Traveling with children presents its own set of challenges, and one scenario many parents dread is finding themselves cooped up in a hotel room with energetic kids and no clear plan to keep them entertained. Whether due to inclement weather, a layover, or simply a gap in your travel itinerary, being stuck in a hotel doesn’t have to spell boredom for your little ones. Below, find 7 fun hotel room activities for kids.
Fun Hotel Room Activities For Kids
1. Check the Local Attractions
A great place to start is by doing a quick online search of local activities. You could find yourselves on a road trip to California, stuck in Bakersfield, and a quick search of MB2 Entertainment in Bakersfield can direct your family to some fun places outside the hotel room.
2. Create an In-Room Treasure Hunt
Transform your hotel room into a mysterious island or a hidden castle with a treasure hunt. Use simple clues hidden around the room to lead your children on an adventure in search of hidden treasures. These treasures can be small toys, snacks, or even hotel amenities wrapped creatively. This activity stimulates the kids’ imagination and gets them moving and exploring in a confined space.
3. Have a Hotel Room Picnic
Who says picnics can only happen outdoors? Spread a blanket on the hotel room floor, pack a basket with snacks or room service treats, and have an indoor picnic. You can make it thematic by having a tea party or a beach picnic with a storytelling session about pirates or mermaids.
4. Arts and Crafts
Bring along a travel-sized arts and crafts kit or ask the hotel staff for basic supplies like paper, pens, and markers. Challenge your children to create postcards depicting their holiday experiences or to design their dream vacation home. You can also encourage them to make a scrapbook page about their trip, using brochures and maps collected along the way. These activities keep kids engaged and encourage creativity, providing them with a personalized keepsake from the trip.
5. Build a Fort
With a few pillows, blankets, and chairs, you can create an impressive fort right in your hotel room. This can become the stage for storytelling, a movie night with a portable device, or simply a cozy nook for reading books. Building a fort is fun and fosters teamwork and problem-solving skills as kids figure out how to construct their hideaway.
This air fort is a great alternative if you have a box fan!
6. Engage in Educational Games
Pack travel-friendly educational games or download apps designed to be fun and informative. These can range from language learning games to math puzzles and science trivia. These games keep children entertained and ensure that their minds stay sharp, turning downtime into a productive learning opportunity.
7. Movie Night
Most hotels offer a TV, and some may even provide streaming services. Take advantage of this by having a movie night with popcorn and a cozy blanket. Let each family member pick a short film or an episode of a favorite series, creating a mini-film festival in your room. This can be a relaxing way to wind down after a day of adventures or to keep spirits high when outdoor plans are not feasible.
Being stuck in a hotel room with kids doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience. With a little creativity and preparation, it can become an opportunity for fun, learning, and making memories together. These activities keep boredom at bay and strengthen family bonds, making every moment of your trip meaningful and enjoyable.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.