When we travel with kids, regardless of our hotel choice and the amenities it provides, there are always a few occasions during our trip where we find ourselves looking for ways to entertain the kids inside the hotel room.
One child might be having a nap, some family members might be showering or changing or you may just be up there for a bit of a rest and recharge before heading out again.
These days, I always bring a little activity pack so they can be entertained.
As you are travelling, the items you bring need to be light and not bulky.
I only take things that can fit into one A4 size pencil case.
The items that I take are generally open-ended which means that they can be used in more than one way and for more than one purpose.
The materials that we use in our DIY Kids Hotel Activity Pack are:
- paper plates (x10)
- coloured paper-tape (washi tape)
- toy cars
- watercolour paint set/pens/markers
- plain paper notebook
- balloons
- rulers
Activity 1. Paper plate tic-tac-toe (2 players)
Materials:
- paper plates x 10
- coloured paper tape
- marker (optional)
Instructions:
On the floor of your hotel room, lay down a tic-tac-tow grid using your paper tape.
Make a large "X" on the back of five of the paper plates and a large "O" on the back of the other five (use your markers or tape for this).
Players take turn putting their plates in the grid in an attempt to get 3 of their plates (either X or O) in a row.
Activity 2. Tape roads
Materials:
- coloured paper tape
- toy cars
Instructions:
Use the coloured paper tape (or masking tape) to make roads on the hotel room floor and drive your little cars around for some imaginary play.
Activity 3. Paint what's out the window
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| This view isn't too shabby. |
Materials:
- paper or paper plates to paint on
- watercolour set w/ brush (we use these as they are easy to pack, can be used anywhere, are easy to clean and don't stain)
- glass of water
Instructions:
Encourage your children to look outside your hotel room window and talk about the different features or objects that you see. They can paint or draw a picture.
Don't forget to name and date the masterpiece as it can make a lovely momento of your holiday.
Don't forget to name and date the masterpiece as it can make a lovely momento of your holiday.
Activity 4. Paper plate balloon tennis (2 players)
Materials:
- paper plates (1 per player)
- plastic rulers (1 per player)
- coloured paper tape
- 1 x balloon
Instructions:
Use the paper-tape to stick your ruler to the back of a paper plate and blow up a balloon.
Have fun hitting and catching your balloon with your paper-plate racket.
Try some giant sized "egg-and-spoon" style races with them as well.
Lots of fun to be had quickly and easily and balloons are much safer to use in hotel rooms over balls!
Have fun hitting and catching your balloon with your paper-plate racket.
Try some giant sized "egg-and-spoon" style races with them as well.
Lots of fun to be had quickly and easily and balloons are much safer to use in hotel rooms over balls!
Activity 5. Paint a Paper Plate Mask
Materials:
- paper plates
- coloured paper tape
- ruler
- watercolour paint/markers
Instructions:
As well as making great rackets for balloon tennis, the same design can be used as a fun puppet or mask for children. Paint or draw on the extra details and then put on a puppet show.
You may have noticed that I have recently been in Dubai! I was incredibly fortunate to be staying at the stunning Shangri La Hotel in Dubai as a guest of the hotel. What a luxury!
The Shangri La Hotel Dubai is located just 15 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and a short taxi ride into the hub of Old Dubai. (You shouldn't pay more than $10AUD for a taxi there).
With 8 different restaurants and bars, a gorgeous rooftop pool (that you can see the Burj Khalifa from!) and the most impeccable service I've ever received anywhere, I am sure that you would not be disappointed staying here. Oh, and did I mention the breakfast buffet? Don't get me started. Just remember to try the French Toast. Yum!
With 8 different restaurants and bars, a gorgeous rooftop pool (that you can see the Burj Khalifa from!) and the most impeccable service I've ever received anywhere, I am sure that you would not be disappointed staying here. Oh, and did I mention the breakfast buffet? Don't get me started. Just remember to try the French Toast. Yum!
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how amazing the hotel is. It's the staff and customer service that you receive that impacts your stay the most. We were blown away by the fabulous staff and customer service that we received at the Shangri La Hotel Dubai.
Happy and safe travels,
Debs :)
Disclaimer: I stayed at the Shangri La Hotel Dubai as a guest of the hotel whilst on a sponsored trip with Dubai Tourism. All opinions expressed are my own.
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