Summer travel season is officially here! Whether you're packing the car for a family road trip or boarding a plane to your vacation destination, one challenge remains the same: keeping kids entertained while on the go. The key? Mess-free travel crafts that spark creativity without turning your back seat—or carry-on—into a disaster zone.
We’ve rounded up the best craft supplies to take along for summer travel. These are easy to pack, fun for kids, and most importantly—completely mess-free.
1. Kwik Stix: No Mess, No Stress
When it comes to painting without the mess, Kwik Stix are a parent’s dream. These solid tempera paint sticks offer the bold, vibrant color of paint with absolutely none of the cleanup. They dry in just 90 seconds, so there’s no waiting, smearing, or dripping.
Whether your child is coloring in the car, at the airport, or in a hotel room, Kwik Stix make it easy to create art anywhere—no water, brushes, or smocks required.
Why Kwik Stix are perfect for travel:
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Fast-drying (dries in 90 seconds!)
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No water or paintbrushes needed
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No mess—just twist, draw, and go
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Great for sketchbooks, notebooks, and travel journals
Just toss a small pad of paper and a few Kwik Stix in a pouch, and your child is ready for hours of creative fun—anytime, anywhere.
2. Daily Doodlers: Long Ride Lifesavers
Looking for a low-effort, screen-free activity that can keep kids engaged for hours? Daily Doodlers are the answer. These themed doodle pads are filled with prompts, sketches, and creative spaces that inspire imagination—perfect for long car rides, airplane travel, or quiet moments in between destinations.
Whether kids are designing their dream house, creating characters, or just doodling what they see outside the window, Daily Doodlers help pass the time in a fun and meaningful way.
Why Daily Doodlers are ideal for summer travel:
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Compact and easy to pack
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Fun prompts to spark creativity
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Perfect for long car or plane rides
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No screens, batteries, or internet required
Pair them with Kwik Stix or Magic Stix markers for a complete, on-the-go activity kit.
3. Magic Stix & Wonder Stix: More Ways to Get Creative On the Go
For kids who love markers and multi-surface art, Magic Stix and Wonder Stix are travel-friendly favorites.
Magic Stix are vibrant, long-lasting markers that won't dry out—even if the cap is left off for up to 7 days. Perfect for busy travel days when caps get lost or left open mid-project, these markers keep coloring stress-free for both kids and parents.
Why Magic Stix are great for travel:
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7-day cap-off technology (no dry markers!)
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Bright, washable colors
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No odor, no mess
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Perfect for coloring books, journals, and doodle pads
Wonder Stix take creativity to the next level by working on multiple surfaces—not just paper. Kids can use them to draw on windows, mirrors, whiteboards, and even car windows (they wipe off easily!). They’re ideal for creative breaks at rest stops or drawing during downtime at hotels or airports.
Why Wonder Stix are perfect for summer adventures:
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Write on windows, mirrors, whiteboards, and more
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Wipe clean with a damp cloth
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No odor, dust, or residue
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Great for creative, interactive travel games
These mess-free options are compact, easy to clean, and full of color—making them perfect companions for any summer trip.
3. Quick Tips for Crafting on the Go
To make road trip crafting even easier, keep these tips in mind:
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Pack a flat surface like a lap desk or clipboard
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Use a small travel pouch or plastic case for supplies
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Stick to fast-drying, mess-free materials like Kwik Stix
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Bring extras like paper towels or wipes—just in case
Make Summer Travel Smoother with Creative Fun
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to mean relying on screens the entire time. With Kwik Stix and Daily Doodlers, you can keep your child engaged, creative, and mess-free—no matter how far you’re going. Whether you're crossing state lines or heading to your next vacation adventure, these road trip-friendly craft supplies are your new travel essentials.
Ready to hit the road? Make sure your art supplies are as ready as your itinerary. 🎨✈️🚗