take 50% out, based on need and weight).
2. Snacks
I use the lunch box and bento box to pack homemade snacks for road trips, switch to easy packaged snacks for flights, and always bring an empty water bottle so we can fill it after security instead of paying for drinks at the airport.
3. Change of clothes
I use these to keep everything organized inside their backpacks—one cube for a change of clothes, one for a small first aid kit, and one for chargers and electronics so I’m not digging through a mess when we actually need something.
Clothing Packing Tips
I used to overpack clothes every single time. Now I keep it simple and only bring what I know will get worn.
- Stick to solid colors (max 4 colors)
- Pack pieces that can double up (Hybrid shorts)
- One nicer outfit (quarter zip + elastic chinos)
- 2 pairs of pajamas are usually fine for any length of stay
- Bring 2 sweatshirts (one will get stained)
I stick to a color palette so everything works together. Less thinking, less packing.
My Go-To Travel Entertainment Setup for Kids
Airplane Essentials
These are the items that actually get used every single trip. This is where you keep it simple if they are over 6, those backpacks get heavy during layovers.
- Backpack
- Snacks
- Tablet
- Headphones
- Travel Blanket/Pillow
Road Trip Activities
All of this fits in a backpack, expect maybe the travel lap desk (depending on the backpack size). But we always kept it in the car under the seat.
- Lap Desk
- Pencils and Paper
- Fidget Toys
- Games and activities to do together
Kids Luggage and Packing Essentials
- Checked and Carry-On With Charger and Cup Holder
- Ride-On And Sit-Down Luggage Options
- Packing Cubes
- Toiletries & Extras
Kids Luggage
Checked and Carry-On With Charger and Cup Holder
Ride-On And Sit-Down Luggage Options
Packing Cubes
These are one of those things I didn’t think I needed at first, but now I use them every single trip. They keep everything contained so I’m not constantly digging through bags, and I can separate outfits, snacks, or travel essentials in a way that actually makes sense. It also makes unpacking way easier once we get there since everything is already grouped.
If you’re trying to stay organized while traveling with kids, this is one of the simplest things that actually makes a difference.
Toiletries & Extras
What I Pack for Beach, Pool, and Camping Days
- Somewhere to sit
- A way to clean them off
- A towel that doubles as a poncho/robe
- Shovels, buckets, limited toys
- Goggles
- Sun Protection
What I’ve learned after packing way too much
I used to pack for every possible scenario, extra shoes, random backups “just-in-case”… I always used to bring way too many outfits, and half of them never even made it out of the suitcase. There is almost always a way to wash something if you run out.
The more stuff, meant more digging through bags, repacking, and just keeping things organized. Now I keep it simple and focus on the things I know we’ll actually use. I also leave space on purpose, because we always end up bringing something back.
At this point, I’ve learned that if they don’t wear it/play with it/use it in everyday life, it’s probably not coming with us.
What Actually Makes Travel Easier
At the end of the day, it’s not about packing more, it’s about packing smarter. The things that make the biggest difference are the ones that keep everything organized, easy to grab, and actually get used.
I’ve learned to skip the extras and stick with what works, and it’s made traveling with kids so much easier
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