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Planning a family vacation is one of the best ways to create lasting memories, and if you have kids, you know the anticipation of the trip can be just as magical as the vacation itself! Whether you’re gearing up for a Disney vacation, a tropical beach escape, or a bucket-list African safari, creating a vacation countdown is a fun and interactive way to get your kids involved, reduce travel-related anxiety, and build excitement every day leading up to departure.

As a travel agent and mom of two, I’ve helped countless families plan dream trips, and I’m here to share my favorite kid-approved vacation countdown activities to help make your next family adventure even more memorable.

Why a Vacation Countdown Matters

Many kids, especially toddlers and young children, have a hard time understanding time and struggle with the waiting period before a trip. A countdown helps make the experience tangible, giving them a visual, hands-on way to process excitement and get involved in travel prep. Bonus? It’s a great opportunity to weave in some destination-themed learning and fun!

1. Paper Chain Countdown

One of our favorite low-tech vacation countdown ideas (especially with toddlers!) is the classic paper chain. Cut out colorful strips, loop them into a chain, and let your kids remove one each day until your vacation begins. We used this method to surprise our girls with their first Disney World trip, and it brought so much joy leading up to our girls’ first trip to Disney and stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Pro Tip: Use themed or colored paper (Disney, beach, safari prints) to match your destination!

2. Custom Vacation Countdown Calendar

Think of this as an advent calendar for travel! Create a personalized calendar where your kids cross off days, and spice it up with:

Destination trivia or fun facts
Stickers or stamps
Mini daily surprises (travel snacks, coloring sheets, postcards)

This is perfect for Disney trips, where you can theme each day around a character, park, or attraction!

3. Daily Themed Activities

Make the countdown educational and exciting! Choose activities based on your destination:

Heading to Iceland? Try a mini volcano science experiment.
Traveling to Italy? Have a pizza night or learn a few Italian phrases.
Planning a national park adventure? Do a nature scavenger hunt or backyard camping night!

For Disney vacations, theme a day around each park: for example, watch a ride POV on YouTube, dress up like a favorite character, or make Mickey-shaped pancakes!

4. Pack-With-Me Days

Let your kids help pack their bags one item at a time! Not only does this help spread out prep (a win for you!), but it also empowers your kids to take ownership of the trip:

Favorite outfit or jammies
Travel toys, books, or activities
Bathing suit or park shoes
Snacks or plane treats

Pro Tip: Turn it into a game! “Only pack something blue today” or “Find something cozy for the plane ride!”

5. Movie Marathon Nights

We love a cozy Friday night with popcorn and destination-inspired movies! Watching films set in your vacation spot helps kids connect to the culture and landscape in a fun way.

Disney trip? Watch park-themed movies like Encanto (EPCOT), Finding Nemo (Animal Kingdom’s Seas), or Cars (Hollywood Studios).
Iceland adventure? Watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty or the Iceland episode of Down to Earth with Zac Efron.
Paris getaway? Cue up Ratatouille or Madeline!

6. Vacation Countdown Apps (for older kids)

If your kids are a little older or already use tablets or phones, apps like Countdown Star or Vacation Countdown are fun tech-based ways to keep the excitement going. Customize it with photos of your destination and daily reminders or pop-ups with travel trivia or fun challenges!

7. Make a Vacation Bucket List Together

Get your kids dreaming big! Let them create their own vacation bucket list filled with what they want to see, do, and eat on your trip. For example, before our family returned to Puerto Rico, I talked with Lowina about her favorite moments from our last trip and new adventures she wanted to have. Her top picks? Returning to Gozalandia Waterfall and finding new beaches and playgrounds!

Not only does this get them excited, but it also helps guide your travel planning to ensure the whole family feels included.

Book Your Dream Family Vacation With Expert Help!

Planning the perfect family vacation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As a family travel expert and Disney-authorized travel agent, I help take the stress off your plate so you can focus on making memories. From booking park passes to finding the best resorts with toddler-friendly amenities, I’m here to help every step of the way!

Let’s make your next vacation unforgettable. Reach out today and let me help you plan your dream trip!

Ready to start counting down?

Whether you’re heading to Walt Disney World, the beaches of Hawaii, the mountains of Colorado, or an international adventure, these countdown ideas will keep the excitement alive long before the bags are packed.

Need help choosing a destination or building a kid-friendly itinerary? I’d love to help you plan it!

Vacation Countdown Ideas for Kids: Make the Wait as Fun as the Trip!