Safety on the Go: Simple, Smart Tips to Keep Kids Safe During Travel and Public Outings

Whether you're headed to the grocery store, a family road trip, or a crowded event downtown, keeping kids safe outside the home takes more than just holding their hand. As parents, caregivers, and professionals who work with families, we know that the world isn’t always predictable—but our safety strategies can be.

The truth is, public spaces and travel introduce different risks than the home environment. And while we can’t control every variable, we can prepare children and ourselves with clear, calm, and age-appropriate safety planning.

Here’s what matters most when it comes to staying safe on the go.

1. Have a Simple Safety Plan for Every Outing

Before leaving the house, take 60 seconds to go over three basics with your child:

• Where are we going?

• Who are we going with?

• What do you do if we get separated?

This creates predictability and comfort for kids, especially in unfamiliar environments. It also reinforces their sense of control, which is key to preventing panic in unexpected situations.

2. Use the “Safe Adult” Rule

Teach children to identify safe adults in public—such as uniformed employees, police officers, or a mom with kids—if they get separated. Role-play what to say:

“Hi, I’m lost. Can you help me find my parent?”

Reinforce that it's never their fault if they get lost—and that asking for help is brave and smart.

3. Establish a Family Code Word

A secret code word helps prevent manipulation by potential abductors or individuals trying to deceive a child. If someone claims, “Your mom told me to pick you up,” your child can ask, “What’s the code word?”

If they don’t know it, the child knows not to go with them. It’s a simple tool that can prevent tragic outcomes.

4. Practice Public Restroom Safety

For younger kids, accompany them into restrooms. For older children or when gender-specific stalls make it challenging:

• Wait right outside the door.

• Set a time check-in limit (e.g., knock if it’s been more than 3 minutes).

• Teach them never to talk to strangers in the restroom or leave with anyone except their trusted adult.

5. Stay Connected During Travel

For older kids with phones, equip them with emergency contact numbers (not just stored in the phone) and encourage regular check-ins. For younger children, consider wearable ID bands or cards with:

• Parent or guardian name

• Emergency number

• Allergies or medical needs

GPS-enabled devices can also be helpful, especially in unfamiliar or crowded places.

6. Set Expectations in Crowded Spaces

Whether you’re at a festival, airport, or amusement park:

• Dress kids in bright or matching clothing for visibility.

• Take a photo at the beginning of the outing (helpful if you need to describe them).

• Designate a meeting spot in case anyone gets lost.

Always review the “stay where you are” rule: If they realize they’re lost, they should stop moving and wait for help rather than wander.

7. Monitor Online Check-ins and Geo-Tags

For older kids and teens using social media, teach them to delay sharing their location online until after they’ve left. Real-time updates can unintentionally alert predators or strangers to their current whereabouts.

8. Trust Your Gut—and Teach Kids to Trust Theirs

If a situation, person, or environment feels “off,” it probably is. Empower children to speak up:

“If something feels weird or makes you uncomfortable, tell me—even if you’re not sure why.”

Children who feel supported in trusting their instincts are more likely to speak out before something becomes dangerous.

Final Thought

Safety while traveling or in public isn't about making kids afraid—it's about making them prepared. With a little planning, calm conversations, and age-appropriate tools, families can navigate the world with greater confidence.

You don’t need to bubble-wrap your child to keep them safe. You just need to give them the right strategies—and walk beside them as they grow into using them.