Preschoolers are always growing, and they are usually very excitable. Quite often, they have boundless energy. This is a wonderful trait– unless you are somewhere where they must sit still or sit quietly. Instead of packing various forms of electronics to entertain them, try packing an on-the-go bag full of screen-free options.
The on-the-go bag needs to be a bag used solely when you are away from home. This will help keep the attention of your preschooler, as they are unable to play with the items whenever they want to. There is a special time to use what is inside. Remember to keep the bag in order and near the door you frequently use to leave your home.
There are many entertainment options for your on-the-go bag! Here are twenty-five options, to get you started:
- A simple craft
- Busy bags
- Travel magnetic games, beware of choking hazards
- Small toys
- Coloring books
- Sticker books
- Workbooks
- Hidden picture books
- Reading books
- Magnetic drawing board
- Stickers
- Mini play dough
- Small jacks set
- Stuffed animals for comfort
- Finger puppets
- Squigz, a small suction cup building toy
- Painters tape
- Pipe cleaners
- Small puzzles
- Magnetic board and alphabet magnets
- Paper for paper airplanes
- Lacing cards
- Scratch art notebooks
- Dress up dolls
- Fun snacks that are special to being away from home
Forget to grab your bag? Try playing I Spy or Simon Says with your preschooler. Another option is to take turns naming things in the room that start with the different letters of the alphabet. There are also rhymes and songs that can be sung. The Wheels on the Bus, I’m a Little Tea Pot, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, and This Little Piggy are some that have hand motions, too!
With just a little bit of planning ahead, you can make any outing an enjoyable one for you and your preschooler. You may experience a lower level of stress while they enjoy fun and exciting toys. This can allow you both to look forward to screen-free times away from home, instead of dreading them!
If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at our school’s blog page. There you will find blogs on a wide variety of topics that we believe will be beneficial to you and your family.
Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Waterford Lakes located in Orlando, Florida? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.