Small Space, Big Fun: Ultimate Guide to Entertaining Kids in a Campervan

Children playing games in a campervan

Summer holidays in a campervan can be magical for families—open roads, beautiful countryside, beach stopovers, and plenty of time together. But let’s be honest: keeping the kids entertained in a small space (especially when it’s raining!) takes a bit of planning.

Whether you're exploring the Lake District, road-tripping through Cornwall, or camping along the Welsh coast, here are easy, space-saving ideas to keep your little ones happy—from drive-time games to rainy-day activities and tasty snacks.

1. Small-Space Activities for the Campervan

Space may be limited, but imagination isn’t! Try these low-mess, compact boredom-busters:

• Travel Craft Kits – Pack colouring pencils, paper, stickers, pipe cleaners, and glue sticks in a small storage box or pencil case.

• Magnetic Games – Look for magnetic travel versions of snakes & ladders, draughts, or hangman—easy to find in toy shops or online.

• LEGO-in-a-Lunchbox – Fill a small lunchbox or sandwich tub with LEGO bricks for building mini creations on rainy days.

• Audiobooks + Drawing – Download audiobooks from BBC Sounds or borrow from your local library app (like Libby or BorrowBox). Let kids draw what they hear!

• Top Trumps or Mini Card Games – Brilliant for quiet time, rainy evenings, or campsite downtime.

  
  

2. Rainy-Day Life Savers

Yes, it will probably rain at some point. But it doesn’t have to ruin the fun:

• Campervan Cinema – Draw the curtains, grab some popcorn, and watch a family favourite on a tablet or laptop.

• Stovetop Treats – Try simple no-oven treats like banana pancakes, crumpets with chocolate spread, or toastie-based pizzas.

• Van Disco – Put on a playlist, flash the torch lights, and have a family dance-off!

• Rainy-day box - Put together a special box just for wet weather - fill it with things they haven't seen yet such as glow sticks or finger lights, new games or colouring books.

• Campsite card tournaments - turn your favourite card games into a tournament, and create a leaderboard to keep track of wins over the trip.

3. On-the-Road Entertainment (No Screens Needed)

Long drives through the Peak District or Scottish Highlands? Keep kids engaged with these classic road trip ideas:

• UK Road Trip Bingo – Spot tractors, sheep, wind turbines, stone walls, post boxes, or ice cream vans!

• Would You Rather? (Silly Edition) – “Would you rather have jelly for hands or marshmallow feet?” Guaranteed giggles.

• Sticker Books & Activity Pads – Pick up activity books from WHSmith, The Works, or supermarkets before your trip.

• Music DJ Turns – Let each child pick 3 songs to add to the “family playlist” – from Disney favourites to their own top tunes.

• Surprise Bags – Wrap up a small toy, puzzle, or snack and hand one out every hour or at milestones (“halfway there!”).

4. Fun (and Functional!) Campervan Snacks

Avoid hangry moments with these easy, UK-friendly snack ideas that are perfect for little hands and big appetites:

• Snack Boxes – Use silicone cupcake cases or small tubs to serve grapes, crackers, cheese cubes, raisins, and sliced veggies.

• Yoghurt Tubes or Pouches – Pop in the cool box—brands like Petits Filous or Yeo Valley do squeezable options.

• Fruit Skewers – Thread strawberries, blueberries, and melon chunks on lolly sticks for fun, mess-free snacking.

• Pitta Pizzas – Cold mini pittas with tomato purée, grated cheese, and toppings let kids build their own lunch.

• DIY Trail Mix – Combine cereals (like Cheerios or Shreddies), dried fruit, popcorn, and a few chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

A family campervan trip is all about simple pleasures: beach days, woodland walks, and fish & chips by the sea. With a bit of forward planning and a few clever tricks, you’ll keep the kids smiling no matter the weather—or the length of the journey.

Top tip: Involve the kids in planning each day. Even letting them choose between two activities helps them feel part of the adventure!

Ready for an adventure? Take a look at the range of vans that we can offer. Our Vans

Got your own campervan hacks or road trip traditions? Let us know in the comments—we love hearing how other families roll.