Traveling with kids always means coming up with ways to keep them busy, especially during those endless car rides or flights. Travel craft kits are a lifesaver—they offer portable, creative activities that kids can actually enjoy when they’re away from home. These kits pack in all the supplies for fun projects you can do just about anywhere.
Travel craft kits aren’t like your typical craft supplies. They’re built for the road—compact, mess-free, and usually come with storage containers and pre-cut materials so you don’t need to worry about scissors or glue. The best ones strike a balance between creativity and convenience, letting kids get artsy without turning your backseat or airplane row into a disaster zone.
When you’re picking out a travel craft kit, think about your child’s age, how tricky the projects are, and whether the kit really keeps mess to a minimum. Go for self-contained pieces that won’t disappear under a seat or into the abyss of your luggage. Storage matters too—the top kits pack up neatly and barely take up space. With the right kit, travel time can become creative time, and your next family trip might just be a little more fun for everyone.
Best Vacation and Travel Craft Kits
Let’s be honest—keeping kids entertained while traveling can feel impossible sometimes. But the right craft kit? Total game-changer. These portable kits are awesome for long car rides, flights, or even those rainy days when you’re stuck inside at your destination. You’ll find options here that are compact, low-mess, and engaging enough to keep kids happy and busy, all while making vacation memories.
EZDesk Travel Activity Kit
This laptop-style craft kit makes a fantastic travel companion, keeping kids creatively engaged on long trips with its portable design and wide range of art supplies.
Pros
- Portable laptop design with carrying handle
- Includes 64 pieces of art supplies
- Sturdy zippered case with mesh storage pockets
Cons
- Zipper sometimes separates when closing
- Can be tough to keep open while in use
- Some supplies need replacing over time
Picture your kids totally absorbed during that long car ride or flight, working on art instead of asking “are we there yet?” The EZDesk Travel Activity Kit turns travel time into creative time with its clever laptop-style setup. Kids feel like they’re working just like mom and dad, all while exploring their artistic side.
This kit really stands out because it comes loaded with supplies. You get washable markers, pop-up pencils, glue sticks, scissors, construction paper, doodling sheets, and coloring pages—basically everything young artists might want. The 64-piece set offers lots of options, so kids can switch things up and stay busy, which is a lifesaver when you need a little quiet.
Organizing everything is easy, too. The tough canvas carry case has mesh pockets and zippered compartments for all the supplies (and even space for a tablet or Kindle). The handle makes it super easy to grab and go—bring it to restaurants, grandma’s house, doctor’s appointments, or on vacation. If you want to encourage creativity and keep your kids occupied on the go, this is a solid pick.
Hapinest DIY Mini Magnetic Tiles Kit
This all-in-one magnet kit keeps kids busy and creative while traveling, thanks to its small size and complete set of supplies.
Pros
- Complete kit with all materials included
- Simple instructions for 11 different designs
- Compact and easy to travel with
Cons
- Small pieces aren’t great for little kids
- Only makes 12 magnets per kit
- Paint can dry out if you don’t seal it up
Imagine your kids making their own colorful fridge magnets while you’re chilling at your vacation rental. The Hapinest DIY Mini Magnetic Tiles Kit gives them everything they need—12 mini magnetic tiles, googly eyes, paint, brushes, and more. No need to bring extra stuff.
The kit’s compact size makes it a travel win. At just under 9 x 8 inches, it fits easily in your luggage or carry-on, and there’s enough in the box for a couple of kids to share. Pull it out for a rainy day or a quiet evening in the hotel.
Kids ages 8 to 13 (or older, honestly) can follow the step-by-step instructions or just do their own thing. Parents like that it keeps kids engaged for about an hour, and there’s not a screen in sight. When you’re done, you end up with one-of-a-kind souvenirs for your fridge back home—pretty cool way to remember your trip!
Stained Glass Mandala Kit
This portable stained glass art kit is a great pick for travelers looking for a chill, creative activity that ends up as beautiful window decorations—without any mess.
Pros
- Comes with 10 pre-designed clings and 8 high-quality markers
- No drying time or messy paints
- Packs easily and works well for downtime in hotel rooms
Cons
- Only 10 designs included
- Tricky to use if lighting is bad
- Some people have trouble sticking clings to windows
Ever wish you could bring a relaxing craft on your travels that doesn’t make a mess? The Hula Home Stained Glass Mandala Kit fits right in your luggage and gives you hours of stress-free creativity wherever you land. The markers glide smoothly across the vinyl clings, and you don’t have to wait for anything to dry.
The real draw here is how practical it is. Unlike paint crafts that spill or need water, these markers are clean and ready to go. The finished clings stick to hotel windows or even airplane windows, turning boring glass into colorful art that catches the light.
You get an instruction manual with coloring guides, so even beginners can jump in. When your trip’s over, just peel off your creations and take them home as souvenirs or gifts. The clings come off easily and don’t leave a mess, so you can reuse them on your next adventure.
ROOCHKD Pocket Watercolor Books
This travel-sized watercolor kit is a fun, mess-free activity for kids on vacation, with compact books and cute themed illustrations.
Pros
- Super portable and easy to pack
- Everything’s included—brush, paper, paint
- Non-toxic and washable pigments
Cons
- Only 20 pages per book
- Paint can dry out if you leave it open
- Smaller size might not work for older kids
These watercolor books make travel time go by so much faster! Each set has three themed booklets (Fairy Tale Dream, Wonderful Forest, Enchanted Garden) that turn into bookmarks when you finish. Everything you need is inside—the paint is already on the pages, and even the brush is tucked in behind each book.
If you need to keep kids busy in the car or at a restaurant, just add a splash of water to the brush and watch the colors pop. The small size is perfect for tossing in your bag or purse for those “I’m bored” moments. And the best part? No paint spills on vacation.
Besides being fun, these painting kits help kids build skills like color recognition, hand-eye coordination, and artistic creativity. The non-toxic, washable paints mean you don’t have to worry about stains on clothes or hotel sheets. At just over 7 by 3 inches, these books are just right for little hands and tight travel spaces.
DIY Floaty Pens Kit
This DIY pen kit is both creative and practical, keeping kids entertained while traveling and letting them make usable keepsakes they’ll actually want to use.
Pros
- Makes three complete, customizable pens with lots of extra materials
- Mess-free with a special tray for easy assembly
- Fun to make and practical to use
Cons
- Some small pieces don’t fit through the funnel
- You have to add water yourself
- Younger kids might need help from an adult
Looking for a travel-friendly craft that’s actually fun and useful? The Make It Real DIY Floaty Pens Kit lets you make three glittery pens that double as mini snow globes. Fill them with floating glitter, charms, and shaped icons—then use them for writing or doodling.
The kit’s small size and minimal mess make it perfect for trips. The special tray holds the pens upright during assembly, so you won’t end up with glitter everywhere (even in the backseat or a hotel room). Once you finish, the secure caps keep all the sparkly stuff safely inside.
Kids ages 8 and up can follow the instructions to make themed pens like “Lovely Hearts” or “Flower Power,” or mix things up and make their own designs. There’s enough material to refill the pens, so you can change things up later. If travel boredom hits, just pull out this kit and watch kids light up as they create a pen they’ll actually want to use at school.
RM Studio DIY String Art Kit
This creative string art kit makes a great travel craft for families who want to stay busy on vacation and go home with a keepsake you’ll actually want to hang up.
Pros
- Complete kit—everything’s included
- Instructions are beginner-friendly and easy to follow
- You get displayable wall art you’ll feel good about
Cons
- Tiny nails can be tricky for little kids
- Needs a flat, sturdy surface to work on
- String patterns take a bit of patience
Ever get frustrated searching for craft supplies while traveling? This RM Studio DIY String Art Kit solves that. It comes with a wooden frame, pattern, nails, colorful strings, a hammer, and step-by-step instructions—all packed together so you don’t have to scramble for extras.
It’s ideal for vacation downtime. You and your family can team up on the cactus design in your hotel room or Airbnb. The finished piece isn’t just a craft—it’s a memory from your trip, and honestly, it looks good enough to hang up at home.
If you’ve never tried string art, don’t stress. The instructions break it down into simple steps, so even total newbies can jump in. You get that “wow, I made this?!” feeling without needing fancy skills. The wooden frame adds a polished touch, making your art look ready for display as soon as you finish.
Travel’s all about making memories, right? This kit helps you do just that. Every time you see your string art, you’ll think back to your vacation. Plus, it’s compact and fits easily in your suitcase.
BEARUN 3D Coloring Puzzle Set
This travel-friendly craft kit keeps kids entertained on vacation by blending coloring with 3D puzzle assembly—great for sparking creativity and focus.
Pros
- Five different 3D models with fun themes kids actually like
- Compact size—easy to toss in a bag for travel
- Helps build creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills
Cons
- Some pieces feel a bit fragile—handle with care
- Younger kids might need a little help putting them together
- Each model is a one-and-done project
Need something to keep the kids from getting bored on long travel days? The BEARUN 3D Coloring Puzzle Set combines two activities—coloring and puzzles—into one engaging travel craft. With models like a butterfly, seaplane, dinosaur, peacock, and Eiffel Tower, there’s a little something for every kid.
What’s especially nice is how portable this kit is. The dual-tip markers offer plenty of color without taking up much space in your bag. It’s perfect for airport waits or quiet hotel evenings.
Kids ages 6-12 get to flex their focus while coloring, and then switch gears to use their hands and brains for assembly. A lot of parents mention how these puzzles turn into family time, not just a solo activity. And hey, the finished models make surprisingly cute souvenirs!
Klutz Mini Clay World Pet Adoption Truck Kit
Kids who love animals and crafting will get hours of entertainment from this kit, making it a great pick for travel or vacation downtime.
Pros
- Comes with everything—clay, tools, and clear instructions
- You can make adorable keepsake animals to display
- Mixes crafting with imaginative play
Cons
- Small clay pieces can be tough for younger kids
- You’ll need an oven to bake the animals
- Assembling the truck display takes a bit of patience
If you want a travel activity that’s more than just busywork, check out the Klutz Mini Clay World Pet Adoption Truck Kit. You get all the supplies to make up to 15 cute clay animals—dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, you name it. The 32-page instruction book walks kids (ages 8-12) through every step.
The real fun is in turning little lumps of clay into pets with personality. You can sculpt corgis, Dalmatians, or mix it up with other animals. The kit even includes seven clay colors, premade eyes, and tiny faux fur blankets for your pets to snuggle in.
Once you finish the animals, you build a papercraft adoption truck for them. Kids can play “adopt a pet” or dream up stories for their new critters. The truck fits with other Klutz tiny world sets, so you can keep adding to your collection. On rainy vacation days or quiet nights, this kit makes a creative escape—and you’ll bring home charming keepsakes from your trip.
Nature-Themed Wooden Magnet Kit
This award-winning kit is a hit with creative kids who want to make custom magnets while traveling or on vacation.
Pros
- Complete kit—15 woodcuts, magnets, glue, and 8 markers
- Simple enough for kids to follow on their own
- You get practical keepsakes to show off after vacation
Cons
- Some assembly needed for 3D parts
- Markers instead of paint (colors aren’t as bold)
- Small pieces could get lost in travel bags
Trying to find a mess-free, travel-friendly craft that actually entertains kids? The Blue Marble wooden magnet kit checks all the boxes. You get 15 cute, nature-themed wooden pieces to color and assemble into 3D magnets.
The kit’s smartly packed—everything fits in a compact box that weighs barely over 5 ounces. You won’t need extra supplies or have to worry about spills, since the included markers are way tidier than paint.
Kids love seeing their art on the fridge or locker, and these magnets make great little souvenirs from your trip. The magnets stick right on, so you can display finished pieces as soon as you’re done. With easy instructions and all supplies included, this kit is a solid way to keep hands busy during travel lulls.
Hapinest Felt Succulents Craft Kit
This DIY felt succulent kit is perfect for anyone who wants a no-fuss way to add greenery to their space and enjoy a crafty activity on the go.
Pros
- Complete kit for 4 succulent arrangements
- No watering or upkeep needed after you finish
- Good for ages 6 and up
Cons
- Assembly takes some patience
- Finished designs might look a bit different from the box
- Only enough supplies for 4 succulents
Want a travel craft that’s both fun and useful? The Hapinest kit lets you make adorable felt succulents that brighten up any spot—no watering required. It’s great for hotel rooms, road trips, or just passing time on vacation.
Inside, you’ll find 21 felt leaves in different colors and shapes, 4 pots, 26 bands, and chalks for details. No special skills needed—just follow the instructions and you’ll have cute decorations in no time. People often say the finished succulents look surprisingly real.
What makes it so good for travel? It’s light (about 1 pound), compact, and doesn’t need messy supplies. You can make one succulent at a time, so it’s easy to fit in quick craft breaks. When you’re done, you’ll have unique souvenirs that’ll always remind you of your trip.
Buying Guide
Think about who’s actually going to use the kit—kids and adults like different things and have different skill levels.
Where are you headed? Beach kits fit coastal trips, while nature-themed ones are better for camping or mountain getaways.
Size Matters
Go for compact kits that won’t hog space in your bag. A lot of travel-friendly ones come in zip pouches or small boxes.
Flying? Double-check airline rules for things like scissors or craft knives. Many kits now swap in airplane-safe tools.
Skill Level Considerations
| Skill Level | Best Features |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Pre-cut pieces, simple instructions, minimal tools |
| Intermediate | More detailed projects, some assembly required |
| Advanced | Multiple techniques, customization options |
Time Requirements
Decide how much of your vacation you want to spend crafting. Some kits are quick and done in 30 minutes. Others will keep you busy for days.
Value Assessment
Check how many projects each kit packs in. Honestly, the best ones give you several activities to try out, all in one box.
Think about what you’ll do with the finished project. Do you want to show it off or actually use it? Practical crafts—like custom journals or photo frames—let you hang onto those vacation memories for ages.
