Possible post: Traveling with Kids: Tips and Free Printable Packing List Traveling with kids can be both exciting and challenging. On one hand, you get to share new experiences and create lasting memories together. On the other hand, you have to manage unpredictable schedules, unfamiliar surroundings, and various needs and preferences. One of the key ways to reduce stress and increase enjoyment during family trips is to plan ahead and pack smartly. By anticipating the likely scenarios and preparing accordingly, you can save time, money, and hassle, and focus on having fun. To help you get started, we’ve created a free printable vacation packing list template for kids, which you can download and customize based on your specific needs and destinations. The checklist includes items for clothing, toiletries, entertainment, snacks, documents, and more, and is designed to be easy to use and modify. Simply print it out, write in the quantities and notes, and check off the boxes as you pack and unpack. Here’s a sample of the printable packing list, with some tips and explanations:
Clothing
For each child, pack:
- 3-5 tops (depending on the length of the trip and the weather)
- 3-5 bottoms (such as shorts, pants, leggings, skirts)
- 1-2 dresses or dressy outfits (if you plan to dine out or attend events)
- 1-2 swimsuits (if you plan to swim or visit water parks or beaches)
- 1-2 cover-ups (such as towels, robes, or shirts to wear over swimsuits)
- 1 light jacket or sweater (for cooler evenings or air-conditioned places)
- 1-2 hats or caps (to protect against the sun and heat)
- 1-2 pairs of shoes (such as sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops, depending on the activities)
- 5-7 pairs of socks and underwear
Note: Consider packing clothes that can be mixed and matched, layered, and easily washed and dried. Avoid packing too many clothes or choosing bulky or delicate items that require ironing or special care. You can save space and luggage fees by packing smartly and washing clothes as needed during the trip.
Toiletries
For each child, pack:
- 1 toothbrush and toothpaste (check expiration date and replace if needed)
- 1 hairbrush or comb
- 1 shampoo and conditioner (or 2-in-1 formula)
- 1 body wash, soap, or bar (depending on preference and skin type)
- 1 lotion or moisturizer (preferably with SPF protection)
- 1 sunscreen (preferably water-resistant and at least SPF 30)
- 1 insect repellent (if you are traveling to areas where mosquitoes or ticks are common)
- 1 first-aid kit (including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy medicine, and any prescription medication)
Note: You can save money and reduce waste by using refillable bottles, sample sizes, or travel kits of your favorite brands, or by buying travel-size items at drugstores or online. Check the airline and TSA regulations for liquids, gels, and aerosols, and pack them in a clear plastic bag if necessary.
Entertainment
For each child, pack:
- 1 tablet or laptop (if allowed by the airline and the hotel, and if you have reliable Wi-Fi access)
- 1 e-reader or physical book (to encourage reading and reduce screen time)
- 1 drawing pad or coloring book (with crayons, markers, or pencils)
- 1 travel game or puzzle (such as cards, dice, or magnetic sets)
- 1 stuffed animal, doll, or action figure (as a comfort item or a source of imaginative play)
- 1 pair of headphones (to avoid disturbing others and to control the volume)
- 1 camera or smartphone (to capture memories and share them with friends and family)
Note: You can involve your kids in the packing process by letting them choose some of the items and by explaining the rules and expectations of screen time, noise level, and sharing. You can also use the entertainment items as rewards or incentives for good behavior, or as tools for bonding and learning.
Snacks
For each child, pack:
- 1 reusable water bottle (preferably with a built-in filter, a flip-top, and a clip or strap)
- 1 insulated lunch bag or cooler (to keep perishable items fresh and cold)
- 1 variety of healthy and portable snacks (such as apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, carrots, celery, cucumber, crackers, cheese, nuts, seeds, granola bars, trail mix, jerky, popcorn, or rice cakes)
- 1 emergency snack or treat (to satisfy sudden cravings or tantrums)
Note: You can save money and reduce waste by packing snacks in reusable containers or bags, or by buying bulk or pre-packaged items at grocery stores or online. You can also involve your kids in the meal planning and preparation by letting them choose some of their favorite foods and flavors, or by teaching them how to make simple and healthy snacks.
Documents
For each child, pack:
- 1 passport or birth certificate (if needed for international travel or proof of age)
- 1 ID card or driver’s license (if applicable)
- 1 health insurance card or policy (to cover emergencies or accidents)
- 1 vaccination record (if required or recommended by your destination or your doctor)
- 1 contact list of emergency numbers (including your hotel, your travel agency, your family members, and your doctors)
- 1 itinerary or schedule of the trip (including the dates, the flights, the hotels, the attractions, and the transportation)
- 1 map or guide of the destination (if available and useful)
Note: You can save time and avoid some hassles by printing out or electronically storing copies of your documents and keeping them in a secure and accessible place, such as a folder or a cloud storage app. You can also use the documents as teaching tools to educate your kids about the importance of personal identification, health, and safety.
By following our tips and using our free printable packing list template for kids, you can ease some of the stress and chaos of traveling with your family, and create a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Happy travels!
