Skip to main content

Kids packing list

Kids on the Newark Airport AirTrain with their packed suitcases

Family trips are not vacation​

One dad traveling with four young kids takes lots of planning and work. Instead of packing for my kids on our last big trip, I spent time making a packing list that introduces them to the types of things we think about when we get ready for a trip.

  • Where will we go?
  • What kind of weather is there? Will I need different clothes?
  • How many changes of clothes should I bring?
  • What items can I bring that will help me feel comfortable and away from my usual routines?

The packing list​

I made this list and printed a copy for each kid and explained how to read it. The list gives kids an idea of where we’ll be in the world, what kind of weather to expect, and what clothing they need to bring.

I asked them to place their items in their own clothes hamper, and then we would double check it together. Packing list for children

How it worked out​

This worked really well for my kids—they took their paper and ran with it. They assembled everything in less than 10 minutes. Two of the kids turned it into a friendly race. Questions came up as they packed. We would look at their list together, and they figured it out.

– Daaaadddd! Will it be hot on our trip?
– What does your packing list say?
– Oh, the coldest is 20 degrees? I'll only want shorts. Why do I need pants too?
– Fair question. It will be warm because it's summertime where we're going. Airports and airplanes can get cold, so you need to wear pants when we leave. I want another clean pair in the bag in case something happens like a drink spilling on your lap on the airplane.
– Okay!

Don't crush my dinosaur, dad​

My seven-year-old son was determined to bring five of his stuffed animals from his “crew” on our adventure, regardless of what the list said.

I showed him the suitcase and asked if his dinosaur didn’t mind getting crushed inside with his clothes. He refused, insisting that his “Peach Dino” and other friends needed to breathe.

I then asked him how many crew members could squeeze out of the top of his backpack so they could explore and breathe. We tried it out: one. Peach Dino was the lucky one, and he promised to bring treats back for the rest of the crew.

Kids situating their stuffed animals

I used it again​

Until my kids have enough practice to figure out what they need to pack, I’ll keep making these kinds of packing lists. I’ve already done it for three other trips we’ve taken.

It’s information I need to compile anyway. Preparing the sheet is really fast, and it teaches the kids responsibility and life skills.

Try it for yourself​

Want to try it out?
Download Kid Packing List template for Affinity Publisher
Get Affinity Publisher for Mac, Windows, or iOS (direct link)