Bringing Puppets on Holidays - An Easy Win for Travel and Play
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Something I’ve noticed over the years
In conversations with parents, at events, or over the phone, holidays often come up.
Not just where they’re going, but how they’re going to manage the journey. Keeping children occupied on long drives, flights, or even short trips can be a challenge.
One thing that comes up again and again is how well puppets seem to work when travelling.
Why puppets are so easy to bring
Unlike many toys, puppets don’t take up much space.
You can:
- Pack one into a small bag
- Keep one in the car
- Bring a couple without overloading luggage
- It is the cuddly touy that never leaves you!
They’re light, soft, and easy to carry, which already makes them ideal for travel.
Keeping children engaged on the journey
This is where puppets really come into their own.
On long journeys, children often need more than passive entertainment.
What I’ve seen work well is:
- A puppet asking questions along the way
- Making up stories about where you’re going
- Letting the child “take over” and lead the play
It turns the journey into something interactive and fun, not just something to get through. When it goes really well, it is intercative and fun for both parents and children!
Using puppets during the holiday
Once you arrive, the same puppet becomes part of the holiday.
I’ve heard parents describe how:
- The puppet comes out at bedtime in a new place
- It helps settle children into unfamiliar surroundings
- It becomes part of daily routines while away
That bit of familiarity can make a big difference.
A simple but important point
It doesn’t mean a puppet will work every time. But from what I’ve seen over the years, and from what parents regularly tell me, it’s often a very safe bet.
Especially when it matches a child’s interest:
- Animals
- Dinosaurs
- Favourite characters
Final thought
Holidays are meant to be enjoyable, but getting there and settling in can be the hardest part. In my experience as a mum of 4 children, something as simple as a puppet can make that transition easier.
It’s small, easy to bring, and often becomes part of the experience rather than just another toy. And imagine the stories thet puppet can tell when you come back...
Myriam Doyle - June 2026