Things to Do on a Train with Kids

Travelling with children doesn’t have to be stressful. With plenty of space to relax, scenic views along the way and free kids activity packs available onboard, Hull Trains makes family travel simple and enjoyable from the moment you step onboard. If you're looking for fun train activities for kids to help keep little ones entertained, a train journey can be part of the adventure itself.

Whether you're heading to London for a day out, visiting family or starting a holiday, travelling by train gives children the freedom to move around more comfortably than other forms of transport. With a little preparation and the right activities, the journey can be just as memorable as the destination.
 

Be Prepared

A little planning before you travel can make all the difference when it comes to train travel with children. Booking your train tickets in advance allows you to reserve seats together, and where available, a table seat can give your family extra space for snacks, games and activities during the journey. You can book your tickets and reserve seats with Hull Trains and never pay a booking fee when you book direct.

All of our toilets onboard have a Baby Changing facility, and the toilets in carriages A & E have more space. Other necessities onboard include WiFi and power sockets to keep you connected during your journey.

For parents, to avoid the hassle of scrambling around for your tickets when you're trying to keep your eyes on the children, download the Hull Trains App - this allows you to buy and store your e-tickets on your phone. No need to queue at station ticket machines to print your tickets.

Activities to Keep Kids Busy on a Train

If you're wondering, "what should I pack to keep kids busy on a train?", Hull Trains helps take some of the planning off your hands with free kids activity packs available onboard - just ask a member of our team to grab one for you. Packed with puzzles, games and colouring, they're a great way to keep young travellers entertained and make the journey feel like part of the adventure. They're also one of the easiest train activities for kids, giving families instant entertainment without having to fill their bags with extra toys and games.

It's also worth packing a few favourites from home. Colouring books and crayons, sticker and activity books, small card games such as Uno or Snap, and a notebook or travel diary can all help pass the time. For older children, a tablet loaded with films or games, along with a pair of headphones, can be a lifesaver on longer journeys. Having a mix of screen-free and digital options gives you plenty of things to do on a train with kids, whatever their age or interests.

Snacks and Refreshments

Snacks can be a great way to keep children happy during a journey. While sweets and sugary treats can seem tempting, they can sometimes lead to energy spikes and make it harder for children to sit still for longer periods. Instead, pack a selection of savoury snacks and healthier options such as fruit, raisins, crackers or cereal bars to help keep little ones satisfied throughout the trip. It's also a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle to keep everyone hydrated during the journey.

We do also offer an at-seat trolley service offering hot and cold drinks, and a range of snacks. This gives families extra flexibility without needing to pack everything from home. Head to our menu page to browse the selection before you travel.
 

Games to Play on the Train with Kids

One of the biggest concerns for parents is how to keep children entertained when they start feeling bored on a train. Some of the best train activities for kids require little or no equipment at all so by planning a few simple games before you travel, you'll have plenty of fun things to do on a train and can turn the journey into part of the adventure.

Reserve seats together in advance and choose a table seat which gives everyone more room for games, snacks and activities. You can book tickets and reserve seats direct with no booking fees with Hull Trains. Looking for ideas on what games can be played on a train? Here are some family favourites:

• I Spy - what can you spot inside the carriage, or views out of the window like landmarks, buildings or countryside features.
• Travel Bingo - create a simple checklist before you travel and challenge children to spot things along the route (such as bridges, animals, rivers, stations or tunnels). The first person to complete their card wins.
• Animal Spotting - The Hull Trains route passes through beautiful countryside making animal spotting a fun challenge. See who can spot the most sheep, horses, cows or birds from the window during the journey.
• Card Games - Compact card games such as Uno, Snap and Dobble are ideal for train travel. They're easy to pack and are great for when you're seated around a table.
• The A to Z Game - Choose a category such as animals, foods or places and work through the alphabet together. For example, A for Antelope, B for Bear and C for Cat. It's a great game for keeping minds engaged during a long trip.
 

Complete a Travel Diary

Get your children to begin a travel or holiday diary from the moment they step on to the platform. When they're onboard, they can jot down all of the interesting things they see and record their thoughts, excitement and everything they see along the way, as well as the names of their onboard hosts and the stations they passed through. Younger children might enjoy drawing pictures instead, while older children can write about their experiences in more detail. Not only does this help keep children engaged, but it's also one of the most creative things to do on a long train journey and it's a lovely keepsake to look back on in the future.
 

Pay Attention to the Station 

The fun doesn't have to start when the train leaves the platform. Many stations have interesting landmarks and attractions that can help build excitement before departure or provide a memorable moment when you arrive. Taking a few moments to explore your surroundings can help break up the journey and gives children something new to discover before they even step onboard.
If you're travelling to London, make time for a visit to the famous Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station. It's a must-see photo opportunity for Harry Potter fans and a great way to begin a family day out in the capital. If you're planning a visit, take a look at Hull Trains' London destination guide for more inspiration. Back in Hull, keep an eye out for the Philip Larkin statue at Hull Paragon Station. The sculpture celebrates the renowned poet's connection to the city and gives children another landmark to spot during their travels.
 

Don't forget your charger!

Your smartphone or laptop charger is likely to be essential on a long train journey. At Hull Trains, we have USB charging sockets in addition to our standard plug sockets, so dead device batteries are the last thing on your mind to worry about!
  
Travelling by train with children can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to reach your destination. With comfortable seating, onboard facilities designed for families and plenty of opportunities to keep little ones entertained along the way, the journey can become a memorable part of your day out or holiday.

Families can also benefit from great value fares. Children under 5 travel free, while children aged 5 to 15 get 50% off most adult fares. If you regularly travel as a family, it's worth looking into the Family & Friends Railcard which offers discounted travel for adults and up to 60% off child fares. For more information and advice before you travel, visit Hull Trains' Travelling with Children page.

Heading to London? Don't forget that Hull Trains customers can take advantage of a range of 2FOR1 offers at some of the capital's most popular attractions when travelling with a valid rail ticket. Head to our blog with some great ideas for family days out by train.

Ready to make memories with the family? Book your Hull Trains family ticket direct today.