Traveling with little ones is never easy, there is always so many things to pack. Skip the expensive, bulky toys and keep them entertained with these simple craft sticks.
This fun craft is a great idea when you are traveling with kids. It’s a simple way to keep young kids entertained while they practice their fine motor skills.
Plus this simple craft can use craft sticks or jumbo craft sticks you can purchase at a craft supply store. Or save your ice cream sticks or actual popsicle sticks for these popsicle crafts.
Either method results a cheap and simple way to keep younger kids entertained, there’s no need to worry about bulky, loud toys that might be lost while traveling.
How To Make Travel Craft Sticks
These travel craft sticks are so easy to make. I found a pack of colored craft sticks , aka popsicle sticks for $1 at the dollar store, and bought mini Velcro® Brand dots at Michael’s for a few bucks.
Originally, I had planned on cutting bigger pieces of hook and loop fasteners to fit the crafts sticks but was stoked to find these mini hook and loop fastener dots that worked great right out of the package.
Larger velcro dots would work well with jumbo sticks. If you can’t find sticky dots, you could try using a hot glue gun to attach regular pieces of velcro as well.
I ended up making a pair of sticks in each color and a couple “double-sided” pairs for each boy. I put each set in a plastic storage bag and it was done!
It took about 10 minutes total and only a few bucks for both sets! These would be a great addition for a busy bag for little boys or girls too.
Travel Craft Idea
When I started packing for our Chicago adventure, I pulled out the boys’ Star Wars backpacks to use for their carry on luggage. I wanted them to bring a few essentials for comfort and entertainment.
My first attempt resulted in backpacks weighing 8 lbs, unfortunately, the bulk of it was from our Travel Activity Trays. They are great for in the car but not lugging around in backpacks.
If we had roller carry-on bags for the boys, I wouldn’t have worried about it the weight. But we didn’t so I made these fun travel craft sticks for them to bring instead.
These colorful popsicle sticks worked great on the airplane. It kept Elliot occupied (QUIETLY) for about 20 minutes and essentially took no space or weight in his backpack. It was a nice break from the iPad. 😉 Plus I wasn’t worried about about losing or breaking an expensive toy.
We actually ended up using them at the family reunion in Indiana too. Evenings meant catching lightning bugs, playing games or hanging out. The travel craft sticks were a perfect fit for a low-key activity for the entire family.
Free Craft Sticks Flash Cards Printable
Older kids may want to use these shape & color flash cards to see all the different shapes they can make. Or make a game up using the flash cards to challenge who can make different shapes the fastest.
Click here –> to download the Crafts Sticks Flash Cards
Cute Crafts And Art Projects For Kids Of All Ages
- Check out how to make a paper kite using basic craft supplies, make several using different colors or your favorite colors as inspiration.
- There’s creative family fun when you make a stick horse using different things from the dollar store.
- This dragon craft uses pom poms, googly eyes, pipe cleaners and a pool noodle.
This post was originally published on Desert Chica Ramblings on July 18, 2013
Stephanie says
Good idea, Karen! Hope you had a safe flight home from Chicago.
Karen says
Well we made it and I’ll be thankful for that! It wasn’t the smoothest return home but I’ll take it!