Montessori on the Move: Keeping Children Engaged During Long Trips and Summer Break

Whether you're embarking on a cross-country road trip, flying across the globe, or simply enjoying the slower rhythm of summer vacation, keeping children meaningfully engaged can be a challenge. The Montessori approach, rooted in independence, hands-on learning, and respect for the child’s natural curiosity, offers wonderful tools to make travel and downtime both enjoyable and enriching.

Here are Montessori-inspired ways to keep children engaged while on the go this summer:

1. Create a “Travel Work” Bag

Just like a Montessori classroom has trays of purposeful work, your child can have their own "work" bag filled with activities designed to spark curiosity and build skills. Choose items that are:

• Open-ended (like small puzzles or matching cards)

• Tactile (think: lacing cards, felt boards, or sticker books)

• Practical (such as mini notebooks, a map to follow the journey, or small tools for older children)

Bonus tip: Rotate the contents throughout the trip to maintain interest.

2. Bring Practical Life Activities

Montessori emphasizes meaningful, real-life tasks. Even on the road, children can:

• Help pack their own suitcase or backpack

• Organize snacks into reusable containers

• Pour their own water from a travel bottle

• Wipe down airplane tray tables with a small cloth

These activities give children a sense of responsibility and accomplishment—even in transit.

3. Use Audiobooks and Podcasts for Enrichment

Long drives and flights are perfect opportunities to listen to rich language materials:

• Choose audiobooks that align with your child's interests or introduce classic tales.

• Montessori-friendly podcasts often include stories, gentle learning topics, or world cultures.

This quiet engagement promotes language development and imagination while giving the whole family something to enjoy.

4. Incorporate Nature and Observation

Montessori education encourages children to observe and connect with the world around them. Try:

• A road trip “I Spy” scavenger hunt

• Keeping a nature journal or travel log

• Drawing or documenting animals, plants, or landscapes spotted on the journey

Encouraging observation builds concentration and an appreciation for the world.

5. Plan for Movement Breaks

Children need to move! Make time to:

• Stop at parks, rest areas, or nature trails to stretch and explore

• Do simple yoga stretches at airports or on hotel balconies

• Incorporate movement games like Simon Says or hand clapping rhymes

These movement breaks support your child’s need for physical activity and reduce restlessness.

6. Encourage Independence with Routine

Even on vacation, children thrive on rhythm and routine. You can:

• Set up a small toiletry station they can use independently

• Stick to consistent wake-up and bedtime routines

• Let them choose daily outfits or help plan simple meals/snacks

Providing structure helps children feel grounded even in unfamiliar settings.

7. Foster Cultural Curiosity

If you're traveling to new places, involve your child in learning about:

• Local languages (try simple phrases or songs)

• Geography (mark your journey on a map)

• Traditions, foods, and cultural practices

Montessori encourages global citizenship and respect for diversity, making travel a perfect time for such learning.

Travel and summer breaks are wonderful opportunities to step outside the classroom—and still nourish a child’s growth. By weaving Montessori principles into your journey, you can foster independence, curiosity, and joy along the way.

Wherever this summer takes you, let learning travel with you.