Why You Need to Bring Coloring Books on Vacation

A few years ago, coloring books enjoyed a glamorous return to relevancy as adults took to the formerly childish hobby as a way to relax.

The fad since died down, but it is just as popular as ever with young kids. Especially during travel downtime, coloring books could be the affordable entertainment your kids need on their next plane, train or automobile ride.

Coloring books offer versatility for all ages. Younger kids can color big, widespread pictures of their favorite characters from Sesame Street

, while older kids can draw their own creations and go into detail with colored pencils.

Perhaps the best thing about coloring: Kids of any artistic ability can do it.

From kids who draw stick figures to those with a penchant for the visual arts, coloring levels the playing field. This can be especially nice when siblings are separated by more than a few years. The difference in artistic ability could drive them toward separate artistic endeavors, but coloring actually encourages kids to share supplies and work together.

No matter what the kids like — cartoons, animals, nature or anything in between —there’s a coloring-book theme for it.

Craft stores like A.C. Moore and Michaels

usually have a wide selection of books. If there is one thing young kids love, it’s choosing gifts. The opportunity to pick out their own coloring book and crayons for the upcoming trip will make their day.

Finally, coloring can be done almost anywhere. They come with many pages and images, meaning it will be tough for even the most determined color-er to finish the entire book on a single trip.

Whether the family is jumping on a plane, in a train or just into the car, coloring books are versatile and fun. And hey, if the kids fall asleep, there is a reason adult coloring books became so popular.