Traveling with children can be a joyful experience, but keeping them entertained during long journeys is often a challenge. The right toys can make all the difference, turning potential meltdowns into moments of fun and creativity. In this article, we’ll explore the best travel toys that are sure to keep your little ones engaged and happy, whether you’re flying across the globe or taking a road trip. From compact and portable to educational and interactive options, these travel toys will become your go-to companions for any adventure. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your next family trip a breeze with these top toy recommendations.
Pro Tip: I like to dedicate a gallon ziplock bag to toys (with maybe 2-3 extra larger toys). This way, the toys stay organized and we don’t take up too much space. I look for toys that stay relatively contained (especially on the plane), clean easily, and have multiple uses. I also look for waterproof toys that go from plane to car to pool to room to bath seamlessly.
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Travel Toys:
Puzzle and Problem-Solving Travel Toys:
- Window Cling Book:
Children can arrange and rearrange on different scenes with this reusable window cling book, providing endless storytelling possibilities and entertainment.
- Busy Board Book:
A light-weight compact book filled with puzzles and activities keeps kids entertained and engaged. It’s perfect for stimulating their creativity and problem-solving skills during travel.
- Magnetic Dolls / Magnetic Tangrams:
A set of magnetic paper dolls or tangrams offer endless mix-and-match possibilities. These magnetic pieces stick to their play board, making them perfect for travel. They encourage creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills in a mess-free way.
Fidget and Active Travel Toys:
- Spinners:
Portable and mesmerizing, these hand-held fidget spinners with bonus pop it bubbles keep little hands busy and reduce anxiety during long trips.
- Pull Tubes:
Colorful and flexible tubes that stretch, twist, and pop provide endless tactile fun and sensory stimulation for kids on the go.
- Reusable Water Balloons:
Soft, squishy balls hold water and can be thrown without causing damage. But hear me out… While made for water, they don’t take a lot of space and can substitute regular balls. It’s also somewhat of a fidget item, pulling apart and putting back together.
- Toy Cars or Trucks:
These lightweight compact vehicles are easy to pack and easily keep kids entertained during travel.
Arts and Crafts Travel Toys:
- Stamps and Crayons:
This compact creative combo keeps little hands busy and minds engaged during your journey. While you can bring paper, you can also use napkins or paper scraps (wrappers, receipts, plane tickets, etc.) you find along the way.
- Water Paint Book:
This is mess-free reusable painting experience where children use a water-filled pen to reveal colorful images on special pages, which dry clear.
- Drawing Tablet:
An LCD writing tablet allows kids to draw and doodle endlessly. (We also love these mini magnetic drawing boards, which are small and super easy to pack.)
- Play-Doh:
Kids can sculpt, mold, and create endless shapes and figures. Portable containers make it easy to bring along on trips, providing hours of creative entertainment and fine motor skill development.
Characters and Figurine Travel Toys:
- Suction Cup Animal Toys:
These adorable suction cup animal toys are versatile, easy to clean and perfect for travel. They can stick to windows, airplane trays, and other smooth surfaces, providing endless entertainment on the go. Additionally, they double as bath toys, making them great for playtime during hotel stays or at home.
- Finger Puppets:
Compact and portable, finger puppets of various characters and animals entertain children during travel, encouraging creativity and communication skills. They’re also waterproof!
- Little Characters:
Small, detailed figurines inspire imaginative play and storytelling. Easy to pack and perfect for on-the-go fun, these little characters can turn any travel moment into an adventure, sparking creativity and engagement. Bonus: if you get their favorite characters, your kids are bound to be entertained! Here are some ideas below:
Conclusion:
As you prepare for your next family trip, selecting the right travel toys can transform the journey into a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your children. The carefully curated toys in this guide are designed to keep young minds engaged, fostering creativity and fun along the way. With the right mix of entertainment, education, and portability, these travel toys will become indispensable parts of your travel routine. So pack your bags, grab those favorite toys, and get ready to create cherished memories on your next adventure.
Let us know your favorite travel toys! And check out this toddler and baby packing list to prepare for your next trip.
Happy travels!
The Travel Tripster
