21 busy bags to keep kids busy on the go

As a parent, I get a lot of joy from playing with my kids. However, there are also times when I need them to quietly entertain themselves. For example, when I’m busy cooking a meal or when we are waiting in an office somewhere, my kids need constructive ways to occupy their time. That’s where busy bags come in handy!

What is a busy bag, you might ask? A busy bag is a portable bag (or box or other container) you fill with simple materials to keep your child occupied while on the go (or at home when you need to attend to other things).

Busy bags can be a life saver for parents who frequently find themselves waiting with their young children in doctor’s offices, in the school pickup line, in restaurants, etc. Or bring these when you visit grandma’s house so the kids will have something to do.

Busy bags for kids on the go

Below are 21 busy bag ideas you can use or adapt for your kids to keep them busy while you are on the go. These bags develop fine motor skills, color knowledge, letter and number recognition, and much more. I like to put materials into gallon-size zip close bags.

Trying to determine the right busy bag for your child? The best busy bag for your child is the one that keeps him or her engaged for an extended period of time.

Washi tape busy bag from Mother’s Niche

Feathers and buttons color matching busy bag from School Time Snippets

Nuts and bolts busy bag from Preschool Powol Packets

Velcro and foam chain fine motor busy bag from School Time Snippets

Sticky letters name recognition busy bag from Best Toys 4 Toddlers

Make a rainbow with craft foam busy bag from Views From a Step Stool

Color matching busy bag from Natural Beach Living

Color matching with vehicles busy bag from Mother’s Niche

Counting caterpillar busy bag from Powerful Mothering

Patterning with wheels busy bag from Best Toys 4 Toddlers

Velcro dot craft sticks from Powerful Mothering

Rainbow making busy bag from Best Toys 4 Toddlers

Lego busy box from The Gingerbread House

Counting money busy bag from Views From a Step Stool

Paperclip busy bags from Powerful Mothering

No sew button snake from Twitchetts

Fairy busy bag from Little Worlds Big Adventure

Emotions I Spy sensory busy bag from Adventures and Play

Math busy box from Teach Me Mommy

Rainbow pill bottle pompom busy bag from Something 2 Offer

Learning shapes with toy cars busy bag from Adventures and Play

Still looking for more busy bag ideas? Busy Bags Kids Will Love: Make-Ahead Activity Kits for a Happy Preschooler and Stress-Free Parent by Sara McClure has 52 fun-filled ideas.

This book will allow you to make a new busy bag for each week of the year! This book would also make a great gift for the parent in your life who could use some inspiration for keeping their kids productively busy while on the go.