12 Best Travel Toys For Kids

As parents, we know how much of a struggle it can be to keep our little ones entertained during long journeys. Whether it’s a car ride, a train trip, or a long-haul flight, being stuck in one place for an extended period can quickly lead to boredom and meltdowns. 

This is where travel games and toys can help to keep children entertained, occupied and happy throughout the journey. But with so many travel toys on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are the best for your child. In this blog post, we’ll look at 12 of the best travel toys for young kids that we’ve have enjoyed as we have travelled across the world.  Our children are well-travelled, our 7-year-old has lived in 14 different countries and our 2-year-old was born in Mexico so we’ve spent a fair amount of time manoeuvring around the globe and know first-hand how helpful having a great set of toys can make travelling that much easier. 

Choosing the Right Travel Toys

When choosing travel toys for your young children, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Age: Consider the age of your child when choosing travel toys. Toys that are too difficult or too simple will quickly become frustrating.
• Interests: Choose toys that your child is interested in. This will help to ensure that they will be engaged and entertained.  Ideally, you want to choose toys that educational in nature as they’ll help children to learn new skills and concepts but this isn’t essential as it’s awesome for kids to just have fun. 
• Encourages creativity: Try to choose toys that spark their imagination.
• Familiarity:  Bring a familiar toy from home as this can provide a sense of comfort and security for children, especially when navigating unfamiliar surroundings.  
• Portability: Choose toys that are small, lightweight, and easy to pack.
• Durability: Choose toys that are well-made and can withstand being thrown around and dropped.
• Noise level: Avoid toys that make a lot of noise, as this can be disruptive to other passengers.

Now let’s move on to the 20 Best Travel Toys For Kids.

1. New Toys/Magazine

Surprise your child with a new magazine or toy specifically for the flight. We usually pick something up a day or two before our flight out. The newness is a great way to ensure they’ll remain excited and engaged for at least a moment or two.

2. Busy Books

Busy books are great for young kids because they offer a variety of activities to keep them engaged. They can include things like counting beads, velcro numbers, shape sorting games, puzzles and shoe-lace tying. We bought this one for our 2 year old but even our 7 year old enjoys playing with it.

3. Mess Free Colouring Pages

Mess-free colouring is a great way to keep kids entertained without having to worry about them making a mess. There are a variety of mess-free colouring products available. We absolutely love this one by Crayola and have already purchased it at least 4 times. It comes with 18 reusable colouring pages and usually at least three mess-free markers. The markers only work on paper so it doesn’t matter if they try to draw on their skin, clothes or the furniture, it won’t work! Trust us, they’ve tried it so we know!

4. Suction Cup Spinner

Fidget toys like this suction cup spinner can be a great way to keep kids entertained and calm on a flight. They can also help to reduce anxiety. There are a variety of fidget toys available, such as spinners, cubes, and pop-its. We love this fidget toy for babies. It’s a soft and squishy toy that babies can spin and pop.

5. Tablet Entertainment

Tablets can be a great way to keep kids entertained on a long flight. Download some educational apps and games the night before that can be accessed offline.  Tablets are my last resort as we try to limit screen time as much as possible. 

6. Reusable Sticker Books For Toddlers

A fun way to introduce stickers to young children across topics and they’re reusable for use over and over again.

7. Sticker Dolly Dressing

We first found out about these awesome sticker books at my cousins wedding and Taji LOVED it. She got to play dress up with paper dolls in sticker form so we had to eat these to the list.

8. Janod Magneti’book

Magnetic pages offer endless storytelling fun and keep kids engaged without the need for small pieces.

9. Playfoam Go! Squishy Sandcastle

Sensory play that’s mess-free and calming, perfect for quiet moments on a journey.

10. Pencil & Paper Games

Over 200 pages of your favourite pencil and paper games with tear off pads for easy travel entertainment.

11. Galt Water Magic Pens

Add water to the pen and watch the pictures magically appear.

12. Tonies Musical Storybook

Audio storytelling without screens, perfect for calming young minds and stimulating imagination. 

 

Bonus: Ride On Suitcase

Not a toy or game as such but the Trunki is a ride-on suitcase that’s perfect for young kids. It can help to make the airport experience more fun and less stressful. It’s also a great way to keep kids entertained as you wait at the gate. We let our daughter put all her favourite toys and activities she wants for the airport in there plus a change of clothes. Once we reach the gate and have a bit more downtime she loves zooming around on her trunki to pass the time. 

Taji loves her scooter suitcase and was super excited to take it with her to Mexico. We allowed her to pack all her favourite toys. It honestly holds quite a decent amount and she was gliding through the airport with ease. Totally worth the price tag.

Additional Family Travel Tips:

• Let Them Move: Young kids need to move around, so allow them to get up and walk around the plane every hour or so. You can also take them to the bathroom to freshen up.
• Play Travel Games: Keep the journey exciting with travel games like I Spy or Simon Says. Bring along some travel games to keep their minds active and entertained.
• Storytime: Reading stories is a fantastic way to bond with your child and help them relax. It can also help them fall asleep, making the flight more comfortable for everyone.

Bonus Tip for Flying with an Infant: If you’re travelling with an infant, consider bringing a nursing pillow or baby carrier. These items can make feeding and holding your baby on the plane much more comfortable.

We hope these family travel tips help you keep your young kids entertained on your next flight.

Remember, a well-prepared travel checklist and some thoughtful travel games for kids can turn a potentially stressful experience into a fun family vacation filled with memorable moments.

Safe travels, and enjoy your next family trip adventure!

Conclusion

Travel toys are a must-have for any parent traveling with young children. They can help to keep children entertained, engaged, and happy throughout the journey. When choosing travel toys, consider your child’s age, interests, and portability. With a little planning, you can find the perfect travel toys to help make your next trip a breeze!

I hope this blog post has given you some ideas for the best travel toys for your young children. With a few well-chosen toys, you can ensure that your next trip is enjoyable for everyone.

FAQs: Travel Games and Travelling with Kids

1. What are the best travel games for young children?

The best travel games for young children are those that are engaging, portable, and easy to understand. Look for games that encourage interaction, problem-solving, and creativity. Some great options include magnetic travel games, card games with simple rules, and interactive activity books. Puzzles are also a fantastic choice, as they can help develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

2. How can I keep my child entertained on a long car journey?

Keeping kids entertained on a long car journey can be a challenge. A mix of activities is key. Audiobooks, podcasts, and music can be a great distraction. Travel toys, like those mentioned above, are essential. Snacks and drinks can also help to pass the time. Involving your child in the journey, such as pointing out landmarks or playing car games, can also be fun and engaging.

3. What are some tips for packing travel toys?

When packing travel toys, choose items that are compact and lightweight. Consider using a travel toy organiser or packing cubes to keep everything together. It’s also a good idea to pack a variety of toys to cater to different moods and interests. Don’t forget to pack any necessary components, such as batteries or small pieces.

4. How can I prepare my child for a long flight?

Preparing your child for a long flight can help reduce stress for both you and your child. Explain what to expect, including security checks and the flight itself. Choose their favourite toys and snacks to bring along. Consider packing a favourite blanket or stuffed animal for comfort. It’s also important to ensure your child is well-rested before the flight.

5. What are some essential items to pack for a family trip?

Essential items for a family trip include:

• Travel documents for everyone
• Medications
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Reusable water bottles
• Snacks
• Comfortable clothing
• Entertainment for children (books, games, tablets)
• Adapters and chargers
• Camera
• Essential toiletries
• Any specific items for your child’s needs (diapers, wipes, formula, etc.) Remember to pack light, but don’t forget the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.