Screen-Free Fun: Simple Ways to Entertain Kids on Holiday Without Devices

Let’s be honest — screens are handy but holidays are also a golden chance to reconnect as a family, laugh together, and create memories beyond the glowing rectangle of a tablet. Whether you’re on the move, at a restaurant, or stuck indoors on a rainy afternoon, there are loads of easy, budget-friendly ways to keep children happily engaged — no screens required.

These family holiday ideas need little or no gear, work brilliantly for all ages, and help make your travel experience richer, calmer, and more connected.

1. On the Go: Easy Entertainment for Planes, Trains & Road Trips

Travelling doesn’t have to be a test of patience. A few simple activities can turn travel time into quality time.

• Classic Word Games – Try “I Spy”, “20 Questions”, or “Would You Rather?”. They’re light-hearted, build vocabulary, and need zero prep.
• Story Chains – Take turns adding a sentence to a story. It often turns silly, which kids love.
• Guess the Song – Hum or tap the rhythm of a song for others to guess. Great for families who love music.
• Travel Treasure Hunt – Make a quick list of sights to spot: red car, bridge, person with sunglasses, etc. First to spot all wins!

Top Tip: Pack one small book of puzzles, crosswords or jokes. It’s ideal for quiet moments and easy to pull out when things go a bit flat.

2. Mealtime Moments: Engaging Kids at the Table

Waiting for food or sitting through a long dinner can be challenging for children. These little games can make mealtimes more relaxed and fun.

• The Scribble Game – One person draws a random squiggle; another turns it into a picture. All you need is a napkin and pen.
• Restaurant I Spy – Spot items on the menu or things around the room (“I spy something fizzy” or “something you can’t eat but is on the table”).
• Make-a-Story – Pick three things on the table (e.g. a spoon, ketchup, and napkin) and use them in a made-up story.
• Tiny Toy Challenge – Bring a small game like Dobble or UNO Mini. It fits in your bag and works in noisy restaurants.

Add a colouring adventure: Keep a set of colouring pens and a small pad of paper with you. Encourage the kids to draw the scene around them — a window view, the food on the table, or even abstract doodles. You can even turn it into a mini competition: “Who can draw the most amazing supper?”

3. Rainy Day Rescue: Hotel Room & Indoor Play

Every holiday has a wet weather day (or three). These ideas use what you’ve already got and keep spirits high.

• Den Building – Use bed sheets, cushions, and chairs to build a cosy hideaway in your hotel room or apartment.
• Charades – A total classic. Act out animals, films, or books and have others guess.
• Paper and Pencil Fun – Hangman, noughts & crosses, dots and boxes, or make your own treasure maps.
• DIY Obstacle Course – Set up a course around the room using pillows to jump over, chairs to crawl under, etc.
• Puppet Show with Socks – Add silly voices and let the kids take over.
• Colouring Adventure 2.0: If you’ve got a colouring book or some scrap paper, set up a “rainy day art gallery”. Let the kids get creative, then display their masterpieces on the walls of your room (tape works wonders). You could even let them colour in a “postcard” that you’ll send home once you get back.

4. Wind-Down Time: Calm, Quiet Activities Together

Not every moment needs to be action-packed. Build in some calm time during your trip — perfect before bed or during lazy afternoons.

• Read Aloud – Bring one book the whole family can enjoy. Take turns reading or do character voices to keep it lively.
• Journalling Together – Let kids write or draw their favourite moment of the day. A brilliant keepsake too!
• Cloud Spotting or Stargazing – If the weather’s right, lie back together and see what shapes you can find.
• Pack a Book – Choose a story you can all enjoy, or bring a few activity books. Great for quiet evenings or downtime on travel days.

Colouring & Relaxation: For those quieter moments, bring out some simple colouring sheets or doodle prompts. A great way for kids to unwind after a busy day — plus, it’s a calming activity before bedtime. You could make it a routine, like colouring a page each evening while chatting about the day.

From budget-friendly family travel to luxury escapes, these activities bring the focus back to connection, conversation, and good old-fashioned fun. Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance for families, you can find out more about Family Travel Insurance to see if Holidaysafe could be a good fit for your family.

Travel insurance is subject to eligibility, terms, conditions and exclusions. Always read the policy documents to make sure it’s right for your trip.