27 Top Kids’ Packing List Items for 2026 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Traveling with children is exciting and rewarding; you get to experience new places through their eyes and create memories that you’ll refer back to for years. Although traveling almost always has its ups and downs, we’ve been all over the world with our children — and how to pack for them is no longer one of our hiccups.

If there’s a universal truth about travel, it’s this: being ill-prepared is stressful. The chaos of trying to get organized is only compounded when you have little ones along for the adventure. We hope to help you avoid these pitfalls with our top Kids Packing List items!

Below, you’ll also find sections on what to wear, what NOT to bring, and FAQs about traveling with young ones.

What to Pack for Kids – 27 Essentials

1. Carry-on Luggage

This carry-on set is fun — which will hopefully entice your kiddo to lend a helping hand — as well as functional. The handle comes with three adjustment levels, the interior includes zippered pockets, mesh, and straps to secure your items, and a matching backpack makes for the perfect personal bag. With 360-rotating wheels, your independent child should have no problem toting this on their own, leaving you one less bag to carry. Unicorn lovers, Car lovers, Dinosaur lovers

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2. Washable Marker Set

Whether you’re heading to your destination by car or plane, there’s going to be some time to pass; a washable marker set is a mess-free solution for draw-happy kids to pass the time. These markers come in their own case with a slot for paper, making for easy organization, which also unfolds into a drawing surface.

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3. Neck Wallet

If you have some important documentation or information to keep on hand, like your child’s passport, this neck wallet is an easily-accessible solution. The wallet offers secure RFID protection, features multiple zippered pockets to optimize organization, and the adjustable strap is kid-friendly. Our four-year-old loves to wear this around to play grown-up!

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4. Magnetic Play Set with Case

I don’t know what magic is in these magnet tiles but they keep kids entertained for hours. The storage case is magnetic so it can all stick to itsself without ending up everywhere in a million pieces. These are awesome for restaurants, plane rides, car rides, or just trying to buy yourself 5 minutes.

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5. Packable “Just In Case” Bag

This travel tote is better suited to parents than to children, especially for parents with a long list of items they need to keep within reach. It includes zippered pockets for effortless organization and slides over the handle of your carry-on. You won’t have to worry about lugging this around, leaving your arms free for your child – or a coffee to keep up your energy. It can also double as your emergency surprise bag, a secret weapon full of dollar store treats for when you see a meltdown is loading.

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6. Faye Travel Insurance

Kids are wonderful… and unpredictable! Which is why we use travel insurance on all of our trips. Not only is it mandatory for certain destinations, but it offers so much peace of mind against common issues like flight delays, cancellations, rental issues, and most of all, medical care. Your domestic provider does not cover you outside of the states on most plans, and even if they do, there are a ton of contingencies.

Faye is the most reliable provider we’ve found for fast claims through their mobile app, 24/7 support with a real human, and affordable rates for plans that even have ‘entire trip cancellation for ANY reason’. Can’t beat it.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye

7. Crayola Travel Toothbrush

Dental hygiene just became a lot more enticing with this Crayola-themed travel toothbrush. It’s electric to really get in those nooks and crannies after a day of vacation snacking, which tends to feature more sweets. You’ll simplify the accessories you have to bring while also making brushing fun for your kids – a win-win, in our books!

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8. Packing Cubes

For anyone who likes to keep packing easy, these are a no-brainer! The set includes five assorted packing cubes and two laundry bags, eliminating the headache of separating dirty clothes. The cubes fit and stack seamlessly into any suitcase, adult- and child-size alike. Your kids will have fun organizing their things, and you’ll have fun doing whatever you want with all the time you’ll save.

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9. Kid’s Camera

We don’t give our kids access to a phone, but they still love to take pictures and feel included in the memory-making! Let your little ones play amateur photographer with this option that can withstand a little wear-and-tear. It’s not so precious that it can’t be banged up, but you’ll love seeing the little moments they captured throughout the day, maybe even some of you.

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10. Travel Towel

Towels pose a bit of a packing conundrum: they take up a lot of room, but you can’t always ensure that you’ll have them at your destination— much less know if you’ll need one along the way. This quick-dry towel is the perfect solution; optimized for travel, it fits easily in your luggage, ensuring you’ll always have a clean, reliable way to dry off.

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11. Sticker Activity Book

This is another activity that inspires open-ended play and more creativity than just shoving a screen in their face. Yes, there’s a time and place for that, but it will lead to a kid who wants to be ‘entertained’ all the time and can’t self-entertain. This sticker book has limitless possibilities and will open up their imagination in a beautiful way while also working on their hand-eye coordination.

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12. International Power Adapter

If you’re planning international travel, this universal adapter is a necessity that will cover most of your bases. Compatible with outlets in 100 countries, the adapter also includes plugs and can accommodate input devices from the US, UK, AU, and EU. In our experience, you’ll probably want more than one.

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13. Snack Bowls

In any travel scenario, “I’m hungry,” is almost as common a refrain as, “Are we there yet?” These BPA-free, single-serving containers allow you to pass snacks directly to your child without having to dole them out. With snap-on lids, the colorful bowls also minimize leaks!

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14. Hanging Toiletry Bag

If you’ve never seen one of these, prepare for your travels to be forever changed. I leave mine stocked with mini toiletries so I can grab it and go for anything from weekend trips to long getaways. This one folds up to be stowed away compactly, but unfolds to create a shelf-life system in your bathroom so you don’t have toiletries everywhere.

Plenty of bathrooms don’t have great storage space or even countertops. Hang this anywhere and you won’t have to fuss with plastic sackies to prevent spills or juggling bottles on the sink’s edge.

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15. Cooling Towel

Hot summer days and tired kids is a lethal combination. These cooling towels are a god-sent on a warm day. Whether you’re standing in long lines at an amusement park, at a festival, or wandering the playground, it will offer sweet relief to cool off the whole family. Just add water and wring it out, this lightweight microfiber cloth drops to 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temp. It’s a powerful tool in your travel artillery.

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16. Travel Play Set

This Wikki Stix travel play set is a perfect alternative to waxy crayons, which we all know break too easily, after picking fragments out of carpet and the crevices of cars. Wikki Stix are non-toxic and offer a tactile alternative to drawing; this set comes with 24 brightly-colored pieces that can be molded into whatever shape your child dreams up. All the pieces fit right back in the case for effortless cleanup.

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17. Travel Umbrella

An umbrella is a must-have on any trip, and this one is optimized for travel. It compresses, comes with its own case for easy packing, and is lightweight and portable. When rain strikes, it opens easily with the press of a button, and the wind-resistant top provides extra coverage. We always rely on this umbrella and imagine it’ll become a staple for you, too — both while traveling and at home.

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18. Lifestraw Water Bottle

You can practice sustainable travel for yourself and your children when you add this filtered water bottle to your luggage. This bottle is one of our favorites; the carbon filter removes most bacteria, parasites, and microplastics while reducing the presence of chlorine, herbicides, and pesticides, lessening any concerns you have about the quality of your drinking water.

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19. Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer

Whether traveling by plane or car, you’re guaranteed to come across a number of scenarios where you’ll want to give your child’s hands a quick sanitize. This organic sprayable hand sanitizer is naturally fragranced with essential oils and comes in a 2 o.z. travel bottle, which is well under the TSA limit for carry-on liquids.

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20. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

Small explorers may not be concerned with security, but parents should be. Speaking as parents who have had items stolen out of our checked bags, we use these locks on all of our bags. They’re TSA-friendly so only the TSA have a universal lock that will work on them for random searches.

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21. Portable Charger

A portable charger is a game-changer for tech-happy kids (or parents). The slim design of this model makes it easy to pack, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg: it features two USB ports, a micro USB port, and lasts for multiple charges before needing a recharge itself.

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22. Mosquito-Repellent Wristbands

Bug bites are a buzzkill, but spraying and respraying toxic fumes all day is a nonstarter. We were ecstatic to discover these bands that can be worn around your family’s wrists and ankles to stop bites before they happen. They are nontoxic and use essential oils like citronella to keep pesky insects away while enjoying the outdoors.

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23. Travel Pillow And Blanket

If your kids get cranky without their sleep (or just like to snuggle), this pillow-blanket combination makes traveling in comfort a breeze. The stuffed animal pillow is attached to the blanket, which folds up inside for easy packing. Even better, it comes in many fun animal types, so your child can pick a design they’re excited about.

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24. Kid’s Snorkel & Life Jacket

If you’re heading anywhere near water or plan to snorkel and swim, we recommend bringing your own gear. Rentals exist, sure, but they’re often ill-fitting and leak or fog up, causing tantrums galore and a difficult day. This set fits well and has the breathing tube out of their face so kids don’t get overwhelmed in the water by an obstructed view. Strap on a life jacket and call it a day!

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25. Headphones for Kids

Sometimes you just need a kid to listen to music, enjoy their audiobooks, and give you a moment of silence. I get it! These headphones are awesome for long flights, roadtrips, or just waiting around, which can happen a lot on a vacation.

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26. Bedtime Story Projector

This is a bonus item but our kids are obsessed! The bedtime routine can feel a little topsy-turby when you’re away from home, but a projector that tells bedtime stories or transforms a hotel ceiling into a starry night can add such a magical comfort to an unfamiliar place. Also great for a family like ours that tries to limit screen time, especially since blue light isn’t ideal for your eyes before bedtime.

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27. Solid Shampoo For Kids

Adhering to the TSA liquid guidelines can be a little overwhelming, but this solid shampoo has quickly become our go-to brand for simple travel. The soap is vegan, plant-based, sustainable, and this particular type has been specially formulated for kids and babies. They also offer conditioner and body-wash, as well as plenty of adult options!

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What to Wear for Kids

Mother and her kid Packing the right clothing for your kids is tricky, especially if you plan lots of different activities. We’ve kept this list simple and versatile, with plenty of mix-and-match pieces that can be layered to accommodate all kinds of weather.

Choosing comfortable clothing that your child can play in is a must, as are options with utility – slip-on sneakers with a formal design, for example, can double up for a day of sightseeing and a family dinner at a nice local restaurant.

Regardless of the destination, it’s important to choose clothes your kids find fun and can dress themselves in with ease. Below, we’ve offered some of our favorite items to simplify packing and dressing for almost any destination.

What to Pack for Girls? – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample packing list for girls. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Girls and Toddlers' Fit and Flare Knit Sleeveless Tank Dress

What to Pack for Boys? – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

What NOT to Pack for Kids

1. Books

Books add unnecessary weight to your carry-on, and they’re easy to misplace or leave behind. Instead, opt for a Kindle and load your child’s favorite stories on the device; you’ll save a ton of room, and it provides space for as many books as your reader wants.

2. Heavy or bulky toys

When packing your child’s toys, make sure you stick to compressible, lightweight options. Not only will it take up less space in your luggage, but you’ll also find it far easier to lug around. If you’re able to stick to items that pack easily, like the activity kits linked in this list, you’ll also have an easy cleanup.

3. Bulky clothing

Much like toys, bulky clothing isn’t ideal. Instead, opt for lighter items that can be layered to accommodate the weather. If you’re flying where you’ll need a coat, you can have your child wear it onto the plane and store it in the overhead bins, rather than stuff it into your suitcase—you’ll need it when you land, anyway!

4. Too many snacks or disposable items

Although it’s important to have enough snacks to keep your child satisfied, it’s not necessary to bring the whole grocery store with you—pick a few favorites that are easy to take on the road. You also don’t need to stock up on lots of disposable items, like certain toiletries, paper products, or non-essential medicines; many of these can be picked up once you’ve arrived at your destination.

5. Multiples

Overpacking might be worse than underpacking! It’s rarely useful to double or triple-up on the items you’re taking along. Avoid loading up on blankets (you only need one), jackets, or shoes; instead, simplify and pinpoint one or two items that offer multi-functionality. The one-piece pillow blanket we linked above is a great example!

FAQs about traveling with kids

1. What is standard airline policy for children?

Unfortunately, there is no universal policy for flying with children, and all airlines differ. If your tickets haven’t yet been purchased, you can compare airlines to see which offers the most appealing policies. If you’ve already purchased your tickets, you’ll need to look into your airline’s policy so you know what to expect.

2. Does my child need a passport?

fergusson family on airplane — Us flying to Paris with our 10-month-old son Kingsley

From infant to adult, every U.S. citizen is required to have a passport for international travel. Children under 16 must apply for a passport with two guardians, as well as proof of guardianship.

Moreover, child passports cannot be renewed and will expire every 5 years. For the specific requirements and more information, you can visit travel.state.gov.

3. What should my child wear while traveling?

Dress your child in comfortable clothing and layers that are easy to remove. This will make bathroom breaks a lot easier—especially in airplanes—and ensure your child can easily adjust their outfit if they grow hot or cold.

4. How do I navigate the airport with a child?

Lyric and Kingsley at airport — Our toddler started traveling the world when he was 10 months.

Before your flight, make sure you talk your child through all the steps in the airport: checking luggage, security check, and waiting to board. On the day of your flight, arrive early to leave your family plenty of time to make it to your gate. Depending on their age, you may allow your child to be responsible for their own luggage. Have your items prepped for security, including electronics accessible so you can remove them with ease, and liquids in see-through, TSA-approved bags. Finally, be aware that many airlines offer early boarding for families, saving you time in line; do your research, and see if it makes sense to book with an airline that offers this benefit.

5. What if my child needs a booster seat when I arrive?

If you’re flying somewhere and anticipate your child will need a booster seat upon arrival, you have a couple of options. First, most major airlines will check a booster seat free of charge, so you can bring your own. Alternatively, you can purchase an inflatable, easy-pack booster seat, which we linked in our essentials list above; this saves you the hassle of checking an item.

6. How do I keep my child entertained?

Keeping children engaged while traveling can be quite a feat. Have a set of diverse activities ready to rotate that have replayability.

A game that can only be played once or twice, for example, isn’t going to offer much fun or engage a lot of time. Choose games and toys that are portable, encourage creativity, can be played in a variety of ways, and are appropriate for use in multiple settings.

7. What does my child need to know before traveling?

Regardless of your destination, it’s great to offer age-appropriate information about where you’re traveling. If you’re vacationing internationally, take some time to learn a little bit about the place you’re visiting, including its history, culture, and common phrases, if the native language is different from yours. Watch a fun documentary or read a book; get your child excited to explore!

When it comes to methods of travel, it’s helpful to debrief so your child knows exactly what to expect. Establishing your own set of airplane, train, bus, or car rules will help things run smoothly.

8. What are some child-friendly activities to do once we reach our destination?

If you’re heading somewhere and aren’t sure what to plan for your child, there are limitless resources online to do some digging – including our own site!

When in doubt, museums, parks, beaches, and specialty shops are always a good bet. Do your research beforehand, and check out if any area festivals or events are going on while you’re visiting.

Other General packing lists you may like…

27 Top Kids’ Packing List Items for 2026 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Table of contents

What to Pack for Kids – 27 Essentials

1. Carry-on Luggage

2. Washable Marker Set

3. Neck Wallet

4. Magnetic Play Set with Case

5. Packable “Just In Case” Bag

6. Faye Travel Insurance

7. Crayola Travel Toothbrush

8. Packing Cubes

9. Kid’s Camera

10. Travel Towel

11. Sticker Activity Book

12. International Power Adapter

13. Snack Bowls

14. Hanging Toiletry Bag

15. Cooling Towel

16. Travel Play Set

17. Travel Umbrella

18. Lifestraw Water Bottle

19. Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer

20. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

21. Portable Charger

22. Mosquito-Repellent Wristbands

23. Travel Pillow And Blanket

24. Kid’s Snorkel & Life Jacket

25. Headphones for Kids

26. Bedtime Story Projector

27. Solid Shampoo For Kids

Other Kids’ packing list items not to forget

What to Wear for Kids

What NOT to Pack for Kids

1. Books

2. Heavy or bulky toys

3. Bulky clothing

4. Too many snacks or disposable items

5. Multiples

FAQs about traveling with kids

1. What is standard airline policy for children?

2. Does my child need a passport?

3. What should my child wear while traveling?

4. How do I navigate the airport with a child?

5. What if my child needs a booster seat when I arrive?

6. How do I keep my child entertained?

7. What does my child need to know before traveling?

8. What are some child-friendly activities to do once we reach our destination?

Lyric Fergusson

Other General packing lists you may like…

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