What can you do on the train? - ideas for fun journeys with children | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Family compartments on selected trains group families with children together for a quieter journey
• Pushchairs with or without a child travel free of charge on Polish trains
• WARS dining car staff can warm up food for children on selected long-distance services
• Rotating activities suited to the child's age helps prevent boredom on longer journeys
• Card games, sticker books, audiobooks and landscape observation games are popular travel activities
• Check family compartment availability on PolishTrains before booking, as spaces fill quickly

Travelling by train with children is a unique experience, full of adventures and unforgettable moments. However, it is sometimes difficult to keep the little ones occupied on a long journey. That's why we've put together a list of ideas for fun journeys with children that will make your journey not only fun but also full of interesting discoveries.

Child on a train - what should I take care of?

Before you set off on your journey with your child, check whether there is a compartment on your chosen train that is suitable for families with children. There are certain amenities, but most importantly, your fellow passengers will be other families with children, who will not be disturbed by the noise, for example.

How you plan your child 's stay on the train also depends on the age of the child. Younger children should ideally sleep through the whole trip, so choose times that are the toddler's natural bedtime. It is also a good idea to tire an older child out a little before setting off, as there is a good chance that the steady sound of the train car rolling down the tracks will lull them to sleep.

Be sure to dress your child comfortably so that you can change them quickly if necessary, and that uncomfortable, too stiff or tight outfits do not cause frustration. Also, don't forget to take some food and drink with you. Small snacks that you can reach for will also be an attraction in itself. Remember that you can ask for boiling water or to heat up a jar in the Wars wagon.

What can you do on the train? Ideas for boredom

Prepare well before you set off on your journey. Already at home, think about what kind of games your child likes. It's a good idea to bring along some small toys, ideal for a small hand, but which won't be a big burden for the carer. Try something new that your child has not yet had time to get used to. Then the fun will last longer.

Many parents choose to use a phone or tablet as an attraction for their children on the train. Of course, a cartoon or a game can keep them occupied for longer. But is this really the best option? Not necessarily. Above all, too much access to electronics has a negative impact on the physical and emotional development of a young person. When travelling, also bear in mind other passengers who may simply be disturbed by the loud noises emitted by devices. Therefore, be sure to take headphones with you for your child, and preferably leave electronics for when your child is really tired and cranky.

Attractions for children on the train

Here is a short list of play ideas that will work for most children. Feel free to modify them depending on what your child likes and what kind of items you already have in your home.

• Board games and activities:

Bring along your favourite board, card or travel games. Word games like "Word Race" or "Guess Who's That?" can provide hours of entertainment. Also organise a family tournament where everyone can win a prize. The gamification elements stimulate the child and a real prize encourages effort. All sorts of card games that do not need to be unfolded or fit on a small table, such as Black Peter, work well. Lots of popular games, such as Scrabble, have a mini travel version.

• Choose favourite children's books or audiobooks.

Reading or listening to a story can make travel time more enjoyable and allow children to relax for a while. It may also help them to get some sleep. Already at home, however, check whether your child likes headphones and is comfortable listening to a story being read by a voiceover.

• Take home a handy art kit

including items such as colouring books, crayons, markers or handy water colouring books. Other suggestions include folding origami or making your own jewellery by stringing beads or weaving bracelets. Such kits can be bought very cheaply and are an ideal way to keep your child occupied on the train.

• Prepare your own travel kit:

small puzzles (magnetic versions are great), puzzles, jigsaws, riddles, spiral books. These are a great way to develop logical thinking skills and patience. Of course, these are unlikely to keep your child occupied for several hours, but they are a good idea to pass the time.

• You can also observe together the changing landscape outside the window.

Look out for interesting features, look for animals or play the game "I see...". A journey like this is a good way to explore many topics with your child, to stimulate his or her curiosity about the world. You can prepare a kind of bingo in advance, where you cross out objects, animals or people you see one by one. Children love any activity that develops perceptiveness.

• Music is good for everything,

also for a child's journey on the train. Prepare a playlist of your children's favourite songs and sing along during the journey. Music can help to maintain a good mood and boost energy. Of course, this applies when you are in a compartment for families with children so as not to disturb others. This is a good time to learn the words to your favourite song.

• Word games such as puns, guessing games or rebus,

are an endless source of inspiration for travel games that can be adapted to the age and ability of the child. Importantly, no objects are even needed for most of them.

• A picnic can be organised anywhere, even on the train.

Make sure to bring fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy them together. You can play any role you like in the process.

• Stories are another way to keep your child interested,

especially as there is time for quiet conversation. Why not tell your child about a favourite childhood game of his or her grandmother's? Or relate a funny family anecdote, mention traditions, etc. There are so many possibilities.

• Let the preparation for the trip be part of the fun too.

The toddler has the right to prepare his backpack with toys. Of course, a child on a train sometimes needs to be restricted in terms of the amount of things, but if he or she packs on their own, there is less chance of boredom and whining.

Travelling by train with children can not only be comfortable, but also very fun. Use this time to explore the world together and create unforgettable memories. Also remember to stay safe and keep your little ones comfortable during the journey. Enjoy every moment spent together and have a fantastic trip! Contrary to what you may think, children tolerate even a long train journey better than a car journey. You can always get up and stretch your legs together in the corridor. In addition, more and more trains even offer a small on-board playground. So there's only one answer to the question of what you can do on a train - lots of things!