How to Manage Kids' Naps During Holidays and Travel

Why naps get tricky during vacations and travel

Vacations and family trips are full of excitement, spontaneity, and... schedule disruptions. For children aged 6 to 12—especially those who still need a nap or quiet time—this change in routine can throw everything off balance. You might notice increased irritability, trouble focusing during the day, or evening meltdowns that hint at missed rest. And as a parent, juggling your child’s need for downtime while navigating hotel stays, family visits, or long car rides can feel nearly impossible.

So how do you ensure your child gets enough rest away from home? Not every kid this age still naps daily, but many still benefit from downtime or naps, especially when their days are more stimulating than usual. Learning to adapt your approach—even if it’s not perfect—is key.

Understanding your child’s ongoing need for rest

It’s easy to assume that once a child enters elementary school, naps are outgrown. But that’s not always true. Some children between 6 and 12 still need daytime rest, especially if they’re dealing with learning challenges, stress, or have particularly busy schedules. In fact, some signs—like difficulty concentrating or frequent mood swings—may signal that your child still relies on rest to regulate emotions and recharge.

Vacations intensify the need for this rest. New sights, sounds, and experiences are stimulating and sometimes exhausting. While it might not be realistic to hold down a strict nap schedule, you can build flexibility into your travel days by watching for signs of fatigue and creating an adaptable nap routine.

Making rest work when everything’s different

The first thing to let go of is perfection. Your usual routine may not carry over smoothly into a new time zone, a relative’s home, or a loud resort. Instead of getting frustrated, aim to recreate some familiar cues—those little rituals and rhythms that signal to your child’s body it’s time to rest.

Here are some supportive things you can do:

• Create familiar winding-down cues. Even in a hotel, you can mimic parts of your child’s usual naptime or quiet time. This may include playing soothing music, dimming the lights, or using the same stuffed animal or blanket.
• Use audio stories to transition into rest. Stories help your child's mind slow down during overstimulating days. Apps like LISN Kids, which offers original audiobooks and series for kids aged 3 to 12, can be a gentle companion in those moments. The familiar voice of a favorite character or narrator can help ground your child. iOS | Android

If your child resists lying down or gets wound up in unfamiliar sleeping spaces, it helps to start with quiet time rather than a forced nap. Over time, they may drift off naturally once exhaustion catches up—as long as the environment allows it.

Managing resistance and overstimulation

Travel days often come with overstimulation—whether it’s the noise of an airport or the excitement of sightseeing. Some kids don’t show fatigue the same way adults do. Instead of yawning or asking to lie down, they may become hyperactive or defiant. It can be confusing and frustrating, especially when you’re just trying to enjoy family time.

What helps in these moments is recognizing that even if they aren't asking for a break, their bodies may be begging for one. Try giving them space to decompress rather than insisting they “take a nap.” You can read or listen to a story together with the lights dimmed, or suggest a quiet corner with a soft pillow and headphones. For more on what to do when kids won’t nap but clearly need some rest, take a look at this guide.

When skipping naps is inevitable

Even with the best intentions and plans, some days just get away from you. Travel involves unpredictability—delayed flights, traffic, relatives who drop by unannounced. If your child misses a nap or quiet time, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It simply means you might need to balance things out later in the day.

You can:

• Start the transition to bedtime earlier
• Resist the urge to fill every moment with activity
• Watch closely for signs of early evening overstimulation or fatigue

For children who are in the gray area—sometimes napping, sometimes not—it can help to figure out exactly when and why they might still benefit. Some kids just need periodic ‘catch-up’ days of longer rest, especially on long holidays.

Creating a consistent environment, even on the go

Kids rest more easily in spaces that feel safe and calm. Whether you're camping, staying with grandparents, or in a hotel, try to create a micro-environment that feels like their “nest.” Even small cues—like a nightlight from home, a consistent bedtime story audio, or sleeping in familiar pajamas—can help reduce anxiety and improve the odds of a restful nap.

Consider setting up routines—even on vacation—that anchor their day. While you don’t need rigid schedules, small rituals before rest time provide comfort and predictability. You can explore more ideas in this article about bedtime rituals that help naps.

Final thoughts

Parenting on vacation looks different—and feels different. It’s okay to bend the rules, go with the flow, and adapt as needed. What matters most is staying attuned to your child’s energy and emotional needs. Naps, quiet time, or just a low-key moment during a busy day can keep everyone’s mood balanced and make the trip more enjoyable for the whole family.

And remember: rest doesn’t always mean sleep. A calm moment with a favorite story, a quiet space under a shady tree, or a cuddle and audio tale can work wonders, too.