When travelling with kids, screens can be a lifesaver, especially during long journeys. Whether it’s keeping little ones entertained on the M25 or helping older children wind down after a day exploring a new city, we all know devices have their place. But how do we manage screen time on family holidays, ensuring it doesn’t take away from quality time together?

As a family that loves a good road trip to Cornwall or a quick flight to Europe, we've had our fair share of moments balancing screens and experiences. Here’s how we navigate screen time while travelling, keeping it all in check without losing out on the magic of family adventures.

Set Expectations Before You Leave

Before you even set foot on the plane or load up the car, it’s helpful to have a family chat about screen time. This way, everyone is clear on the ground rules, and it can save you from endless negotiating once you’re on the go. Whether you set a limit on daily screen use or designate certain times, like during travel only or in the evening, having a plan helps everyone understand when it’s time for screens and when it’s time to enjoy the trip.

For us, we like to say that sightseeing, meals, and family time are screen-free. But on those long train journeys up to Scotland or flights to Spain, the kids can dive into their devices guilt-free. This gives them a clear structure without making screens the centre of the holiday.

Use Screens Strategically for Travel

Let’s be honest: when you’re faced with a 5-hour road trip to Devon or a flight to the Canary Islands, screens are your best friend. This is when letting the kids binge on their favourite shows or get lost in a game can be a real help, keeping them calm and happy during the journey.

If you know you’re going to be without Wi-Fi, be sure to download their favourite apps, shows, or films before you leave. And for those looking to keep things educational, there are plenty of great apps that are both fun and stimulating. BBC iPlayer, CBBC, or National Geographic Kids apps are favourites in our house, offering entertainment that feels like a learning experience too.

Pack Some Screen-Free Fun

As much as screens can save the day, it’s important to have some screen-free options up your sleeve too. We’ve found that packing a few games or books can be just as exciting as handing over the iPad, especially if it’s something new they haven’t seen before.

We love simple games like Uno, travel-sized Scrabble, or good old-fashioned colouring books. Audiobooks are also a lifesaver, providing a screen-free way to pass time while keeping their imaginations going. Our kids enjoy listening to Roald Dahl stories or David Walliams books, especially on those longer drives.

Make Screen Time a Reward

In our family, we like to use screen time as a bit of a reward. After a morning of exploring castles or walking along the coast, we might allow a couple of hours of device time while we all unwind back at the hotel or holiday cottage. It’s a great way to give them downtime while still reinforcing the idea that screens come after real-life adventures.

This helps them feel like they’ve earned their device time, and it keeps them engaged in the trip itself rather than waiting for the next opportunity to grab their screens.

Family Time First, Screens Second

Family holidays are all about bonding, so we try to set aside times that are completely device-free. Whether it’s over dinner at a seaside restaurant in Brighton or playing cards around the fire after a day of exploring the Lake District, these moments are all about enjoying each other’s company.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of using devices as a quick fix for boredom, but with a little planning, you can make screen-free time fun and engaging. We’ve found that kids are surprisingly open to this, especially when there’s a family game or activity to look forward to. Sometimes, just talking about the day’s highlights is enough to keep everyone connected and off the screens.

Get Interactive with Screens

Rather than completely avoiding devices, sometimes you can turn screen time into a learning experience. For instance, using a language app like Duolingo when travelling abroad can make the trip feel more interactive. Or encouraging the kids to take photos on their tablets and create a mini travel diary gives them a sense of ownership over the experience.

This makes screen time feel like a way to enhance the trip rather than detract from it. Whether they’re capturing photos of the London Eye or recording a mini travel vlog at Stonehenge, it’s a way to keep them engaged while using their devices creatively.

Finding Balance

The key to managing screen time during travel is all about balance. By setting boundaries, offering screen-free alternatives, and making family time the priority, you can still enjoy the convenience of devices without letting them take over the holiday. Ultimately, travelling as a family is about creating lasting memories together, and with a bit of planning, you can keep screen time in check while making the most of your adventures.

So whether you’re heading to a cottage in the Cotswolds, taking the kids to explore Edinburgh, or jetting off for a sunny break in Portugal, it’s possible to embrace screens while keeping the heart of your trip focused on family fun and togetherness.