Make It Easier and More Fun! A Collection of Life Hacks for Outings with Kids

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Make It Easier and...

2026.08.26

　While going out with children is fun, there are also plenty of times when things don’t go as planned—such as when they get fussy during the trip or when there are long waits at restaurants.
　In this article, based on a survey of parents with preschool-aged children, we’ll share practical tips that have actually been helpful, as well as some common experiences.
　We also asked mamaco—who draws on her experience as a kindergarten teacher and childcare worker to share tips on making parenting easier—for advice on how to enjoy outings without feeling overwhelmed.
　Please use these tips as a guide to make your next outing a little easier.

1. Tips and Tricks for Outings: What You Need to Know!
2. We’ve All Been There! Common Scenarios When Going Out
3. Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard! Getting Ready to Go Out

1. Tips and Tricks for Travel: What You Should Know to Make the Most of Your Trip

Make Every Outing “Special”

Turn the act of traveling itself—whether it’s taking a bus or taxi you don’t usually take, or riding in the front car of a train—into a “special event.”
Even if you’re not going on a trip or a long outing, you can make things feel special just by adding a different park, a new route home, or a different bakery to your usual routine.
To make sure they have fun on our outings, we show them scenery they don’t usually get to see and let them play the capsule toy machines.
Prepare special treats (such as lollipops, which aren’t usually served, or treats that come with a bonus) as a “special treat just for today.” This is more effective than the usual snacks.

mamaco: For children, even a slight sense of something out of the ordinary can be a special experience . Even in a familiar place, simply changing your perspective a little can open up new ways to have fun. It’s also a good idea to focus on small things, like “making a little detour.” I also recommend setting a simple theme before heading out, such as “Let’s look for something yellow today” or “Let’s observe the sky on the way there.”

Give Snacks and Playtime in Small Doses to Prevent “Boredom” and “Fussiness”

Don’t show all the snacks and mini toys at once; instead, bring them out little by little depending on the situation—such as while traveling, while waiting for an order, or on the way home.
Instead of waiting until they start fussing and then hurriedly handing it to them, give it to them early on when it looks like they’ll have to wait a long time.
If you save a “special” treat for the trip home, it can help prevent your child from saying, “I don’t want to go home.”

mamaco: Kids love anything new. But at the same time, they tend to get bored easily. It’s very effective to reveal things “little by little” rather than showing them all at once!
Also, once they’re old enough to understand what’s coming next, I recommend getting them involved in packing their belongings. By letting them participate, they’ll learn to think, “Next time, I’ll bring this.”

Items to pass the time are easy to find

The sticker books sold at 100-yen shops come in handy when traveling by train or waiting for a table at a restaurant. They come in all kinds of themes—from popular characters to animals, vehicles, shopping, and food—so I always check them out whenever I go shopping.
Sticker books are lighter than picture books, and you don’t have to worry about charging them like you do with a smartphone.
Having a small toy set aside specifically for outings helps keep things fresh.
When you’re outdoors, bringing things like soap bubbles can be a nice change of pace when the kids get tired of the playground equipment.
We also incorporate games that require no equipment, such as the “Color Game” (finding objects of a certain color), which can be played anywhere.

mamaco: Kids are so moody. Since you never know what will catch their interest from one day to the next, you naturally want to bring along all sorts of things to try every trick in the book. That’s why I recommend toys for outings that are “light, compact, and provide hours of play.” For example, string games and coloring books are great options, and if your child likes pretend play, finger puppets work well. With just some paper and a pen, you can play tic-tac-toe or have a drawing contest—they’re incredibly versatile.

Keep the items you use every day in your “on-the-go kit” to reduce stress

If you put each diaper in its own plastic bag, you’ll have a set that’s ready to use right away when it’s time for a diaper change.
Pack a set of underwear, pants, and socks together in a Ziploc bag or clear pouch.
I’ll carry two bags: a crossbody bag for items I’ll use right away and a backpack for bulky items.
Put your usual essentials in a small bag, and when you go on a long trip, put that small bag inside a larger bag to make sure you don’t forget to transfer your belongings.
If you’re traveling by car, make sure to keep essentials like diapers and baby wipes in the car in case you need them suddenly.
Portable hand soap and paper soap are a lifesaver when there’s no soap in park restrooms or before snack time after playing in the sandbox.

mamaco: When you’re out and about, it’s easy to get frustrated just because you can’t find what you need right away. It’s a good idea to organize everything so that anyone can see where things are.
If only Mom or only Dad is always in charge of packing your child’s belongings, it can lead to trouble when something gets left behind. Don’t forget that going out starts with packing, and it’s also important to show appreciation to whoever did the packing!

Choose Versatile Items Based on Their “Multiple Uses”

Baby wipes can also be used as a substitute for wet towels.
Plastic bags can be used for a wide range of purposes, from trash and wet items to small stones and leaves you’ve picked up, and even as a quick fix for sudden nausea.
Character-themed band-aids aren’t just for treating injuries; they also help you shift your mindset after a fall.

mamaco: Be careful not to bring too many baby items! If you keep in mind the idea of “one item serving multiple purposes,” you can avoid overpacking. A single towel is a versatile item that comes in handy. It’s useful in a variety of situations—whether it’s soothing a fussy baby, serving as a bib during mealtime, or as a light cover-up when it’s a bit chilly.

A Little Tip for Eating Out

If you have a pair of kitchen shears, you can cut noodles and larger pieces of food into bite-sized pieces.
Small packets of furikake are great for adding variety to plain white rice or as a go-to solution when you’re not in the mood to eat.
If you take the children’s orders first, it’s easier to keep them from getting fussy from hunger while they wait for their food.
Handheld fans aren’t just for beating the summer heat—they can also be used to cool down hot rice.
Fish sausages for kids and pouch-style baby food come in handy as a quick fix when there’s nothing else to eat while out and about.

mamaco: When you’re eating out and the wait gets long, both parents and children tend to get frustrated . In situations like that, one strategy is to bring out “restaurant toys” once you’ve been seated and placed your order . Having special toys that they can only play with when eating out creates the excitement of “You can play with these while we wait,” making the wait more bearable.

The Key Is to Plan Ahead for Restroom Breaks, Breastfeeding, and Diaper Changes

When you arrive at your destination, the first thing to do is check where the restrooms and diaper-changing stations are located.
When you spot a restroom, say, “It’s a good idea to go now just to be safe,” to help prevent sudden “I have to pee!” moments.
If you encourage your child to use the bathroom when transitioning between playtime and travel, they’ll be more likely to go along with it.
Check in advance to see if there is a nursing room, hot water for formula, a microwave, and menu items suitable for children.
If you’re traveling by train with a stroller, be sure to check the locations of elevators near transfer stations and ticket gates.

mamaco: It’s nerve-wracking to worry about restroom breaks and diaper changes, isn’t it? It’s reassuring to check things out in advance, but it’s okay if you forget.If you ask a store clerk or someone nearby, they’ll often be happy to help. It can be stressful to think, “I have to figure this out on my own,” but if you keep in mind that “it’ll be fine if I just ask someone,” the pressure to be perfect will ease. Plus, seeing you ask for help is a valuable learning experience for your child.

Don’t forget to take precautions against the heat, cold, and carrying your baby.

Bring a cooling blanket that can hold ice packs, or a soup thermos with extra ice packs inside.
If you place a cold pack wrapped in a diaper that’s too small for your child inside the back of the diaper, it will absorb any condensation even after the cold pack melts, making it easier to use.
It’s reassuring to have clothes that can adapt to temperature changes—like a light blanket on hot days or short-sleeved shirts on chilly days.
A lightweight blanket. It’s useful for protecting against air conditioning or a chill, and can also serve as a substitute for a comforter when you get sleepy.
Even on days when you use a stroller, having a baby carrier on hand makes it easier to handle situations where your baby refuses the stroller or gets fussy when sleepy.
For children who have grown a little, a hip seat—which is easier to put on and take off than a baby carrier—can be helpful.

mamaco: Children often have a hard time expressing how they feel—such as “I’m hot,” “I’m cold,” or “I’m thirsty.” To help them stay healthy, take proactive measures “before your child complains.”

“I Don’t Want to Go Home!”—How to Deal With It

Give specific guidelines for when to finish, such as, “Let’s go home after we slide down the slide five more times.”
“Which would you prefer: going home after doing XX, or going home after doing △△?” I present the options.
Plan some special stops or your favorite snacks along the way to make the trip home fun, too.

mamaco: It’s a great idea to agree on a time to go home in advance or offer some options. I think some children have a hard time transitioning, so setting an end time a little earlier gives you some breathing room.

2. We’ve All Been There! Common Scenarios When Going Out

The “I’m Hungry!” Problem

He couldn’t wait for the food to arrive and burst into tears. It took a while to calm him down. Since then, I’ve made sure to place the child’s order first.
When we went out to eat, there weren’t any dishes on the menu that my child could eat. Since then, I’ve been checking in advance.
It took longer than expected, and he got fussy because he was hungry. Even if you don’t plan on eating out, it’s a good idea to keep a banana in your backpack just in case.
Since there have been times when I’ve fallen asleep on the way home and haven’t woken up even when it’s time for dinner, I’ve decided to eat dinner or a light meal before heading out.

mamaco: If you’re breastfeeding, I also recommend ready-to-drink formula. Unlike powdered formula, there’s no need to mix or cool it down—you can feed it to your baby right away, and it’s hygienic too. Since your baby might refuse it if they try it for the first time while out and about, make sure to get them used to it at home beforehand.
　 It’s also useful in case of a disaster, so it’s a good idea to keep a slightly larger supply on hand while using it for your regular outings.

Water Play and Accidents Happen Suddenly! The Pitfalls of Changing Clothes

It’s always on the days I go out without a change of clothes that the kids start playing in the water, and I end up soaking wet. On days we go to the park, I check in advance to see if there’s a water play area.
Even though it wasn’t planned, they started playing in the water and mud and got completely covered in mud. They went home like that and caught a cold.
I had an accident while out. I had a change of clothes with me, but no socks, so I bought some there.
I forgot to bring a change of underwear, so I had an accident. I spent the day without any underwear on.
While potty training, we went out without diapers at his request. Even when I urged him to use the bathroom, he insisted, “I’m not going,” but sure enough, he had an accident. I’ve started carrying at least a change of clothes with me even when we’re just out in the neighborhood.

mamaco: During potty training, accidents are a natural part of the process. What you want to avoid in those moments is panicking and thinking, “What should I do!?” It’s reassuring to always have a “change of clothes set”— consisting of underwear, pants, and socks— ready to go. When parents are prepared and can respond calmly, it’s easier to accept their child’s accidents without blaming them.

“Carry Mode” and the “Too Much Luggage” Problem

On my way home from shopping, my child went into “carry-me mode,” and it was a real hassle with shopping bags in both hands.
At a self-service restaurant, I went into “baby-holding mode” and gave up on eating my own meal.
Even though I’d gone out with the stroller, on the way home my child said, “I want to be carried,” so I carried my child in one arm and pushed the stroller with the other.
I packed too much, so it was a hassle to fold up the stroller.

mamaco: “ My kid won’t ride in the stroller even though we have one…”—that’s a common struggle, isn’t it? Between your shopping bags, the stroller, and carrying your child, I’m sure there are plenty of times when it’s just too much.
　When things get too tough, it’s perfectly fine to just give up on shopping and head home. Since shopping with your child can be exhausting, stick to buying only the bare essentials, and use online grocery services for large, bulky items, or things you don’t need right away!

The “Crunchy” Baby Wipes Problem

When I tried to use the baby wipes for the first time in a while, they were dry, so I couldn’t wipe at all. I should have checked them before leaving.
Since baby wipes are so versatile, I always check how many are left and how moist they are before heading out.
It’s reassuring to keep an unopened spare in my bag or car. I make a point of replacing them regularly—for example, by using the ones that are starting to dry out for cleaning.

mamaco: As kids get a little older, you tend to use baby wipes less often, so sometimes you find they’ve dried out just when you need them, right? Even wipes that have become completely dry can be put to good use as disposable cleaning wipes.

Close Calls, Such as a Dead Phone Battery or Getting Lost

My phone ran out of battery in a park far from the station, so I made my way back to the station relying solely on my memory.
Since we often rely on our smartphones for maps, communication, and payments, it’s reassuring to have a portable charger on hand.
Based on my experience of losing my child for a moment while I wasn’t looking, I make sure to decide on a meeting place in advance and let everyone know.
In case of a sudden illness, I have my child’s pediatric clinic registration card, health insurance card, maternal and child health handbook, and medication record book ready.

mamaco: These days, there are more and more situations where you need your smartphone while you’re out and about. There are services that let you rent portable chargers at train stations and convenience stores, so they can come in handy in a pinch.
　Also, if you let your guard down just because you have a smartphone, you might find yourself without a signal. GPS devices for children are convenient, but it’s important not to become complacent just because you have one. Think of these handy tools as a safety net, and for peace of mind , make sure to establish basic precautions—such as agreements on what to do if your child gets lost.

3. Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard! Getting Ready to Go Out

For now, “safety first” is fine.

Set your goals low—to the point where you can say, “Just being alive is enough.”
I believe that getting there and back safely is the most important thing.
We’re okay with minor mishaps, such as getting clothes dirty or forgetting a toy.
It’s okay if we don’t eat out or don’t play much at the playground.
If your husband or wife takes the kids out alone, don’t complain about dirty clothes or forgotten items—start by expressing your gratitude.

mamaco: The more serious and responsible you are, the more likely you are to feel like you “have to do everything perfectly.” Since you tend to fall into a “point deduction” mindset, it’s a great idea to set your goals a little lower. When you find yourself getting down about something—like “my clothes got dirty”—try adding “but” right after that. That way, you’ll naturally start to notice the positive things!

Keep your schedule flexible and have multiple options

If you limit yourself to just one plan, it’s easier to get back on track if things don’t go as planned.
Set your standards for success low—for example, “It’s okay if you get half of what you planned done” or “aim for an 80.”
If the playground isn’t a good fit, have an alternative plan ready, such as going to a nearby park or library.
If you plan to go out two days in a row, take your own stamina into account—for example, by staying close to home or visiting an indoor play area the day after a long trip.

mamaco: When you think, “It’s a rare day off, ” it’s easy to end up cramming your schedule full of plans . However, if you set just one goal for the day—something like “I’ll be satisfied as long as I can do this”—you’ll find it easier to feel fulfilled. Also, when you’re feeling tired, don’t push yourself too hard . Instead, you might try a “stay-at-home outing,” like playing “camp” in your living room .

Exciting for Parents and Kids Alike! We Value the Desire to “Go”

Experience the joy of visiting places your parents have always wanted to see, as well as new places, together with your children.
Incorporate not only places that children will enjoy, but also small touches of the parents’ favorite bakeries, cafes, and parks.
Even on overnight trips, I check out parks and make sure to include time for the kids to have fun, even if it’s not at a major tourist attraction.
Even when something unexpected happens, try to enjoy it as a memory that’s unique to this moment.

mamaco: Instead of wondering, “How should I pass the time with my kids… , ” just think, “Since we have time, let’s go somewhere I’ve been wanting to visit.” That simple shift in mindset will change your motivation to go out.
Kids love getting a glimpse into their parents’ world—a world they don’t know. It’s a great idea to take them to a place you don’t usually go and say, “This is the café that Dad/Mom really loves,” so you can enjoy that slightly sophisticated atmosphere together.

Don’t push yourself too hard—take care of yourself

Before getting frustrated, parents should take a break, too.
Even for short distances, choose a mode of transportation that isn’t too taxing, such as taking a train or a taxi.
On my way home from a solo outing, I buy myself a little treat, like my favorite dessert.
Don’t forget to bring your parents’ own over-the-counter medications, such as headache medicine and motion sickness medicine.
If you get everything ready before the kids wake up, you can reduce the stress right before you leave.

mamaco: It’s easy to end up putting your kids first, but it’s really important not to forget to take care of yourself, too. When parents are sleep-deprived or feeling under the weather, even small things can make them irritable, and their judgment can be clouded, making it hard to handle problems effectively.
　It’s also a great idea to treat yourself to your favorite sweets! If you’re not feeling quite up to it first thing in the morning, I recommend taking care of yourself first—for example, by asking your child to come along and grab your favorite coffee before heading out.

Let’s go out together as a family

If your child is old enough to understand, tell them, “It’s just Dad or Mom here today, so it would really help if you could do whatever you can.”
When you can’t carry them, explain why—for example, “My bags are heavy, so let’s walk a little.”
Offer alternatives, such as, “It’s hard to hold you, but how about a big hug instead?”

mamaco:Surprisingly, children are actually happy when their parents rely on them. When they help you, telling them, “That really helped—thank you,” gives them the confidence that they were able to be of use.

　You don’t have to try all the ideas we’ve shared here. As long as you make it home safely from your outing, that’s enough. We hope these little tips will help make your family outings a little easier and more enjoyable.

Supervised by: mamaco
— Former kindergarten teacher and childcare worker. Mother of one. While in college, she developed an interest in early childhood education and studied developmental psychology for infants and toddlers as well as inclusive education. She currently shares tips on how to make parenting easier through social media and other platforms while raising her child.

[Survey on “Outings with Children”]
Survey Period: June 8–11, Reiwa 8
Respondents: 326 men and women with preschool-aged children (Men: 135, Women: 190, Did not specify: 1)

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