Screen-Free Travel With Children Under 4: Supporting Developing Brains on the Go

By. Ariel Cohen-Mendelson, LPCC

Traveling with a child under four can feel daunting—especially when screens seem like the easiest solution. From a child-development and brain-development perspective, however, screen-free travel can be both manageable and beneficial.

In the first four years of life, children’s brains are rapidly developing through sensory input, movement, language exposure, and real-world interaction. Travel—planes, trains, cars, and new environments—offers rich opportunities for connection and regulation when we support children with developmentally aligned activities.

Why Screen-Free Matters (Especially While Traveling)

Screens can limit opportunities for body movement, imaginative play, and co-regulation. During travel, children are already navigating unfamiliar sensations, schedules, and expectations. Offering hands-on, open-ended activities helps them process these experiences while supporting attention, emotional regulation, and nervous system development.

My Go-To Screen-Free Travel Activities (for children under 4):

• Small board books or lift-the-flap books

• Stickers and reusable sticker books:  https://a.co/d/5twkPao

• Tape activity book: https://a.co/d/2iGx4Am or sticker wow book: https://a.co/d/6y7oTDr

• Magnetic toys or felt boards: https://a.co/d/2edn7Dp

• Animal figurines, cars, or small people for pretend play

• Simple puzzles or lacing cards

• Snacks that take time to eat (think peeling, sorting, or dipping)

• Songs, finger plays, and interactive games like “I Spy”

• travel playdough: https://a.co/d/cI1sOST

Pro Tip:

If it’s financially accessible, extra legroom is worth the splurge. Giving young children space to stand, stretch, move their bodies, or even “drive” their Hot Wheels on the floor can make a significant difference in regulation and comfort—especially on longer trips.