🌞 Mindfulness on the Go: Tips for Travel with Preschoolers
Traveling with preschoolers can feel like packing a circus into a suitcase. Whether you're headed to grandma's, the beach, or just across town, summer adventures often mean longer days, new routines, and less predictability—all of which can be tough for little ones.
That’s why packing a few simple mindfulness tools can make a big difference.
With a little prep and a lot of grace, you can help your child stay calm, focused, and emotionally grounded—even on the go. Here are some easy breathing exercises and mindfulness games perfect for travel days:
🧘 1. Star Breaths in the Car Seat
Before starting your drive or during a stop, invite your child to take a "Star Breath":
Breathe in slowly and imagine your star growing bright.
Breathe out gently and imagine your light shining.
💡 Why it works: This helps calm the nervous system and gives your child something positive and visual to focus on—perfect for moments of restlessness.
🐉 2. Dragon Breath at Rest Stops
At a pit stop or airport terminal, do a few rounds of Dragon Breath together:
Take a deep breath in through the nose.
Blow out like a dragon’s fiery breath: a strong, whooshing exhale!
🦖 Tip: Make it silly! Roar like a dragon. Stretch your arms like wings. Move the energy out of their bodies.
🧺 3. Mindful Snack Time
Turn any snack break into a mini mindfulness activity:
Take one raisin or cracker.
Look at it, smell it, describe it.
Then eat it very slowly, noticing every taste.
🍓 This encourages your child to be present and helps avoid the mindless “I’m bored so I’ll snack” loop.
👀 4. I Spy… Feelings Edition
Play a travel-friendly version of “I Spy” by focusing on feelings:
“I spy something that makes me feel safe.”
“I spy something that looks peaceful.”
“I spy something exciting!”
🧠 This builds emotional vocabulary and invites awareness of the environment in a creative way.
🎧 5. Guided Meditation Time
Whether you're on a plane, train, or just winding down after a busy outing, guided meditations are a soothing tool for little minds.
At BooksByRimes.com, we offer 91 free calming meditations you can stream anywhere—plus our YouTube channel, The Art of Calm for Littles, has visual stories, bedtime affirmations, and peaceful adventures for kids.
🎶 Perfect for:
Airplane naps
Post-park wind-down
Hotel room quiet time
✈️ Travel is the Classroom, Too
Travel is full of learning opportunities—new sights, sounds, people, and rhythms. But for a preschooler, that excitement can also feel overwhelming. Mindfulness tools help anchor them in the moment, offering both calm and connection.
And the best part? These tips take zero extra luggage space.
Wishing you peaceful travels and playful moments,
Christi
Books by Rimes
P.S. Want more mindfulness tips or breathing cards for travel? Visit BooksByRimes.com for free resources and homeschool-friendly printables!
