travel toys for toddlers on plane

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The Top Airplane and Car Toys for Toddlers on the Go

Whether you’re journeying across the state or across the country, traveling with little ones can be stressful—which is where airplane and car toys for toddlers come in handy. The right mix of gizmos and gadgets will do wonders for keeping kids entertained and well-behaved along the way. The best travel toys for toddlers are lightweight and mess-free, and can be easily packed into a carry-on bag or the backseat.

Need some suggestions? We’ve curated a list of our favorite toddler travel toys and trinkets that are almost guaranteed to get your next vacation started on the right note. Shop our top picks below.

Best Airplane Toys for Toddlers

There isn’t much wiggle room on airplanes, no matter which airline you fly. So, you’ll want to keep your kiddo’s entertainment a bit streamlined so you aren’t spending half the flight reaching under the seat in front of you for missing pieces. Below, we’ve included some fantastic airplane toy options for self-contained play.

Textured cube toy

• Shapes are attached so they can’t get lost
• Fosters fine motor skills
• Some reviewers say it’s a bit tricky to fit some shapes in

On the hunt for an airplane toy for toddlers? This dynamic cube will have you covered. The textured toy is full of sorting fun. Better yet, all six textured, rubbery shapes are tethered to the cube, so they won’t get lost along the way.

Age rating: 10+ months | Dimensions: 4.3" (L) x 4.3" (W) x 4.3" (H) | Weight: 12.2 oz.

Montessori travel toy for toddlers

• Made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone
• Can be hung from a stroller
• Lots of sensory options
• Best for younger toddlers

Keep your child engaged while you’re out and about with this fun travel toy for toddlers. The UFO-shaped design is full of textures, colors and shapes for your kiddo to explore. What’s more, as they grasp, hold and pull at this toy, they’ll develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Age rating: 18+ months | Dimensions: 8.3" (L) x 4.7" (W) x 4.7" (H) | Weight: 7 oz.

Foil scratch pictures for kids

• Mess-free way to draw and color
• Each pack comes with five printed art boards
• One-time use
• Wooden stylus isn’t attached
• Best suited for older tots and little kids

Searching for an airplane toy for toddlers who love arts and crafts? This two-pack of scratch-away foil pictures would be a great fit. Simply use the wooden stylus provided to reveal colorful scenes of doggies, dinos and more! And if your little one prefers sugar and spice, don’t worry: A sweet fairy bundle is available as well.

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 7.5" (L) x 0.3" (W) x 10" (H) | Weight: 4 oz.

Screen-free audio player

Looking for travel-friendly entertainment that doesn’t involve screens? Turn to the Yoto Mini—a compact audio player designed with tots and kiddos in mind. While on the go, your little one can insert a content card, turn the large dials and listen to an array of best-selling audiobooks, music, children’s podcasts, radio and more. And—thanks to the audio jack—they can plug in their own headphones . Better yet, no WiFi is needed for it to operate and you can count on its all-day battery to withstand small and large outings alike.

Age rating: 4 to 12 years | Dimensions: 2.8" (L) x 1.6" (W) x 2.8" (H) | Weight: 4.5 oz.

Portable doodle board

• Mess-free way to draw
• Rubber clip for easy portability
• Pen is attached so it can’t get lost
• Requires a button-cell battery

Next up on our list of the best travel toys for toddlers is this portable doodle board. Your kiddo can draw to their heart’s content (without any of the mess!) while you’re out and about. When they’re ready to create a new masterpiece, simply press the character’s nose to erase the canvas. This excellent airplane toy comes in a cute ladybug shape, but there are several others to choose from as well (like a puppy or dinosaur ) and the rubber clip allows it to easily attach to backpacks or suitcases .

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 8.3" (L) x 5" (W) x 0.5" (H) | Weight: 6.4 oz.

Travel-friendly stuffed animal

• Various textures to inspire sensory play
• Clips on to car seats, strollers and more
• Lightweight design
• Intended for younger infants

Searching for a stuffed animal that will keep your kiddo entertained and comforted whether you’re on a roadtrip or a longhaul flight? Look no further than this friendly moose. The super-soft toy is made up of several textures and interactive elements for your little one to explore—like its satin, knotted legs, crinkly hooves and squeaker belly. Ensure it’s always within arm’s reach by clipping it to your tot’s car seat , travel stroller or even their airplane seatbelt.

Age rating: 0+ months | Dimensions: 11.5" (L) x 5.3" (W) x 2.8" (H) | Weight: 1 oz.

Water-based drawing pads

• Easy for even the youngest of tots to use
• Super lightweight
• Pen has a small fill opening
• Pages may take longer to dry if your child uses a lot of water

You can count on these reusable water activity pads to keep your tot entertained through long wait times at the airport gate. Your little artist can color in fun scenes and practice writing, counting and shape recognition without the stress of a potential mess. Just fill up the included water pen and let your child learn and explore!

Age rating: 3 to 5 years | Dimensions: 3.9" (L) x 7.3" (W) x 11" (H) | Weight: 0.8 oz.

Sensory travel toy for toddlers

• Inspires open-ended, sensory play
• Made of BPA-free, food-grade silicone
• Compact design
• Rubber may pick up hair and fuzz

The best airplane toys for toddlers are those that are simple, portable and provide endless fun. This sensory toy from Fat Brain Toys is no exception. Your little one will love popping the colorful, silicone bubbles, and you’ll love how easy it is to tote in your diaper bag or carry-on luggage.

Age rating: 10+ months | Dimensions: 5.5" (L) x 1" (W) x 5" (H) | Weight: 4.8 oz.

Magnetic drawing kit

• Comes with 25 double-sided activity cards
• Pen storage slot and carrying handle
• Suitable for toddlers and kids alike
• The plastic panel scratches easily, according to reviewers

One of the best entertainment options for travel are magnetic toys ] ( https://www.thebump.com/a/magnetic-toys-for-toddlers). .) Take this art kit, for instance. The dot art board comes with 25 double-sided activity boards that easily slide in behind the plastic panel. Then, your kiddo can use the magnetic pen to drag and drop colorful circles into place, allowing them to create an array of vibrant patterns and illustrations.

Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 9" (L) x 1.2" (W) x 9" (H) | Weight: N/A

Puffy sticker pack set

• Reusable stickers for endless fun
• Colorful, detailed backgrounds
• Carrying handle
• Stickers may pick up hair and fuzz

Your little explorer will love creating animal-filled adventure scenes with this travel toy for toddlers. The play set consists of 42 reusable puffy stickers and a fold-out, double-sided background of jungle and savannah landscapes. What’s more, the activity set has a handle so it can be transported by you or your toddler.

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 8.2" (L) x 0.2" (W) x 11" (H) | Weight: 3.2 oz.

Best Car Toys for Toddlers

Car rides just aren’t a whole lot of fun for anyone, no matter the age. But while older kids can bring a book or a portable video game to stay entertained, little ones can struggle to keep busy, which often spells trouble. These car toys will stave off the boredom, even for the youngest set.

Imaginative magnetic play set

• Pieces can be stored in the tin for easy portability
• Inspires creative thinking
• Several themed sets available
• Best suited for older tots and kids
• Magnets have to be punched out before use

Engage your tot with imaginative play on the go, thanks to this portable play set. It includes two illustrated backgrounds and three sheets of magnets that your little one can mix and match to create fun, veterinarian-inspired scenes. Chef- , scientist- and space-themed magnet sets are also available.

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 6.3" (L) x 1" (W) x 8.8" (H) | Weight: 13.5 oz.

Educational travel toy for toddlers

• Suitable for a wide range of ages
• Offers an array of activities in one set
• Teaches kids everyday skills
• According to some reviewers, the zippers break easily

Have a long travel day ahead? This 25-in-1 montessori toy is sure to keep your little one busy. The board features a variety of activities that will teach your child about everyday skills, like tying shoes and telling time as they play. The lightweight, compact design also easily folds closed and has a carrying handle—score!

Age rating: 1 to 6 years | Dimensions: 3.9" (L) x 0.8" (W) x 1" (H) | Weight: 9.9 oz.

Shape-sorting carrying case

• Bright colors stimulate younger tots
• Two-sided for added fun and learning
• Heavier than other options on our list
• Some say the shapes fall out of the holes at times

Is your tot fascinated by colors and shapes? Then this toddler travel toy is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. It comes with a convenient carrying case that doubles as a two-sided activity bag. Your child will love exploring the nine different shapes included and discovering the crinkly, illustrated flaps on the back.

Age rating: 9+ months | Dimensions: 13.5" (L) x 3.8" (W) x 9.8" (H) | Weight: 1.5 lbs.

Pretend play steering wheel

• Encourages imaginative play
• Includes a variety of interactive elements
• Bulky design
• Requires batteries

Beep beep! Have a mini backseat driver? Then your little one is bound to love this steering wheel toy for the car. Your toddler will have a ball imitating you while you’re driving—plus, they’ll learn about animals, vehicles, colors, numbers, opposites and more as they play.

Age rating: 6 months to 3 years | Dimensions: 10.8" (L) x 4.3" (W) x 4.7" (H) | Weight: 1.4 lbs.

Buckle toddler learning toy

• Nurtures fine motor skills
• Decorated with colors, numbers and shapes
• Suitable for toddlers of all ages
• Some reviewers say they wish the straps were longer

Some of the best car toys for toddler are those that seamlessly combine learning and entertainment—just like this plush turtle. Its shell features several colorful buckles for your little one to clip and unclip, strengthening their fine motor and color-matching skills on the go. This plush plaything even has a zipper on its back for your kiddo to store mini treasures and trinkets they find on their travels.

Age rating: 1 to 4 years | Dimensions: 7" (L) x 5" (W) x 10" (H) | Weight: 6 oz.

Kid-friendly camera

• Durable design
• Features a selfie function and games
• Comes with SD card
• Battery only lasts one to two hours

This adorable camera is a must-have for any tots who love to take pictures on their parents’ phones! Made with durable plastic, this colorful device takes real pictures, and comes with an SD card that can store thousands of photos. And when you arrive at your destination, your little photographer can continue exploring all the new sights through their very own lens.

Age rating: 3 to 10 years | Dimensions: N/A | Weight: 6.7 oz.

Lace-and-trace boards

• Parents say these keep their kids entertained for a long time
• Strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Encourages lacing practice
• Edges of the holes aren’t smooth, according to reviewers

Arts and crafts don’t have to be off limits just because you’re on the move. Case in point: These lace-and-trace boards. This set of car toys for toddlers includes five double-sided animals, color-coordinated laces and a storage box. While your kiddo practices their hand-eye coordination, they’ll be able to thread vibrant strings through several wooden pets, like a puppy and a goldfish. A farmyard-themed bundle is also available for extra fun!

Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 8.4" (L) x 1.2" (W) x 6.6" (H) | Weight: 9.6 oz.

Portable nursery play set

• Convenient carrying case doubles as a playset
• Great for young travelers who can’t read or draw
• Carrying case features a hole in the back

This sweet car toy for toddlers is perfect for kiddos who love imitating their parents. The set comes with mini twin dolls that your tot can feed, bounce and put down for naps. Then, when playtime (or the ride!) is over, simply zip up the pieces inside the convenient carrying case.

Age rating: 1 to 5 years | Dimensions: 12.3" (L) x 4.5" (W) x 9.9" (H) | Weight: 1.4 lbs.

How We Chose the Best Travel Toys for Toddlers

We get it—choosing the best toys for your little one isn’t always the easiest, especially with so many options out there. To simplify your search, we browsed dozens of toddler travel toys from leading brands and trusted online retailers, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. We considered several factors when sourcing playthings, including size, weight, age rating, quality and durability, ease of use and value. We also read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products have worked for families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here .

Plus, more from The Bump:

The 9 Best Travel Strollers for Stress-Free Trips

13 Best Toddler Suitcases of 2023

6 Best Travel Car Seats for Your Next Trip

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25 Best Toys for Toddlers on an Airplane [2023]

· our toddler-approved picks of the best toys to bring on a flight. ·.

Toddlers are loads of fun. From learning to walk to learning to talk, this developmental stage in young children is filled with previous moments that you’ll savor forever. But, amid all the cuteness, toddlers can cause a fair bit of stress. Many parents fear going on long trips with their toddlers because they imagine how stressful it might be.

Over the past year, we’ve spent over 100 hours in the sky with our toddler on several international flights . We’ve found that if you can keep your little one entertained, the plane ride will go off without a hitch. This list of the 25 best toys for toddlers on an airplane is packed with great travel toys that can also be used for a long-haul flight, in the car on a road trip, on a cross-country train, and beyond.

A Note on Screen Time for Long Flights with Toddlers

Every parent does things differently, and that is their own prerogative! Some parents are very restrictive with screen time for their little ones, while other parents happily pass the phone or iPad over to them. Regardless of your opinions on screen time, there is one key thing to point out; toddlers generally can’t (or shouldn’t) use headphones, and you normally can’t play audio on an airplane without them.

The flight attendant is normally very quick to ask you to turn down the volume on your device if you don’t have headphones, and this can make screen time impossible. You can’t blame them, either! There are hundreds of other passengers on the flight, and not everyone wants to hear Bluey or Cocomelon. With this in mind, it is crucial that you pack plenty of other things in your travel bag to keep your little one entertained.

What Makes a Toy Good for Airplane Travel?

Not all toys are created equally! There are a few things that really set some toys apart from others when it comes to long trips, including both long car rides and flights.

• Toys that don’t make noise
• Toys that don’t take up much space
• Toys that are cheap
• Toys that don’t have many pieces
• Toys with different uses/functions
• Toys your child loves

Six Qualities of the Best Toddler Travel Toys

These six qualities can really help you to identify good toys for travel. Whether you’re in the car or on a plane, you (and those around you) probably don’t want to hear sound effects for hours when your toddler repeatedly hits a noise-making button. On an airplane, your space is very limited, and large toys are both inconvenient and impractical.

Toys with a lot of pieces are never a good option for air travel because there is a good chance some pieces will go missing by the time you get off the plane.

Toys with different uses and functions – like a coloring book with different pages or a stuffed animal that turns into a pillow – help to keep your little one’s attention longer. We all know how short a toddler’s attention span can be! And finally, having a toy that your child just loves is a great quality, as toddlers can be oddly picky and prefer things that they are already comfortable with.

Montessori Toys Are the Best Travel Toys

Montessori is a movement in the parenting world that emphasizes simplicity and the natural stimulation of children. The Montessori Method claims that children are overstimulated by toys and TV shows today, and that the develop much better when left with simple toys that encourage the use of their imagination.

Whether you agree or disagree with the Montessori Method, there is one undeniable truth: Montessori toys are perfect for traveling with toddlers. Generally speaking, they check all of the boxes that I outlined above, and they can be purchased on Amazon for often less than their noisy, colorful Fisher Price counterparts.

The Best Travel Toys for Toddlers: Our Picks

1. montessori closable busy board.

A busy board is essentially a single toy that is covered in gadgets and gizmos that can keep your little one entertained. The different toys on busy boards are meant to engage each of your toddler’s developing skillsets, which is what makes them such a great option for flights. In a single toy, you can satisfy many of your child’s urges while encouraging imaginative play! The best part about these closable busy boards is that they zip up for easy carrying and storage.

2. KaPing Baby Montessori Toys

On that same trend, this series of Montessori baby toys is perfect for travel. They are lined with little toys and features that will keep your child’s little fingers busy for the full flight. At such an affordable price, this toy is the perfect option for many parents.

3. Montessori Steering Wheel Busy Board

While I already mentioned busy boards above, this one really sticks out to me as a special option. The car-centric design is great for encouraging imaginative play, and it only weighs a couple of pounds. If your little one is getting into a car phase, you won’t want to skip out on this.

4. Montessori Busy Book

Busy books are special books that are designed to stimulate your little one’s mind beyond just pretty pictures and words on paper. These books are filled with interactive activities and toggles that are designed to keep your toddler engaged, all while learning important things like colors, numbers, and animals. Much like quiet books, these are a type of activity book that takes regular reading to the next level.

5. Water Wow! Coloring Book

Water coloring books are incredible. As a parent, I think these are so cool. Instead of coloring with crayons or colored pencils, your child colors with…water. And it is mess free! These pages turn color when wet, and they go back to being black and white when they dry out. They are reusable, affordable, and very much fun for kids in the whole toddler age group.

6. Chews Life Rosary

If you are a Catholic family, you won’t want to miss out on a Chews Life Rosary. Chews Life is a small business that makes silicone rosaries and other religious toddler toys. We bought our son a Chews Life Rosary when he was 6 months old, and he still loves it to this day as a toddler. They are designed to be great teethers, take up very little space, and are a great way to teach your child about Christianity.

7. Action Figures

Action Figures and other toy figurines make exceptional airplane toys for toddlers because they are small, encourage imaginative play, and can be played with anywhere. Encouraging your child to use their imagination is always a great idea when on a flight, as it helps them to get lost in their own little world and lose track of time. If they get deeply absorbed in playing with their toys, you’re sure to have as stress-free of a flight as possible.

8. Pillow Pets

Pillow Pets are some of the greatest airplane toys ever made – especially if you go for the miniatures. One of the key aspects of toddler travel toys that I outlined above is versatility, and few toys are more versatile than pillow pets. They function as both stuffed animals and pillows. Encouraging your child to play on the airplane is a good idea, but getting them to sleep is always the best bet.

9. LCD Writing Tablet

An LCD writing tablet, or doodle board, is a grand slam of an airplane toy for toddlers. Doodle boards are mess-free, very portable, and stoke your little one’s imagination. Little people of all ages can enjoy doodle pads, and some even allow your child to draw in different colors. They are also surprisingly cheap on Amazon!

10. Reusable Window Stickers

The brand Melissa & Doug makes a slew of great toddler travel toys, but one of our favorites is their reusable sticker books. While we don’t normally love stickers, we have to admit that reusable stickers are one of the best toddler toys on the market for flying. They take up practically no space in your bag, are very cheap, are fully reusable, and are entirely mess-free. If you want a small, simple toy that can keep your little one entertained at a very affordable price, look no further.

11. Small Books

Not every toy needs to be fancy. While there are great busy books and quiet books out there, traditional books do just fine, too! We always pack one of our son’s favorite books, as it is a sure way to get him to focus in and maybe even take a nap. For long-haul flights, napping is crucial, and your child’s favorite book could be one of the best plane toys at your disposal. Smaller, soft books are the perfect size to fit in your diaper bag.

12. Coloring Books

Much like a reusable sticker book, a coloring book can be the perfect toy on your next trip. The downside is that you need to bring crayons or colored pencils, but the upside is that there are enough pages to keep your little one entertained for hours while working on their fine motor skills. Coloring books are cheap, disposable, and come in many different themes, from princesses to farm animals.

13. Suction Cup Fidget Spinner

If your little one has some energy to burn off, suction cup fidget spinners may be just what they need. These oversized fidget spinners stick to the back of the seat in front of you and help to develop your child’s hand-eye coordination without the need for any small parts that can get lost in flight.

14. Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Tablet

We try to avoid screen time as much as possible with our little one, but this makes a great compromise! We were gifted one of these for Christmas, and our son absolutely loves it. Whether he is in the car seat or on our laps on the plane, he loves playing with his little imaginary tablet and hearing the sounds it makes. While we tend to prefer toys that don’t make sounds, the sound level on this one can be turned down and turned off, depending on what you need.

15. Wooden Lacing Apple

We love toys that can keep small children busy while developing important skills. Lacing toys are precisely that. Lacing toys contain no small pieces, come in many different designs, and are perfect for older children, closer to kindergarten age.

16. Magnetic Blocks

Magnetic toys are great for airplane travel, as it is much harder to lose pieces when they stick together! These blocks are a fun toy that encourage imaginative play in older kids.

17. Personalized Name Puzzle Board

These cute puzzles are personalized with a child’s name and are a fun way to teach children how to spell their names. The downside is that the pieces may be easy to lose, as small items tend to get lost on long flights.

18. Learning Locks

Learning locks are a great airplane toy, as they teach children to associate numbers and letters. Each lock can only be unlocked by one key, and the sets are often labeled by color, number, letter, or shape.

19. Magnetic Bead Board

Magnetic bead boards are a clever alternative to the LCD sketching tablets listed above. These boards allow children to write with a magnetic stylus that creates 3D drawings on the board by pulling up magnetic beads. While I prefer the LCD tablets, these are a great option as well!

20. Memory Game

The best toys are ones that help your child to develop. Memory games fit that bill! Whether in the form of card games or something like the one seen here, memory games are a great choice that encourage healthy development while onboard your flight.

21. Jumbo Nuts and Bolts

If you want your child to develop their fine motor skills, these jumbo nuts and bolts are a great option. They come in a handy sack to help prevent leaving them behind, and they can come in many different shapes and sizes.

22. Magnetic Maze Game

This magnetic maze game is great for developing your toddler’s problem-solving skills while on your flight. It is lightweight and can be easily packed away in your backpack or carry on.

23. Shape Sorter Box

Shape sorter boxes are great for fine motor skill development. While the downside is that you can lose pieces, the upside is that your toddler can hold the whole toy in their own lap while playing with it.

24. Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzle

Again, magnets are optimal for flights! The last thing you want to do is spend money on a toy and immediately lose pieces on the first flight with it. Trust us – we’ve been there. A magnetic puzzle is fun for your toddler, and you are less likely to lose pieces if they stick to the board.

25. Finger Puppets

Finger puppets are simple, take up virtually no space, and encourage imaginative play. They are a simple, affordable, and small toys that are fun for both you and your toddler.

How Many Toys Should You Pack for a Toddler?

Parents often wonder how many toys they should pack for their toddlers. After all, you don’t want your little one to get bored during the flight or drive! Generally speaking, I don’t think there is any need for more than three or four toys for any trip. While your little one might love to have ten toys along for the flight, that doesn’t mean they actually need ten toys.

The More You Pack, the More You Carry

Kids love to have as much to play with as possible. They have fairly short attention spans and always love to move onto the next toy as soon as they see it. However, if there are only three toys, kids are very good about just rotating through those three.

When you add more toys into the mix, they will still rotate through them all. The only problem is that you will have to carry three times as much stuff, which is a real headache! Parents often think that traveling with toddlers or other young kids is stressful, but the reality is that it is only as stressful as you let it be.

Pack a Variety of Types of Toys

The key is to pack a variety of types of toys that will keep your toddler entertained. Rather than bringing three coloring books, just bring one. Rather than bringing three magnetic drawing boards, just bring one.

If you bring one of a few different types of your little one’s favorite travel toys, they will be equally as satisfied as if you brought three of each. The secret is just bringing the right mix of things that lets them exercise their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills. Little kids just want to practice these and other similar skills!

All in all, there is no such thing as a perfect travel toy for toddlers. These younger children do probably need more than one toy to keep their little hands busy for long haul flights, but they definitely don’t need ten. This list consists of a bunch of great toys, but it is important to remember that one year olds have different needs from two year olds, and older toddlers have different needs, too.

The best thing to do before buying any new toys for your long journey is to think about what your child might love, whether or not you’d love to carry it around for them, and whether or not you already have something similar. After all, your child’s favorite thing that they already have might be the perfect plane toy and make for a stress-free flight .

What’s your favorite toddler toy for family trips?

Please comment any toys you think should be added!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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The Best Travel Toys To Occupy Your Toddler On A Plane (Because Flying With Kids Is Brutal)

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

Having the right travel toys for toddlers on planes can be the difference between a happily occupied baby or an hours-long tantrum plus a plane full of new enemies. When you’re traveling with your kids, packing travel toys for toddlers might not be the first priority. You tend to pack your travel bag with the necessities first, like snack containers and kid-friendly hand sanitizer . You might be afraid of diaper blowouts or scary turbulence, but travel toys should also be top of mind. After all, the last thing you want to do at 30,000 feet is realize you have absolutely nothing to keep your child entertained. (Sorry but the corny jokes for kids don’t always cut it, Mama.)

As an adult, flying with (or near) small children is one of the top three most tedious experiences in life. If the child isn’t yours, you can order some snacks, turn on a loud movie, and try to power through it. But as a parent, there is no way around it. It’s going to suck, and I find it best to just accept that you will spend the entire flight wondering if you actually died on the way to the airport and the flight is you in actual hell. That way, if the trip just ends up being boring and long, it feels like a win!

In their defense, toddlers are just learning to walk and have super short attention spans, so being confined to a seat for hours at a time is literally torture for them. While no amount of in-flight movies or tiny bags of peanuts can help, the art of distraction can.

How do I keep my 2-year-old entertained on a flight?

The best strategy is to be sympathetic to their growing brains and limited patience and have plenty of toys on hand to keep them as calm and entertained as possible. (And snacks. Don’t forget the snacks .) The best plane toys for kids are anything that keeps them quiet, requires little to no cleanup, and can be stashed in a diaper bag or carry-on without taking up too much space (because checking bags is EXPENSIVE and I am CHEAP).

Below, check out the best plane toys for toddlers so y’all can conquer this treacherous journey in peace. Godspeed, my friend. See you on the other side.

Best Travel Toys For Toddlers On A Plane

With over 1,200 5-star ratings on Amazon, this educational Busy Book helps toddlers practice basic skills like buttoning and buckling, and it’s completely silent. The plush design and soft handle make it a great travel toy for travel, and if it gets funky from the airplane, it’s machine washable.

Giving credit where it’s due, Crayola consistently churns out winners, and these Stow & Go Sets are fantastic for travel. The mess-free markers mean you don’t have to watch your kid like a hawk, and the small case keeps everything contained. This kit comes with a 30-page drawing pad so your toddler has plenty of room for doodles or tic tac toe.

This egg sorting toy teaches both shapes and colors, helps develop motor skills, and all the pieces close tightly in their case for easy storage. It has over 24,000 5-star reviews on Amazon and it’s one of my personal favorite go-to’s for keeping little ones busy.

Magnets, betch! For free or guided play, this Magnetic Face Puzzle comes with 78 pieces so you could basically make a magnetic portrait of anyone on the plane. It also has a dry erase board and comes with a marker for doodling. It closes up into its own box for easy transporting, too.

For colorful doodling on the go, this 10-inch drawing tablet has a 6-month battery life and eliminates the need for tons of paper and loose crayons. It’s super lightweight and easy to use, and the best part: There’s no cleanup involved.

These silicone pipSquigz can stick to surfaces like your tray table or window and can be thrown in the dishwasher once you reach your destination. They come in a zippered travel bag and are great for teaching hand-eye coordination. Amazon Reviewer Noah Haftel loves them, saying, “These are perfect for my 1-year-old! Even my 7-year-old loves them! Easy to clean! Great for car rides, airplanes, high chairs, bathtubs, and so much more! I will be ordering another pack for my 3-month-old soon!”

Learn colors and numbers with this plush backpack buddy. With 12 colorful buckles and an easy zipper, your toddler can put those busy hands to work and carry some of their own crap for a change.

This set includes over 150 puffy reusable stickers and 3 different “scenes” — safari, farm, and chipmunk — for imaginative play. Little hands love the thick texture of these stickers, which they can place around each background to create art or even a role-play game. When they’re done setting up one scenario, the stickers can be removed and used again!

No, these are not actual toys. But once I drew “owies” on my arm with lipstick and my toddler spent almost 25 minutes patching me up with these. Was it adorable? Yes. Was it sorta wasteful? Also yes, but this is what happens when you’re stuck in the sky and out of ideas. Also, these are just great bandaids to have on hand in case there’s an actual injury.

For even the tiniest travelers under the age of 1, this 6-piece magnetic wooden puzzle is perfect for little hands and developing minds. It can be assembled to make almost 50 different shapes, and the magnetic design means you’re less likely to lose a piece.

Keep those hands busy and mouths quiet with this fruity lacing toy set, which is great if you have multiple tots in tow. The watermelon, apple, and pineapple boards come with little worm lacers to practice fine motor skills. The set fits easily in your carry-on or diaper bag so it won’t take up any precious cargo space.

For fashion and function, this Frozen-themed coloring purse comes with four markers and gemstones so your child can unleash their inner designer. It’s a great in-flight activity and they can use it to stash smaller toys, too.

These familiar characters are sure to soothe a fussy toddler. The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Friends set comes with over 40 magnets and 4 scenes so they can create their own stories or retell some familiar favorites. The cute hinged travel tin keeps everything in one place and is smaller than a standard notebook, so it’s easy to stash in your carry-on.

If your toddler is ready for dot-to-dot and maze puzzles, this Wipe Clean Activity Book has over 50 pages of activities that can be wiped clean and done over again. Amazon Reviewer Jackie thinks it’s perfect for beginners, saying, “I got this for my 3-year-old grandson and he loves it. It’s perfect for those just learning how to write. He can erase everything and start all over again and again.”

Have a budding artist on your hands? This Magnetic Drawing Board Set comes with both a large 15-inch board and a smaller 7-inch board in case you’re super tight on space. It also includes 5 magnetic stamps that stick to the board for easy access, 6 stencils, and a bunch of stickers. Bonus: You won’t have to bring a stack of paper and art supplies with you.

This pack of 36 Wikki sticks comes with 26 alphabet cards so your toddler can practice their letters on the go. The Wikki sticks are great for developing motor skills and can also be used for sculpting fun designs if your child doesn’t feel like learning (the goal is to keep them occupied, so who cares?). Plus, they’re super lightweight so you could pack a set for each kid.

These textured nesting balls are tethered together so you won’t lose any pieces while your toddler is trying to nest them. Each ball is sized and textured differently so it’s the perfect amount of trickiness for growing brains. It’s also BPA-free and teaches sensory exploration.

It’s like a portable safari! For the animal-obsessed, this colorful board book has over 50 flaps for your toddler to investigate — they’re organized by animal category to educate new learners. Plus, there are activities on each page for extra engagement.

These water-reveal activity pads have saved my freaking life on planes, car rides, conference calls — you name it. Simply fill the included pen with a bit of water, and as soon as it dampens the pad, color appears! They’re mostly mess-free, super easy for young toddlers, and small enough to throw a few in your carry-on. This set includes 6 different activity pads and chunky water pens for small hands. They’re also reusable – as soon the page dries, it’s ready to go again.

Don’t be a hero. There is no prize for who suffers the most. A screen is the ideal plane toy. You can pre-load their favorite games and shows, hook it up to headphones, and order a coffee or a cocktail. Even if your toddler has a shorter attention span, if this buys you ten minutes of peace every hour of the flight, it’s worth its weight in gold. This tablet has over 125,000 5-star reviews, and my guess is they’re all left by grateful parents who just survived a flight with their kids.

SHOP THE STORY

This article was originally published on March 31, 2021

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The 50 Best Toddler Travel Toys — All Mom-Tested and Approved!

When we set out for family adventures with our two toddlers, toys are always a priority on our packing list. Although we’ve been known to travel with large toys like our daughter’s Fisher-Price Piano and our son’s Strider Balance Bike , it’s important to find options that are compact, lightweight, and engaging for little ones away from home.

We’ve rounded up the 50 best toddler toys for travel, all tested from our personal experience with two young children. 

Table of Contents

The Best Toddler Toys for Travel Day 

From noisy musical toys to educational activities, here are our favorite toddler travel toys for the car, plane, or train ride (and they double as excellent entertainment once you reach your destination!):

Travel activities 

1. coloring books.

Coloring books are battery-free and budget-friendly. Bring a few along when traveling by plane, like these Mickey Mouse or Frozen themed choices that include sticker pages. 

2. Non-rolling crayons

If your toddler is coloring on a plane or train, crayons that don’t roll down the aisle are a must. Try this triangular pack from Crayola, or these princess or truck sets from Melissa & Doug.

3. Sticker books

Sticker books , sticker sets , and activity books are great ways to keep toddlers entertained on road trips, airplane rides, and restaurant nights . 

4. Doodle board

An LCD writing tablet or a doodle board is the perfect way to let youngsters create and erase over and over, without the mess. Just make sure you have fresh batteries loaded up for your trip!

5. Etch-a-Sketch

Try a full-sized Etch-a-Sketch to maximize space for creativity, or opt for a pocket-sized version to keep in your diaper bag or purse.

Slinkies and other fidget toys are ideal to have on hand for travel. Just be sure to pick age-appropriate products that are safe for your child.

7. Busy board 

Our son loves to undo the latches and buckles on his busy board . He even carries it through the airport like a briefcase. 

8. Dry-erase cards 

Help your toddler practice the alphabet in flight with these miniature dry-erase cards , or invest in a dry-erase activity book and markers . 

9. Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot Cards

I almost always include Melissa & Doug’s Poke-a-Dot cards and books on my lists of favorites for toddlers and babies. They’re simple and educational, and the novelty of their satisfying popping sound doesn’t wear off for young tots.

10. Melissa & Doug Water Wow Books

Another winner from Melissa & Doug is its collection of Water Wow Activity Books . Each book comes with a refillable water pen that toddlers use to reveal hidden colors and objects on each page. Once the page dries, they get to do it all over again. The brand makes Wow Water books in a range of themes, including animals , sports , and children’s shows like Blue’s Clues and Paw Patrol .

Sound-making toys

11. fisher-price smart purse.

Although sound-making toys aren’t the best for trains or airplanes, they’re lifesavers on road trips. This interactive purse comes with a set of small toys inside and talks to toddlers when opened and closed. 

12. Learning Journey Wheels on the Bus Toy

If your toddler can’t get enough of the “Wheels on the Bus” song, they’re going to love this button-activated singing toy from Learning Journey. Just make sure you’re ready to hear the same lyrics on repeat in the car! 

13. Melissa & Doug Vroom & Zoom Steering Wheel

Help your young one feel like they’re behind the wheel with this creative pick from Melissa & Doug. The interactive steering wheel toy has music stations, classic car controls like turn signals and flashers, and a steering game all incorporated into its design.

14. Phone toy

Let’s be honest — your toddler sees you holding your phone constantly. Offer them their own cellular or corded telephone with buttons, lights, and music. 

15. Fisher-Price Counting Koala Linkimal 

Fisher-Price’s Linkimals are musical toys that sing in sync when placed close to each other. This adorable Counting Koala Linkimal is an excellent road-trip choice for toddlers learning their numbers.

16. Board books

If you’re looking for quiet activities for air travel, you can’t go wrong with board books . Opt for favorites your child already knows by heart, or invest in a boxed set . Toddlers will love going through each book in the group and placing them back in the box when reading time is finished. We love Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy Boxed Set and these cute Books of Kindness .

17. Lift-the-flap books 

To add an interactive dimension to story time on the plane or train, try a few lift-the-flap books, like Dear Zoo , Where’s Spot? , and Spot Goes to the Farm .

18. Ready-to-Read Books

As your son or daughter starts to crave independence, the Ready-to-Read book series is a road-trip gem. Each page has a corresponding button that children can press to hear the text read aloud. These books feature characters from favorite movies and shows, like Mickey Mouse , Frozen , Moana , and Spiderman .

Toys to snuggle

If you’ve planned to have your toddler sleep on travel day, it’s helpful to bring a few well-loved toys from home for them to snuggle. A classic babydoll and bottle helps encourage pretend play on the road and at your destination, and softer dolls make for great companions at naptime.

20. Stuffed animals

Plan to bring your kids’ favorite stuffed animals and blankets along for the trip, especially if they love to sleep snuggled up with them. Jellycat is a beloved brand for stuffed animal friends, like this adorable bunny , pig , and chick .

The Best Toddler Travel Toys to Bring for Your Destination

Having a variety of toys on hand can help keep toddlers entertained and happy when outside their familiar home environment. From puzzles and blocks to cars and games, we’ve rounded up our favorite toys to pack in the suitcase and bring along for playtime away from home:

21. Wood puzzles

Whenever we go on trips by plane or car, we always bring a few puzzles. They engage toddlers for extended periods of time without taking up too much space in the suitcase. For a few classic wood options, try these alphabet , numbers , and shapes and animals puzzles.

22. EeBoo puzzle pairs

Toy brand EeBoo makes lightweight puzzles with chunky pieces and simple pairings. Try these colors , numbers , and opposites puzzle pairs for some educational playtime.

23. Wee Gallery puzzles

We love the sturdy paired pieces in Wee Gallery’s animal-themed and dinosaur-themed puzzle sets. 

24. Kidoozie Peek ‘N Peep Eggs

The Peek ‘N Peep Eggs from Kidoozie have been a winner in our household for years. Each egg sports a different face expression and pops open to reveal a colored inside. The snap-shut egg carton doubles as a shape-sorter and offers almost as much entertainment as the eggs themselves. 

25. Clock puzzle 

Our son is at that curious age when he always wants to know what time it is. Help your child build on their interest in the time of day with a shape-sorting clock puzzle from Melissa & Doug or Fat Brain Toys .

26. Gear toys and puzzles 

Every toddler seems to love objects that spin. Try a simple gear toy like this colorful caterpillar , or add an engaging dimension with Melissa & Doug’s interchangeable gear toy or Fat Brain Toys’ wooden gear puzzle .

27. Block puzzles

Each cube face in Melissa & Doug’s block puzzles sports the missing piece of a different puzzle, adding an extra challenge to traditional wood puzzles. These sets come with six kid-friendly puzzles in one package, which helps to save space when traveling. Parents can choose from pet-themed , farm-themed , or Blue’s Clues sets, each of which comes with its own carrying tray.

28. Kidoozie Lights ‘N Sounds Shape Sorter

There’s something about Kidoozie’s noisy Lights ‘N Sounds Shape Sorter that keeps youngsters coming back again and again. This compact toy has catchy jingles, rattling puzzle pieces, and multiple modes of play.

Toys on wheels 

29. friction-powered trucks.

Toy cars and trucks pack a ton of fun into a compact package. These friction-powered monster trucks do hilarious stunts and spins when pushed across the floor, and they’ve been long-standing favorites in our family. We also love these sets of friction-powered trucks and construction vehicles .

30. Hot Wheels cars

Hot Wheels cars add up in weight in a suitcase, but at just over $1 each , they’re affordable and space-saving. Use household items to make creative jumps and ramps when you arrive at your destination. 

31. Cars with music and lights

If your child is more entertained by lights and sounds, try this set of music-making Hot Wheels cars with multiple buttons, sounds, and glowing colors.

32. Motorized Hot Wheels Car

Skip the bag of small cars and invest in one big one that’s sure to make your child smile. This battery-powered Hot Wheels car changes color and zooms across the floor with impressive speed.

33. Pull-back cars

If you’d rather not worry about keeping batteries on hand, classic pull-back cars make for great games between parent and child when away from home. 

34. Mega Bloks ABC Musical Train

For under $10, this Mega Bloks ABC Musical Train includes 46 blocks in a lightweight set. Just be sure not to leave any of the pieces behind when you pack up to head home. 

35. Lego Duplo Train

Lego’s Duplo Number Train combines your toddler’s passion for trains with their love for building, with chunky pieces and smiling characters. Check out the brand’s fire engine , tractor , and other building sets for more Lego fun.

36. Shape stacker train

Shape-stacker trains, like these from Melissa & Doug and Fat Brain Toys , offer an educational fine-motor activity for younger and older toddlers alike.

37. Remote-control cars

If you’re like our family and willing to travel with any toys to keep kids entertained away from home, throw these remote-control cartoon cars or construction vehicles in the toy bag. For older kids, try this smaller remote-control Hot Wheels car.

Building toys 

38. magnetic tiles.

Magna-Tiles and Picasso Tiles are on the heavier side, but they’re compact and offer endless building opportunities for growing minds.

39. SmartMax magnetic toys

SmartMax offers a whole suite of animal and vehicle sets that encourage creative play.

40. Learning Resources Preschool MathLink Cubes

Our son loves to play with his small, lightweight MathLink Cubes . Toddlers can build freely or follow the educational activity cards with an adult’s help. Also try the brand’s kindergarten math activity set and additional building cubes .

41. Bath blocks

If you’re traveling with young kids, be sure to remember some bath toys . These ultra-lightweight bath blocks (with mesh travel bag included!) let your toddler build something entirely new each time they sit in the tub.

42. Balancing toys

This clever toy set encourages children to balance the colorful animal pairs on the curved wooden ark without tipping it over.

Other toddler toys we love

43. window crayons.

Crayola’s window crayons and markers let families play games together or draw creatively on any glass surface when away from home. 

44. Fat Brain Toys RollAgain Ball Sorter

Our son received this unique game by Fat Brain Toys as a gift almost a year ago, and it’s been a mesmerizing toy for him and his sister to play with since. Place the colorful, rattling balls into the gradually widening track, and watch as they drop into their perfectly matched landing spots.

45. Melissa & Doug Bean Bag Toss

This foldable bean bag toss game is compact and lightweight for travel. 

46. Memory matching games 

If you’re traveling to visit family, Fat Brain Toys’ Ladybug Memory Game and Fisher-Price’s Make-a-Match Card Game are perfect ways for your toddler to play back and forth with loved ones.

47. Bead maze

If we’re traveling by car, we often bring our bead maze toy along. It’s lightweight and doesn’t include any loose parts that could be lost in transit or during packing.

48. Play-Doh

Play-Doh tubs are small and compact, and packing a Play-Doh set provides us with a nice family playtime activity when we have some downtime during vacation. 

49. Learning Resources Preschool Letters 

This Learning Resources Preschool Letters set comes with 91 pieces, including tiny letter beads, sturdy letter cards, strings for lacing, a color spinner for games, and multiple activity sheets to complete together with your toddler. If you’re worried about traveling with too many tiny pieces, opt for a simple lacing card activity instead. 

50. Popping tubes 

A set of popping tubes is one of our favorite simple toys for traveling with babies and toddlers. The tubes make silly noises when stretched and squashed, and children can connect them together to create various shapes and loops.

The Upshot: Choosing the Best Toddler Travel Toys

We hope our comprehensive list of favorites helped you find some winning toddler toys to add to your packing list for your next family trip. No matter which you decide to bring with you, sitting down on your toddler’s level, giving them your full attention, and using your imagination for dedicated, interactive playtime makes all the difference.

If you’re looking for travel toys geared towards younger toddlers and infants, check out our list of the 50 Best Travel Toys for Babies .

With a background in medicine as a licensed physician assistant, Christy is a freelance writer and mom of two young kids. As someone who loves to ski, run, and hike, she most cherishes introducing her son and daughter to the beautiful outdoors and spending time with her precious family.

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20+ Best Travel Toys for Toddlers (18 Months – 3 Years Old)

Traveling with toddlers does not need to be daunting – it should be exciting! We LOVE traveling with our toddler and seeing the world through his eyes. However, we know that getting to the destination is not easy. So to ease the plane ride, road trip, or downtime at a hotel room, we have found the best travel toys for toddlers.

From busy boards to fidget toys, no mess play, and yes, some screen time on a tablet – my guide to the best travel toys for toddlers has it all. Moreover, we have many of these travel toys. And they have been life savers to keep our toddler entertained on long road trips, plane rides, and hotel rooms.

My guide to the best travel toys for toddlers is intended for ages 18 months through 3 years old. It is divided by the type of toy, not by age because every child develops at their own pace.

Ideally, the goal is to bring as few as possible that engage your child for long hours, but let’s be realistic… A toddler’s attention span is shot. So you will want to bring a few toys.

The travel toys for toddlers should be new or reintroduced (something they haven’t played with in a while). You do not want to overstimulate the child by giving them all the toys at once. Give one toy at a time, so the child stays engaged and not bored.

During your trip, you should also rotate the toys. So when they receive a toy, it’s continuously exciting!

This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on the link you will have the option to purchase a product at no extra cost to you, but I would receive a small commission. I want to thank everyone for following and supporting us on all of “Our Sweet Adventures.” 

Read Next: Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby

Table of Contents

Best Travel Toys for Toddlers: No Mess Creative Play

There are two great things about No Mess Creative Play. One, it is no mess! Two, all of these creative play travel toys for toddlers are reusable!

Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow!

Of all the travel toys for toddlers, Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! coloring books have been one of our favorite items throughout the toddler stage. The themed watercolor books have reusable pages and a refillable water pen. When the water pen touches the page, colors are revealed on the pages for a WOW effect!

LCD Writing Tablet

Toddlers will have so much fun writing on this LCD writing tablet that is mess-free and waterproof. It only takes a little pressure which is perfect for small hands. Once they create their masterpiece, they can click the button and watch it disappear like magic! Our toddler enjoys making everything disappear more than drawing – that’s a toddler for you.

Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad

The Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad is a great learning activity that helps older toddlers develop strong fine motor skills and promote creative play. There are different themed sticker pads, but each has five colorful scenes and over 150 reusable stickers.

The best part, the reusable stickers are safe on airplane and car windows. If the stickers lose adhesiveness, you can wipe the backs of the stickers with a damp cloth, and they will be back as new.

Best Travel Toys for Toddlers: Busy Sensory Boards

Busy boards or sensory boards are one of the best toys for your toddler. Every busy board is different, but it should always have different textures and practical life skills, such as turning on lights, door handles, zipping, buttoning, etc.

There are lots of benefits of busy boards. It helps your child practice and develops their fine and gross motor skills by touching and playing with its elements. Sensory and independent play also supports a child’s mental and physical abilities, such as self-esteem and concentration.

Lastly, busy boards keep them… busy! So they are perfect for home and on the go! Here are a few different busy boards that are great travel toys for toddlers.

Busy Board Toddler Backpack

This is one of our favorites of all the busy board options because it’s a busy board and a backpack. We use this busy board backpack as our designated travel backpack. Our toddler will put his favorite travel toys in his busy board backpack, which also makes the anticipation of traveling exciting for him.

Moroever, the busy board backpack has excellent practical life skills and problem-solving, such as tieing shoelaces and learning to buckle. It is also more usable and easier to travel with than a typical busy board.

My Quiet Book

The My Quite Book is another perfect travel busy board because it is lightweight and small with handles so your toddler can carry it themselves.

It features nine learning activities for toddlers to develop their fine motor skills. A few activities include learning shapes, feeling different textures, telling time, and zipping. Each activity has all the pieces tethered to the book to avoid losing anything. A big plus for traveling!

Esjay Toddler Busy Board

Another fun, busy board for traveling is the soft and compact Essay Toddler Busy Board. The busy board is designed with varying difficulty levels to keep toddlers engaged and challenged for several hours of quiet play.

It features 14 varieties of practical life skills: buckles, zip pockets, laces, and buttons. It also has velcro alphabet letters and numbers to learn spelling and counting.

Buster Square Buckle Toy

The Buster Square Buckle Toy is a multi-use travel toy for toddlers. It teaches fine motor skills and helps identify and learn color coordination with six colorful buckles. It also has a zipper pocket, numbers, and shapes. Lastly, I bet your toddler will love the Buster Square Buckle Toy so much that they use it as a lovey too.

Best Travel Toys for Toddlers: Sensory and Fidget Toys

Traveling with a toddler may be challenging because the child is in a new environment, which places them in an uncomfortable situation. Think about this – an airport and airplane can be overwhelming as an adult, so imagine how a toddler must feel. This is why sensory and fidget toys are great travel toys for toddlers.

Fidget toys provide a toddler with small movements as an outlet for their anxiety. Thus, the fidget toys can help calm nerves, relieve stress, and serve as a distraction in an overstimulating environment.

Sensory toys are very similar. When a child engages in sensory play, like feeling different textures or hearing sounds, it can distract and calm a child who is over-stimulated or anxious. Sensory toys also promote self-discovery   and support emotional development.

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

Spike, the Fine Motor Hedgehog, is cute, colorful, and so much fun for toddlers! It features six ways to fidget: spinning the wheel, turning the crank, pushing a button, and more. Moreover, this travel toy helps build fine motor skills, develop precision, and learn color recognition.

MOBI ZIPPEE Original Activity Toy

This multi-sensory silicone activity toy is colorful and fun while creating developmental learning skills. Through sensory play, your child will learn cause and effect when they pull the cords from side to side. They will also be able to hear and feel the various sounds and vibrations the cords make. 

Suction Cup Pop Up Fidget Spinner Toys

Suction cup spinner toys are one of the best travel toys for toddlers on a plane or car ride. They easily suction to an airplane or car window to help pass the time. Babies and toddlers will have fun watching the toys spin, hearing the soft rattle sounds, and playing with the pop-up function.

Pop Tubes Sensory Toys

The Pop Tubes Sensory Toys provide toddlers with endless fun opportunities while developing fine motor skills and STEM learning. Moreover, the vibrant colors, smooth ridges, and satisfying crinkly noise will stimulate a child’s senses for a calm plane or car ride.

Pop Tubes Sensory Toys are designed for toddlers, but they are so wildly fun and addictive the entire family will play with them. You can pop, crinkle, pull, stretch, and connect the tubes to create shapes, letters, and games for hours of entertainment.

Rainbow Pop It Fidget Toys

The Pop It Fidget Toys are among the most satisfying toys for ALL ages! These fidget toys help relax your body and mind with every pop. And they are very addicting. Once you start popping, you can’t stop!

Luckily, pop-it toys come in a package of three to four because everyone in the family will want one. There are so many different sets to choose from such as ice cream, sport balls, animals, shapes, and more. Our boys love everything about the water, so we enjoy the clown fish, whale, and turtle set.

MagMen Colorful Magnetic Fidget Travel Toys

Toddlers LOVE magnets, which is why we love MagMen on the go! MagMen are colorful, stretchy, and flexible, with magnets in their little hands and feet. The MagMen are designed to be twisted and bent into acrobatic positions, so kids can be imaginative to create fun poses.

8 Piece Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set with Pocket Pouch

The Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks are great travel toys for toddlers to encourage open-ended and unscripted play. The set has eight magnetic wooden shapes – four cubes and four planks. Our toddler loves his magnetic blocks at home and on the go. We especially love them at restaurants!

Best Travel Toys for Toddlers: Independent Play

One of the most beautiful things to watch is a child playing independently. When a child can play independently, it promotes imagination, builds their problem-solving skills, and teaches patience and resilience.

The best part, independent play is fantastic for traveling. If your toddler can play independently at home, they will also play independently on the go.

Trust me. Independent play will be helpful when you enter a hotel room and need to get situated. Give your toddlers some of the toys below, and they can play while you unpack and unwind.

Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter

Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter is one of the best travel toys for young toddlers. It is a padded case with a take-along handle and includes two activity sides.

One side has a shape sorter with nine textured shape blocks. The other side has crinkly flaps with pictures of everyday items above and matching shapes beneath.

The shape sorter is the highlight of this toy. Toddlers will learn to identify shapes by dropping the textured blocks of shapes through the appropriately shaped slot.

Melissa & Doug 18-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop

One of the best travel toys for older toddlers is the Melissa & Doug Wooden Take-Along Tabletop. There are four tabletop themes: town, railroad, kingdom, and farm.

Each one comes with a sturdy wooden case that unfolds into a themed play surface. It also includes at least 17 wooden pieces for a child to play with and create fun storytelling.

For example, the Town Tabletop has built-in roads and wooden pieces such as a police car, ambulance, fire engine, helicopter, bridges, buildings, traffic signs, and more. It has everything a toddler needs to bring their favorite playtime toy on the go.

Car Toys and Playmat Storage Bag

Now, this is the best travel toy for younger toddlers. The soft storage bag holds six various push-and-go friction vehicles. Young toddlers will enjoy watching the cars cover long distances with one wind up. The storage bag also unfolds into a playmat with roads and buildings, so the child can use it to play with their cars.

Magnetic Maze Activity Board

If your toddler seeks a challenge, this is the perfect travel toy. The magnetic maze activity board will challenge toddlers to perfect their fine motor and problem-solving skills. They must use a magnetic pen to navigate colored balls into their appropriate slot. There are also magnetic roadblocks and roundabouts to move for an additional challenge.

Best Travel Toys for Toddlers: Educational

I used to swear by no screen time play or electronic toys, but I have learned that limited screen time through educational play is excellent when traveling with toddlers.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

The Amazon Fire Kid Tablet is one of our favorite travel items for toddlers. It includes a kid-proof case and 1 year of Amazon Kids+, with several kid-friendly apps, shows, and games. More importantly, the tablet has parental controls.

Parents can control screen time, set educational goals, and manage content for up to 4 child profiles. It also has added security that requires parent approval for in-app purchases.

Once our toddler finishes playing with other travel toys, we allow limited screen time for educational games, tv shows, and movies. The Amazon Fire Kids Tablet has been a lifesaver for long plane and car rides.

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

Help your toddler learn 100 words with LeapFrog! LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book has 100 age-appropriate words chosen by learning experts. Toddlers can touch words on the pages and listen as the book plays the word, sound effects, and fun facts. The book plays in both English and Spanish for a full bilingual experience.

LeapFrog LeapStart 3D Interactive Learning System

LeapFrog LeapStart 3D Interactive Learning System is a fun way to learn at home and on the go. The interactive learning system has over 700 activities to teach toddlers different skills for every learning level. Toddlers will explore reading, counting, problem-solving, and more with a simple tap on pictures and words.

I hope your cart is full of new, engaging travel toys for your toddler. Some of these travel toys for toddlers have been game-changing for our family. I hope you find the same success!

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15 Best Travel Toys for Toddlers on Planes, According to Frequent Flyers

The toddler age is arguably the most challenging time to fly with kids. They’re nailing the whole walking thing, so they don’t want to sit still. Instead they’d rather show off the newly acquired skill to half the plane. Plus, they’re becoming social butterflies and want to see literally everyone but you. But don’t let that discourage you. You can absolutely crush flying with a toddler. It just takes a little more preparation. So we’ve assembled our list of the best travel toys for toddlers that will make you plane ride “fly by” (couldn’t resist).

By the way, with two kids of our own and over 100 flights, we’ve tried TONS of toys. Literally, our home looks like a freakin’ plastic factory exploded in our living room. But if you’re reading this…. surely you can relate. These toys made the short list for their ability to keep them busy and fit inside a carry on bag.

Building toys aren’t typically thought of as being airplane friendly. They get lost in the black hole of your bag. And yes, they roll off the tray table six rows back – gone forever. That’s where Squigz come in. They use suction to stick together (and are really easy for a toddler to pop on and off). So your kiddo can build on windows and tables. And because of all the creative ways you can use them to bend, build, and plop, they keep em’ entertained for a good percentage of the plane ride. Once you get to your destination they also work for hotel rooms, bathtubs, and restaurants.

We literally bring these things on EVERY plane trip.

2. Buckle Backpack

There’s just something about buckles that toddlers can’t resist. Perhaps cause-and-effect plays a part. Along with the fascinating click sound, according to this article . This buckle toy doubles as a backpack, which takes it to the next level.

While all the travel bloggers are over here using the trendy Fjallraven backpack , we’ve been rocking this backpack since our little girl was just over a year old. And for awhile there, it’s all that would entertain her on the plane. It’s simple, it’s durable, and it buckles. Three years later, not only does our 4-year-old still use this backpack, but we now have the green backpack for toddler #2.

Bonus tip: tell your kids they can fill their backpack with the toys they want to bring. And draw the line there. One of the best travel toys for toddlers because it’s also very practical.

3. Toniebox

Music and story time without the screen? That’s Toniebox in a nutshell. You get the box (in your choice is color of course) and then you can get all kinds of different characters to go with it. Most come with at least one character to start.

Related: Help Your Toddler Sleep on the Plane By Avoiding These Mistakes

Each character has some songs and stories. You set the character on top of the box and it starts playing. Super simple and no wifi needed after the initial set up! It’s also compatible with headphones if you don’t want the music blaring for everyone to hear. Great for planes, cars, hotels, RVs. Wherever your travels take you.

Fun tip: get one of the creative tonie characters and you can record stories, messages, and songs in your own voice for your kiddos.

4. Triangular Crayons

Crayons are the easy, go-to activity for parents. All toddlers love crayons. But they roll around and get lost. When we first found out about triangular crayons, we were sold. They are perfect for airplanes, cars, restaurants, wherever you don’t want crayons to roll away. There are several different brands, but we love Crayola for their toddler sized grip. Worth it.

Fun Fact: These crayons were “free” for us because they came in the Ben Flyin’ kids snack box we bought on some previous flights. And the coloring book, too. Kinda genius…

5. Reusable Sticker Pad

Have you ever tried to peel stickers off an airplane window? I can confirm – not a fun task. Skip the standard stickers and go directly to reusable stickers. We’ve always used the Melissa and Doug sticker pads for the sheer amount of stickers you get. And they never fail us. No more tediously scraping stickers from every airplane seat nook and cranny.

6. Car Play Mat

If you have a car lover like we have a car lover, this one’s for you. It’s a play mat (that doubles as a storage bag) with roads and a town scene. It comes with 9 soft vehicles that crinkle and rattle. A good choice for younger kiddos without all the added lights and noise.

7. WikkiStix

Little sticks of wax as a travel toy. Who knew. These little sticks can be bended and molded to form all kinds of creations. They stick together just enough, but are easy to tear apart so they can be reused – keeping your toddler busy for hours (or at least minutes). An inexpensive, mess free travel toy that comes in a convenient case.

8. LCD Writing Tablet

Art class without the mess – this is one of the best travel toys for toddlers. It’s slim, incredibly lightweight, and doesn’t require a charge (like an ipad). We’ve done the dry erase thing, but the markers are messy and not as easy to clean up.

With this tablet, kids draw and then with the press of a button, the screen erases and you’re back to a blank canvas. Toddlers can use it over and over again. There are lots of brands out there, but we like this one because the stylus can be attached so you don’t lose it. And it comes with extra batteries.

Crayola Color Wonder is another mess free option, but the downside is that you’ll have to keep restocking the special paper.

9. Kinetic Sand

I debated including this one because it has the ability to entertain for long periods of time. But it also has the ability to end up on the floor of the plane. You’ve been warned. But I chose to include it because we’ve always had positive experiences keeping it off the floor. It’s kinetic sand so it sticks together and comes in a handy travel container. If the idea of putting this on the tray table makes you cringe, just give it a good wipe down before playing.

10. Board Books

Related: how to protect your stroller when flying.

Books are one of the best travel toys for toddlers because they can easily fit in a bag, they’re durable, and kids love flipping through the pages. The Little Traveler Board Books are some of our favorites. But just as easy to grab whatever you have at home.

11. Fat Brain Toys Dimpl

Sometimes the simpler, the better. One of the best travel toys for younger toddlers is the Dimpl. In a nutshell: it’s a small silicone toy with colorful bubbles that you push and pop. And for small toddlers that can’t yet do…much, this is the perfect take along toy. We gave it to our 1-year-old for long car rides (like 7+ hours) and it kept him busy for shockingly long periods of time.

12. Kid Friendly Camera

For little budding photographers, the Vtech Kidizoom Camera makes a great travel toy. It’s a real working digital camera. And has some fancy functions like games, selfie mode, photo collages, and a voice recorder. It’ll keep them busy during transit and at your destination.

13. Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks

Related: crying babies on planes aren’t the problem.

This is a good toy to not only keep your toddler entertained on the plane, but also get them excited about riding in an airplane. Blockaroo makes these soft, magnetic blocks that pop together with ease. They come in all kinds of themes, but of course, we love the airplane set for upcoming trips. Each set comes with 10-15 large pieces, which is nice for toddlers of all ages (and they are harder to lose). Great for imaginative play to keep them busy. And they can even go in the bath when you get to your destination.

14. Travel Friendly Tablet Case

Some love tablets, some try to avoid them at all costs. We use them when we fly so I’d feel horribly hypocritical not including them on our list. We use iPads and my biggest recommendation would be to invest in a quality case. They get tossed around quite often during travel days, so it’s worth it to have a handle and screen protector. This one we use also has an adjustable built in kickstand. Maybe its just the mom in me, but I cringe watching their little necks slumping over, and the stand helps.

Many people prefer the kids editions of the Amazon Fire tablet for the lower cost. The Fire tablet is also compatible with Netflix, Disney+, etc., making it a more affordable option.

What are some of your favorite plane toys for toddlers? Let us know what you’ve tried!

If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in

✈ Family RV Trips For Kids Who Love Being Outdoors

✈ Flying with a Newborn Tips

✈ How to Enjoy Stress Free Travel with Kids

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10 clever travel toys to pack for your next flight

By Jessica Macdonald

With half of our family located in Scotland and the other half in South Africa , my two children have been flying long distance since they were a few months old. The first time we set out for the airport with a small baby in tow, I was wracked with nerves: What if she kept the entire plane awake for hours with her screaming? In the end, I needn’t have worried. The drone of the engine had her snoozing in her sky cot for the majority of the flight.

Fast forward a year or two and I discovered that flying with an active toddler is a whole different ball game. With some careful packing , though, it’s possible to minimise the stress for everyone involved. First on your list should be travel-friendly toys. Look for ideas that are mess- and noise-free, take up minimal space and don’t involve too many parts. Because carry-on space is precious you’ll only be able to bring a handful of options, so making sure each one is as engaging as possible is also key. Here are our tried-and-tested top picks for all ages from babies to pre-teens.

Sticker books

It’s a universal truth that kids love sticker books. They’re great for in-flight entertainment since they’re lightweight, easy to pack and can be used on little laps even when tray tables have to be stowed away. For younger children we love reusable sticker books like the Make-a-Face series from Melissa & Doug. Available in pet, farmyard and safari versions, they provide hours of educational fun as your little ones add facial features to their favourite animals. And for parents and airline staff , the fact that there’s no sticky residue to contend with is a major bonus.

Travelling with older children and don’t necessarily want them passing their flight time with four back-to-back movies? Creative pre-teens will love the challenge of Imagimetrics , a sticker-by-numbers concept that results in some truly beautiful multi-dimensional works of art.

Activity books

From as young as two or three, children can be kept entertained for hours by a good activity book. Wipe-clean versions like the Zoo Activities book from Usborne are the best, since they can be used over and over again on your outward and return journeys. Activities range from spot-the-difference and maze games to join-the-dots and line tracing. All of them encourage focus and help to develop pen control. If you’re lucky, your child might be able to do some of them independently, giving you the chance to eat that in-flight meal in peace.

If giving your child a marker pen in an enclosed space sounds like a recipe for disaster, don’t worry – there are 100 per cent mess-free options as well. Like the iconic Where’s Wally books but better, these personalised Where Are You? books from Wonderbly enthral children with the novelty of finding themselves on each page.

Why we recommend: My daughter’s Where Are You? book is one of my tried-and-tested go-tos for long journeys . Even though she’s had it for several years and knows where to find herself, there are hundreds of other interesting things to look for on each brightly coloured page.

Drawing boards

If your child loves to draw, tap into that passion for an easy way to keep them engaged at any stage of the flight. Obviously their standard pencil case and paper setup isn’t going to work in the tight confines of a plane seat, though (I’m imagining uncapped felt tips rolling unchecked along the aisles and reams of paper flooding over onto the neighbour’s tray table). Travel-friendly alternatives include digital drawing boards like this one from TEKFUN , which lets little hands draw precise, multi-coloured lines with an LCD screen and stylus. For toddlers, we also love the travel-sized Aquadoodle with its easy-to-grasp water pen and scribble-friendly pad.

Why we recommend: Our Aquadoodle kept our daughter occupied for several hours on a flight from South Africa to the UK, and was easy to refill with tap water from the plane bathroom.

Organiser toys

My 18-month-old son isn’t interested in books and couldn’t care less about screen time. But he absolutely adores packing and unpacking everything around him; which makes trying to leave for the airport difficult, and any kind of organiser toy a veritable lifesaver. These stacking cups from Adalex are a particular favourite. I’m not sure if it’s the bright colours, the fun marine life shapes or the fact that they can be nested, stacked or clicked together to form a chain – but they provide a level of entertainment that seems completely disproportionate to their compact simplicity.

Shape sorters are another surefire hit with dextrous babies and toddlers. This cat-shaped one from Playskool is cute, collapsible (and therefore eminently packable), with shapes that come apart and click together again to help with matching and fine motor skills.

Why we recommend: The stacking cups were my son’s favourite time-waster on a recent trip to Greece, whether on the plane, in the terminal while waiting for a connection, or at any of the many restaurants we visited while we were there.

Busy boards

If the goal is to get maximum entertainment from just one toy, then busy boards are a miraculous invention for children from a few months to a few years old. The ARVRI Sensory Busy Board offers 15 different activities in a book-style carrying case that’s just a tiny bit larger than an A4 sheet of paper. These range from a wipeable doodle board with four coloured marker pens to a page of buckles, buttons, zips and laces that inquisitive little fingers just can’t resist. Alternatively, if your baby is obsessed with the TV remote at home, this travel-sized Montessori busy board from SUNACE is the ideal switch-and-button-packed substitute.

Why we recommend: I've packed our busy board on a couple of flights with my two-year-old, including the long journey to Australia. It's a great one to store right next to a tablet and any books in your luggage. To make it even more engaging I've hidden little snacks and toys in the board too. Lauren Burvill

Fidget toys

The clue is in the name: Fidget toys are a win for restless children who just can’t sit still for extended periods of time. Deploy them at the right moment, and you might be able to save yourself a few late-night circuits of the darkened cabin. Push-pop toys are an obvious contender in this category. We love this frog-shaped option from Zayin , which upgrades the traditional push-pop experience by adding lights and (mutable) music to create four different playing modes. Competitive kids will be kept captivated by their attempt to achieve a new high score.

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Adam Turner , CN Traveller

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Olivia Morelli

For babies and toddlers, Jumble Dream’s Sensory Activity Cube is a clever alternative. Made from smooth wood and fitted with a whole range of gadgets designed to boost cognitive development, it includes everything from a fidget spinner to an integrated lock and key set. Reviewers report that it can be really helpful for children with autism and ADHD as well.

Why we recommend: My son loved these, especially when he was around 18 months old. I usually find that the flight is never as bad as you think it's going to be, but the journey from the airport is often an unexpected tricky part. When everyone is tired, and it's just that last little bit of time until you get to your destination. For those moments, I recommend saving a fidget spinner in your bag and pulling it out, just to give your little one something fresh and relaxing to play with. Lauren Burvill

Teething toys

Teething babies can be challenging at the best of times, let alone in an enclosed space several thousand feet above the ground. A good teething toy can give them (and you) some much-needed relief. In addition, encouraging your infant to chew or suck on a teether during takeoff and landing can help their little ears cope better with the change in cabin pressure. You could keep it simple with Nuby’s IcyBite Keys , which are colourful, easy for tiny hands to hold and filled with a gel that can be cooled in the fridge when you reach your destination. Or you could opt for a plush toy like this crocodile clip-on from MEERO LONDON, which serves as a teether, a fidget toy and a snuggly comforter for when your little one is feeling sleepy.

Why we recommend: The first time we flew with my daughter, I wasn’t allowed to breastfeed on takeoff. When she started to cry, her IcyBite Keys helped distract her and also probably assisted with clearing the pressure in her ears.

Traditional games

Sometimes the old methods are the best. If your children are big enough for board games, consider investing in a few travel-sized versions to keep them occupied through your next flight. For younger kids aged roughly 3 to 6, we love Little Bug Bingo from Orchard Toys. It’s ideally sized for playing on a tray table and features colourful, sturdy cards adorned with adorable garden beasties. Bingo is also a more compact option than Pairs or any other game that requires space to spread out. Our top tip? Bring along a Ziploc bag for keeping errant picture cards and counters contained.

For older children, teenagers and even adults, chess offers hours of in-flight fun. This compact travel set from Peradix is beautifully made, with a foldable board and magnetic pieces that won’t slide off if you hit a patch of turbulence.

Arts and crafts

When we’re at home, my default way to entertain my daughter is to tap into her creative side with a craft project. For years I didn’t think there was a way to translate this to air travel, given the amazing amount of mess these artistic endeavours usually generate. But then she was given a mosaic picture kit from Baker Ross for her fifth birthday: game changer! The kits come with sheets of adhesive foam tiles that children can peel and stick to colour-coded squares on the corresponding base image. Other ideas for mess-free, peel-and-stick fun include this stained glass kit from Melissa & Doug (especially great if you manage to score a window seat ).

Why we recommend: We haven’t had a chance to test my daughter’s mosaic kit on an aeroplane yet, but I can vouch for it keeping her entertained for hours at a time on a camper van adventure around the Inner Hebrides.

Let’s be honest: There are times when we win at keeping our kids entertained without resorting to a screen, and there are definitely times we don’t. And trust me, the middle of a long-haul flight is not the place to be stuck without access to your last resort. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet Kids Pro Edition comes with a robust kid-proof case, extended battery life and the ability to pre-load all of their favourite games, books, series and movies. For bookworm school-age kids and older you could also keep things simple with a Kindle Kids e-reader. Just be sure to download enough content for the flight ahead of time.

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Best Travel Toys for Toddlers

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15 best toys for toddlers on plane – A handy guide

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In this article, you will find a carefully curated list of the best toys for toddlers on plane. All the toys for toddlers on airplane mentioned-below are travel-friendly. You can choose any of the items mentioned below to keep your toddler busy on an airplane. 

When I became a mommy, so many people came to me and told me that I would have to take a bit of a break from traveling as traveling with a baby is quite a hassle. But as you would know, I wasn’t buying that advice! We at  Couple of Journeys  have firmly believed that traveling is fun, simple, and accessible to anyone who  wants  to travel. 

Therefore within the first year of my baby’s life itself, we took her around on almost a dozen flights. Of course, at that time, she was mostly breastfed and was far less mobile. That meant that I didn’t have to worry too much about keeping her entertained and cheerful.

But come toddlerhood, we had to research how to entertain toddlers on a plane and look for activities for toddlers on a plane. But now, after a few trips to local and international destinations, we know what to do to enjoy a fuss-free time with a toddler on plane. 

That’s precisely why I have now decided to share my experience with you all! In this article, you will find the perfect list of toys for toddlers on the plane!  

Our top pick from the best plane toys for toddlers

I have decided to update this section after every flight journey with the toy that seems to work best for my daughter! So on our recent 5.5-hour daytime flight (pre-lockdown), here is what kept her the most occupied – 

This beautiful product by Melissa and Doug is a must in every parent’s handbag while traveling. It is absolutely mess-free and super engaging. Read more about it in detail below.

Best toys for toddlers on a plane – A quick overview

If you are a busy parent with barely any time to read my detailed insights on the best toys for toddler on a plane, let me not keep you waiting. 

Here is a quick overview of my top recommendations of the best plane toys for toddlers – 

• Most favorite from the best toys for toddlers on a plane (Overall) – Water Wow / Tegu Blocks
• Best toys for older toddlers on a plane – Magnetic Puzzles
• Best toys for younger toddlers on a plane – Reusable stickers /
• Best interactive airplane toys for toddlers –  Finger Puppets / Disney books
• The ultimate toy for kids on plane – Kindle Fire HD

Things to remember when buying the best airplane toys for toddlers

I know the heading makes it look as if buying toys to keep toddlers busy on a plane is a difficult long-drawn process. So let me assure you that it’s not! 

I am sure you would already know what to look for in travel toys for toddlers on a plane. But just read the section below as a quick, handy checklist. 

Traveling with toddlers usually involves carrying a stroller (read all about the best stroller here) and over and above your hand luggage. Therefore, to stay within the hand luggage limits and to also make the airport screenings easier, the best toys for toddlers on airplanes are those that can fit in a small handbag.

If your toddler is old enough to carry a small backpack, it is best if you put all of the best toys for the plane journey in the backpack itself instead of bringing them in your hand luggage. 

When I say that you need to buy small toys for toddlers on a plane, I mean toys that aren’t usually longer than 7-8 inches (about 17-20 inches). 

That is also why most of the toys mentioned below fit within those dimensions.

Toddlers, unlike babies, get bored quicker. They like to lay their hands on everything they can get a hold of, and therefore simple items like a small rattle or a soft toy don’t work well with toddlers. 

Therefore, when looking for toys for toddlers on planes, you should look at engaging items. Ideally, toys with different textures, shapes, patterns, lots of pictures, attractive colors work well with toddlers. 

Number of parts

A flight journey with a toddler can be quite challenging. The last thing you want to keep doing on your flight is to keep bending down to pick up the parts of the toys your toddler is playing with. 

I remember how upset one of the toddlers on my last flight was when one of his puzzle pieces got stuck in his seat and broke when his parents tried to pull it out. 

If you don’t want to run such risks, it is best to carry toys with fewer parts and a limited number of elements. 

In fact, that’s exactly why I think that the best  toys  for kids on plane are busy boards or books! 

The best toys for toddlers on airplanes should be ones that come with a super modest price tag! When flying with a toddler, you are often pulling things out from your handbag and putting stuff back in. That is also why accidentally leaving a toy behind or damaging one on the flight is quite common.

Therefore, don’t go overboard with your spending when looking for the best toys to bring on an airplane. 

If you are heading out on really long flights, remember that every toy you pack in that bag must be new. I am not suggesting you spend exorbitantly on toys; you could even repurpose regular household items like old spoons or colorful papers as your travel toys. 

But no matter what approach you take, if you have to spend many hours with an active toddler on a flight, you should only carry toys that your toddler has never seen before! 

(Of course, you shouldn’t show all the new toys to your toddler at once. Keep pulling out one new toy at a time, and that too only when your toddler is bored and about to throw a tantrum!)

The best toys for toddlers on airplane should not be loud or squeaky and should definitely not be musical. 

Please do not carry toys that will disturb fellow passengers. You could pack these toys with you for your final destination, but please do not use these toys on the plane. 

Suggested read: Best backpacks for travel

The best toys for toddlers on plane – A complete list! 

It’s time to dive straight into my list of the best toys for the plane. 

Remember that I am not recommending toys for baby on plane here. The travel toys listed below are specifically for toddlers or more active kids. 

Esjay Busy Board

I absolutely love this busy board. It is most definitely one of my all-time toppers among all the toys for the plane! 

Even though it is a bit larger than the other toys on this list, the number of engaging elements this one board packs in it is enough to keep your little one busy for a couple of hours. The zips, buckles, belts, hooks, and the numbers and letters are all perfect for engaging a toddler annoyed with the never-ending flight journey! 

( Quick insight – I usually pack away the letters and the numbers and only bring those out once we reach our final destination. Even without the letters and numbers, I have found that the busy board has enough elements to keep a 1-2 year old busy!)

Check the latest price on Amazon  

The Water Wow books are essentially magic coloring books. But what makes them great is that they come in travel-friendly sizes and that the coloring brush sits in an appropriately dedicated slot in the book minimizing the risk of losing it or forgetting it. 

Plus, the books come in many different prints and activity options. You can easily pick one that is most suited for your child. 

(A quick tip: Fill the water in the brush after the security check to avoid running into trouble during scanning.)

Finger Puppets

In my opinion, finger puppets are particularly useful for consoling younger toddlers throwing tantrums or being fussy. They come in a large number of varieties and attractive colors. If used wisely, they make for the best toys for any 1 year old on plane!

That’s precisely why this list of the best toys for toddler on plane will be incomplete without a mention of small colorful cars. 

However, when choosing cars to carry on a plane, avoid pull back cars because they invariably go racing underneath seats and topple over on the laps of co-passengers. Similarly, avoid Hot Wheels. Why? Because they are expensive and you may lose a couple on the flight! 

In fact, this set of 36 simple metal and plastic cars is just perfect. 

Check the latest price on Amazon

Reusable stickers

For travel, I particularly love the reusable stickers by OOLY. The size of the sticker pad is perfect for slipping into your purse or a travel backpack. The material used is also excellent, given the affordable price of these stickers.

Carrying these reusable stickers and creating lovely scenes using them can be one of the most entertaining activities for toddlers on plane.

For toddlers that get bored quickly, carrying these stickers is an absolute-must.

Crayons and notebook / Doodle board

If you do not have enough time to look for the best toys for plane, the one hack you can safely rely on is that of packing a few crayons and a small notepad in your handbag.

A quick tip: Attach the stylus to the board while using to protect the stylus from falling down or getting lost. But that said, you could even use the Board with a finger should the stylus get lost.

Magnetic Puzzles

You need not carry a traditional puzzle set if you fear you will lose a piece and your toddler will get upset.

Instead one of the best puzzle ideas for toddlers on plane is to carry a puzzle book. A puzzle book is a book to which toddlers can attach various shapes and make many different figures and designs. It is engaging and collaborative.

Note that this airplane toy is suitable for older toddlers.

Disney books / Board books

When my little one was just about a year old, I relied upon books to keep my toddler busy on books. Books always seemed to work much better than the other supposed ‘best toys for 1 year old on plane.’ 

Small board books fit in most handbags, do not come with complicated, delicate parts. Also, books are not noisy. Books are great for bonding with your little one. Books are comforting. 

A quick tip:  Carry a book your baby has never seen before for best engagement. 

(A picture of my favorite book – the Hello World is put up above, and a link to it is below!)

Threading block

On a recent flight, I also saw how much kids love this simple threading block. It is one of the best travel activities for toddlers on a plane. 

The small apple block with its big holes beautifully stimulates the young mind. It takes the toddler’s mind away from the challenges of travel. 

It is an excellent way of making a toddler stay in place. If you have an older toddler, this threading block should be your  numero uno  choice.

Check the latest price on Amazon here

These simple sticky threads in rainbow shades that do not feel sticky when used and do not leave stains on surfaces are capable of endlessly promoting a toddler’s imagination.

These do not come with a manual, and how your toddler can use them depends entirely on him.

But what your toddler creates using Wikkistix is not important. What is important is that Wikkistix scores super high among toys to entertain toddler on plane.

Flash cards

  The only rule that I swear by is that of pulling out only a few flash cards at a time. This way, you can ensure that you have enough material to keep your toddler busy throughout the journey. 

But I am making an exception and adding it here because of how incredibly engaging, educational, and entertaining Geoboards are for young and old toddlers alike. 

First of all, Geoboards are small and extremely portable, and secondly, to make use of Geoboards, you only need a bunch of little rubber bands and no other fancy expensive parts. 

This means that carrying a Geoboard on the flight will provide an excellent sit-down activity for your toddler. 

Quiet books

Although quiet books are usually a bit more expensive than busy boards, parents prefer quiet books because they are more travel-friendly. Moreover, the book format usually appeals more to the curious minds of toddlers.

I particularly love this pack of quiet books , and I like to carry the smaller ones from the pack with me on flights and the larger ones in my check-in luggage.

Tegu Blocks

These small 8-piece magnetic wooden blocks are so entertaining and instantly bring out the creativity of your toddler. 

They are super small and fit perfectly in a toddler’s hand. Carrying these blocks is also convenient since they come in a cute pocket pouch. 

Moreover, these blocks can engage a toddler of any age. Thus Tegu blocks qualify for the title of the best toys for a 2-year-old on a plane as well as for the best toys for a 1-year-old on a plane as well as a perfect travel partner for older toddlers and kids.

Kindle Fire HD

I was really unsure about including a tablet in the list of airplane toys for toddlers. But after a lot of back and forth, I decided to go forward and include it on this list.

The primary reason why I am including a tablet on this list is that it works the best at keeping a toddler engaged. Of course, allowing screen-time is definitely not recommended or commendable.

But we need to take into consideration the fact that when we head out on long journeys, we are greatly inconveniencing an active toddler. A great way to keep a toddler happy in this scenario is by making an exception to the ‘no screen’ rule.

If you already an iPad you could always allow your toddler to use it. But if you are looking for a tablet specifically for your child, the one I love is the Kindle Fire HD . It is much cheaper than the iPad but guarantees as much fun. Make sure you download the best free apps for toddlers on a plane before your journey though!

Final Thoughts

As difficult as traveling with a toddler may seem, you should remember that ultimately it is just a question of a few hours. If you plan your way in advance, you will be better prepared to handle your on-flight toddler.

You will feel confident to take him around with you to all the wonderful places every kid should travel to , no matter how close or far they are from your hometown!

In fact, I am sure that the toys mentioned above will help you tremendously in keeping your toddler busy on a plane. If you are confused about which toy to opt for, here are my top recommendations based on age –

Best toys for one year old on plane –  Finger Puppets

Best toys for 2 year old on plane –  Esjay Busy Board

Best toys for 3 year old on plane –  Wikkistix

Best toy for any age – Tegu Blocks

The ultimate toy to keep a toddler on plane busy –  Kindle Fire HD

Let me know which toy keeps your toddler busy on planes. Also, if you have any more travel tips for toddlers on plane, do share with us in the comments below.

Read more articles on the best travel products here or check out our travel guides here .

Vrushali Ketkar is a lawyer turned travel blogger. She has travelled to 14 countries. She travels like a regular working woman with family. Her lawyer-level research skills make her a destination expert and help her get the most out of my trips. Today, her travel articles and videos help thousands of people across the world plan their trips to various parts of the world.

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Best toddler toys for airplane

Airplane Toys For Toddlers

Why pack toddler toys for the plane.

I’m a big fan of screentime on planes for toddlers old enough to appreciate it. With so many amazing educational apps and fun, kid-centered videos available, I am happy to let my littles play on their Kindle Fires for way longer than I allow at home. If you ask me, exceptional circumstances (such as a 10-hour flight with a jetlagged toddler) call for exceptions. That said, I like to bring along some (small) screen-free toys and activities too for several reasons:

1. Sleep wanted

The blue lights emitted from screens can disrupt the production of melatonin which means it may be more difficult to fall asleep. If you’re hoping for your little one to sleep, you may want to remove screens from the equation an hour before. (you can also utilize the “blue shade” or “night mode” on your child’s device). On the other hand, if you want your little one to stay up longer to adjust to your destination’s time zone, letting them play on a device could actually be helpful.

2. You need a backup plan

Devices can run out of charge, crash, break, etc. Flight delays can drain batteries before you even board and only some planes have charging ports. You don’t want to be stuck on a 10-hour flight with limited ways to keep your toddler busy. Reminder to never rely solely on in-flight entertainment. Many budget airlines or short flights don’t even have in-flight entertainment. I’ve also been on flights where the system goes down for several hours. A friend of mine just returned from an international trip where the entertainment didn’t work at all during the entire flight. Now, that doesn’t mean you need to pack a whole bag or toys or anything, just be sure you have at least two or three things in your carry-on bag as a backup.

3. Airplane toys can be used at your destination

Toys come in really handy for rainy days and long car rides. They can also occupy your toddler while you plan your day sightseeing, get ready in the morning, etc.

4. For comfort

Even toddlers who travel often can become overwhelmed in airports, on planes, etc. If they have a favorite small toy, bring it along to act as a “lovey” (familiar comfort item) – Unless it’s a one-of-a-kind item – then leave it at home for safe-keeping.

5. To avoid screen time

Some parents may choose to not do any screen time at all. Or you may have a younger toddler who you feel isn’t quite ready for screentime . In this case, toys become essential and you will want to bring options for long flights.

Packing Toddler Busy Bags for the plane

The toys usually go into my toddler’s “busy bags.” These are small, bright-colored (aka easy to spot) backpacks that they wear onto the plane and keep in their own seat during the flight. They are great to use at the destination as well! That means whatever toys are going into the bag needs to be pretty small and lightweight. I also added some snacks in a travel container . I carry their sippy cups in my bag since those are a bit heavy when full.

I leave space in my diaper bag for one or two larger items but I don’t want to be weighed down. (For a full list of what’s in my carry-on bag, click here .)  The main criteria for selecting a toy or activity for a plane are the size of the item and the average length of time it will keep my toddlers occupied. This will be different for each toddler, so you will need to pick which ones you think will be best for your little one. **Please use your discretion in getting anything with small parts or magnets as these are only suitable for older toddlers who won’t put them in their mouths. Before I get into my recommendations I want to suggest getting this flight vest if your toddler is under 2 and booked as a lap baby. It has been a game changer for me having my hands free!

Airplane Toys for Toddlers – Top Picks

Planning for an upcoming flight with a toddler can be stressful. Go prepared with space-saving plane toys for toddlers. Here are some of the best plane toys for toddlers, pick a few to pack and have a great flight!

Quiet books

Quiet books are developmental cloth books with buttons, snaps, etc. You can choose from a classic-style quiet book or this adorable occupation-themed one .

Dollar store toys

If it’s new, it’s interesting. If you are lucky enough to have a dollar store nearby buy a new, small toy or two and surprise your toddler on the flight.

Tegu Blocks

Magnetic blocks in a travel-friendly pouch make imaginative play easy on board. I find it’s better if my toddler plays with them on their lap instead of on the tray table. That way, when they drop the pieces, they will (mostly) land on the seat and you won’t have to keep bending down and searching for pieces under the seat. The downside is that they are a bit pricey for the amount of blocks you get. They will last forever so long as you can manage to keep track of them. We have had ours for 6 years now.

What toddler doesn’t love painting with water? The traditional books are great, and so are these educational  keychain-style cards.

Tip: to save space, be sure to cut the top of the book off above the spiral. Also, be sure to fill the pen up AFTER security but before you board the plane. I have filled them on the plane many times because I forgot or we were in a rush but it’s a bit harder not to spill in flight is all.

Spinners are the most recommended toddler airplane toy for toddlers on social media, at least that I have noticed! Like many other toddlers, my little one did enjoy playing with them! They are only useful if you have a window seat though so keep that in mind.

Montessori Busy board

Busy boards are fantastic for developing fine motor skills. They even fold up and have a carry handle or this one has backpack straps!

Reusable Sticker Books

I know some parents are happy to let kids decorate their windows and seat with removable stickers or masking tape but I find it too much work to track and remove tape or anything else that has gone all over the place. I suggest reusable sticker books instead for toddlers. These reusable stickers could be used on an airplane window too if wanted and will come off very easily in the end I just personally wouldn’t want them everywhere else. If you have a bluey fan, they will love this one.

Tip: If your stickers start to lose their stickiness, you can wash them gently in a bowl of water with a small amount of dish soap. Dry face down, and then return to the sheet. It doesn’t work forever but will significantly increase the life of the stickers.

Magnetic puzzle book

If your child loves puzzles this will be a hit! This interactive magnetic playbook is fun for all. Thin and magnetic make them great choices for bringing onboard.

Boogie Board

When my toddlers were around a year old, they loved their boogie boards. Even though they were on the larger side, I would still carry them around in my diaper bag. We ended up losing one of the pens though so I would suggest something like this where the pen can be attached.

Every so often, Target puts out felt toy kits in their dollar spot located at the front of the store. We have several including a doctor kit, a jungle set, a train set, and a camping book. They enjoy them all but the dr kit and jungle sets are the most frequently chosen for their bags. They are all very compact and can easily be thrown into any carry-on bag.

Finger Puppets

Put on a show for your kids, have them put on one for you, have a finger puppet dance party, and practice social skills, the opportunities are endless! You can also make your own puppets with the spare socks or warm slippers you may have already packed on the plane.

Wonder Markers

Mess-free means stress-free. Crayola makes mess-free travel packs with a case (great for car trips) but if you are short on space, you can bring a few of their markers in a reusable zipped pouch with the paper .

When my toddlers were younger they LOVED playing with straws. Straws come in handy when you’re dining out during your trip too. Silicone ones can be used over and over.

Hotwheels /small cars

Cars are good for the plane and great for the destination where there’s more room to race! *Small cars are best for older toddlers as the wheels do run a choking risk for younger toddlers in the oral phase.

Magnetic Sticker book

Unlike traditional reusable stickers, these magnets won’t lose their adhesive quality. Even bigger kids love them! The downside is that they are heavier and bulkier than the cling-on version, but they will last longer. They are also only recommended for older toddlers who won’t put them in their mouths. I recommend removing all the stickers from the sheet before your trip and storing them in a small, reusable pouch.

Flip-board memory game

Even if your toddlers aren’t old enough to play this memory game , this board makes for a great game of peek-a-boo or fun finding a certain animal and can be used for years to come.

Small Toy figures

Small animals, action figures , etc are great for trips. My kids are obsessed with horses. They don’t go anywhere without tiny horses . Sometimes I pack other tiny farm animals for them to play with too.

Lace toys are great for practicing dexterity and problem-solving, particularly for early preschoolers. Some are large though so make sure you get one small enough, to pack in your carry-on.

Buckle toys

Great for young toddlers. My older daughter used to play with this one for an hour at a time when she was younger. I just purchased a second one for my youngest daughter.

Crayons and paper

The classic. I carry washable crayons in my purse so when we get ready to take a trip I just need to add some extra paper. I only carry a few crayons in a small, zipped bag to save space. If I am bringing a writing tablet/boogie board, like the one above, I often leave the crayons at home, I almost always bring one or the other.

Magna Doodle

We were given pocket-sized Magna Doodles on a flight with ANA Airlines, which have come in pretty handy.

Play wallet

An old wallet with hotel cards, business cards, reward cards, or even play money inside has proven to be loads of fun.

That’s it for airplane toys for toddlers! Do you have anything your toddler loves to take on a plane? This list was long to account for various ages, stages, and interests. In no way am I suggesting carrying this many toys on an airplane! I recommend you pick 3-6 per traveling toddler and put it in their busy bag in addition to 1-2 things in your diaper bag if desired. For a full list of what’s in my carry-on bag, click here .

*This post contains Ads and/or Affiliate Link(s). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

14 Best Travel toys for toddlers on airplanes

Most parents dread a plane ride with a toddler.

Family travel with littles is not easy.

The challenge of keeping toddlers happy, content, seated, and well behaved throughout the flight is enough to stress anyone out.

There are so many problems you have to contend with.

Beginning with the long wait to board the plane to managing the discomfort from ear popping due to changing cabin pressure – and the most dreaded, changing diapers in the congested plane toilet – none of it is easy!

“Wow! I’m so looking forward to spending hours together with my toddler in a close confined space with lots of people to judge my parenting” said no mom or dad ever!

And still, we continue doing that!

We have flown domestically as well as on international long haul flights with our toddlers to several countries and US states.

I have taken them on trips by myself without their dad and the game changer has always been our vast and interesting collection of travel toys!

Also Read: Best Travel Gifts for Kids who travel Best GoPro For Kids of All Ages Best Camping Gifts for Kids

We always carry a good stash of travel toys for toddlers on airplanes and highly recommend it for a relaxed trip.

From reusable sticker book to triangular crayons, and from finger puppets to shape sorter and quiet book, find the best travel toys to take on your next trip.

These travel toys for toddlers can also be used for car travel and on road trips. They are also perfect for camping or beach trips.

You will also find best toys for an airplane for babies on this list.

Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full  Disclosure  here. Thank you!

Best Travel toys for toddlers on airplanes

Flying with a toddler on your next trip?

Looking for a toddler travel toy or airplane activities that will keep your young child entertained during air travel?

Find the best toys for toddlers on airplanes to bring along with a snack or two in this epic post!

Buckle Toys, Busy Boards, and Activity Boards

A buckle toy or busy board or activity board is definitely our favorite travel toy.

They are amazing when it comes entertaining young kids – from a baby or lap toddler to kindergartners – on the plane.

The Plush Buckle Toy is so simple that it’s almost genius: it combines a plush toy with lots of buckles!

It comes in many sizes, colors, and shapes – we always have 1 each in the diaper bag, in the car, and in my toddler’s backpack.

The Buckle Toy captures your toddler’s fascination with its many buckles, snaps, zippers, Velcro’s, and ties.

It keeps their little fingers and minds busy for a long time as they try to close the different buckles.

The buckle toy also teaches other skills such as colors, numbers, and letters. It also comes in various sizes and forms – from small to large backpack buckle toys.

Parents can easily strap it anywhere – to the stroller, car seats, bags, and purses.

The Buckle Toy can easily entertain older toddlers for up to half an hour, making it one of the best toddler toys for airplane vacations.

It is one of the best toys for airplane travel with 2 year old or 3 year old.

The Buckle Toy also makes a great gift for traveling parents.

A great alternative to the Buckle Toy is the Buckle Toy Busyboard .

Similar to Buckle Toy, the Busyboard has all types of buckles, zippers, velcros on a flat soft foam board.

It also has shoelaces!

Tying and untying the shoelaces is fun for active toddlers.

The Busyboard can be stored flat like a book and stays well in backpacks, diaper bags, purses, and carry-ons.

The busyboard is also quite great at developing a toddler’s motor skills and in spite of being a foam board, holds quite well up to a toddler’s rough use.

A great option to the Buckle Toy Busyboard is the Melissa and Doug activity board with different types of latches.

Such activity boards, busyboards, and busy books which give toddlers something to do with their fingers are among the best airplane toys for 3 year old.

Quiet Books

Quiet books are a great way to keep kids entertained during long trips.

They’re also perfect for the car, library or waiting room.

Kids love to touch and feel different textures with in the quiet books.

The quiet books are easy to pack into a backpack or carry-on or in your child’s car seat.

Magnetic Drawing boards and Water drawing pads

All toddlers love doodling, drawing, and even scratching anything that resembles a drawable surface with a pen, pencil or a crayon!

Toddlers can sit for hours when they are engrossed in coloring or drawing, which makes any kind of drawing or coloring sets great for travel.

Our favorite is the Magnetic Doodle Board . It has different color zones.

Toddlers love that they can draw as well as color on these boards.

The boards come in different sizes but the smaller ones are more suited to travel.

The smaller size is also perfect for babies and infants.

A great option to the magnetic drawing boards are the no spill water coloring books.

How do they work?

Basically, you fill a pen with water and draw on the coloring pad. Once the water dries, the picture gets ‘erased’, and the pad can be reused.

We love the AquaDoodle and my toddler loves scribbling in it and keeps himself busy for hours.

Other alternative is the similar Melissa and Doug Themed Water Activity Pads .

Apart from the boards and pads, I also keep basic pen and paper, coloring book, and a few crayons in my purse.

If you are looking for travel friendly crayons, then we highly recommend the triangular Crayola crayons that don’t roll over.

Often I have seen that my toddler considers doodling with the magnetic board, water pen and crayons as “separate” coloring activities and wants to do them all one after the another buying me almost an hour or so of quiet time!

The best part of these is they can be used even by 6 month olds and are one of the best baby toys for airplanes.

I also like these drawing stencil sets – they come in a cool carry bag and the set has colored pencils and drawing paper too.

LCD Writing Tablets

LCD Writing tablets are the newest toys on the market.

These cool gadgets provide hours of doodling and creative fun while also teaching kids how to draw and write.

They’re small, lightweight and easy-to-use; it is a great idea to use them as travel toys.

Plus, they are not limited from baby to toddler stage. Any young kid will love using the LCD tablet as they grow up – and an older kid can play a variety of games like Tic Tac Toe, Pictionary, and more!

The Boogie Board writing tablet is another great choice.

It is the perfect small toy to use for a variety of toddler airplane activities like writing, counting, alphabets, and drawing.

While more expensive than non branded LCD tablets, the boogie board is much more durable.

What toddler doesn’t love stickers?!

I always, always, always have a few in my purse and have used them to avoid tantrums at the doctor’s, in the grocery store, while cooking, you name it!

I have often seen that the sticker fascination is the strongest among preschoolers and honestly think they are the best travel toys for 3 year olds.

I often buy the various themed reusable Melissa and Doug sticker books and they have stood up quite well to my toddler’s rough use.

We only have a few torn ones after one year of use which is definitely not bad!

My toddler likes the themes a lot – his favorite are the vehicles stickers and the firestation stickers .

We also like their giant sticker book with over 500 stickers – these do not come with the backgrounds and aren’t reusable vinyl but paper ones.

But for their awesome price of a cent per sticker and plus the variety of dinosaur stickers – they are great hits!

Okay so how do I explain the wonderful invention called WikkiStix ?

They are like thick threads that stick together. They have a waxy feel and you can create many wonderful shapes with them.

Toddlers can make flat two dimensional objects or even large 3D projects with the WikkiStix.

Our toddlers absolutely love them and they are among our favorite toys for aeroplane travel!

They do however tend to gather dust and dirt and become less sticky with time so I would suggest buying WikkiStix travel pack to get the free storage box.

Or get the smaller stocking stuffer sized box here that easily fits in a small purse.

I like that the WikkiStix offer hours of open-ended play time and challenge the brain; I have often become amazed at what my toddler comes up with using these.

We have used them as substitutes for hand puppets by wrapping around the fingers and to create fun stories.

And multiple uses that you get out of these make it perfect to include among toys to take on plane for toddlers.

Activity Books and Kits

The latest trend in children’s books are activity books for kids.

These books come in a large variety and they’re perfect for keeping your child entertained.

Some of the popular activity books are Tape Books, Craft Kits, Lacing Kits, Puzzle books, Dot to Dot books, and Maze books.

The best activity books for kids are the ones that engage them in a fun and creative way.

The Tape Activity Book allows for lots of tape art, creativity, and hours of reusable fun.

Look and Find books such as I spy / Look and Find / Spot / Where’s Waldo books are also great activity books.

They challenge the naturally inquisitive toddler mind and keep them occupied for a long time as they search for things.

A much-desired quality in choosing the best toddler toys for the airplane!

I also use these books, especially the I Spy books , to reinforce object and color identification and have used the books to create counting games once my toddler could count.

I really like these books since my toddler can ‘make’ the game as we go along. This Disney Find It card game is also great at promoting observation skills.

The Curious George books come in various themes and are really good for keeping toddlers occupied as they try to find the naughty little monkey.

Fidget Toys

I love keeping a variety of fidget toys on hand as I can use them to direct my kids’ energy, especially on long haul flights.

While any general fidget toy is good, I really like the Tangles fidget toy .

Originally designed for kids with autism and/or anxiety, it works well with almost everyone – even adults.

You can open, twist, reshape the tangle in any way – great for developing fine motor skills.

I show my toddler how to create a shape and then let him try it on his own.

The best part is it comes in packs of 3 so we have separate ones for simultaneous play!

Another favorite of ours is the Pop It Bubble Push Pull Toy .

It’s like a giant reusable bubble wrap! Kids can enjoy popping the bubbles with their little hands for hours.

Plus the popping sound is not loud enough to annoy others on the airplane.

The Liquid Motion Bubbler is another great sensory fidget toy that keeps kids engrossed and occupied for a long time.

These toys have a colored liquid bubble that creates mesmerizing and calming effect.

It is very soothing and perfect for flights and car rides.

Brain Quest Decks are a cross between activity kits and quiz books.

We started with the My First Brain Quest book and loved it.

It’s a great tool to learn new words and concepts.

The questions are presented thematically so you can read by topic.

The set contains 2 decks for variety.

Eventually, we have collected all the sets, including Brain Quest for Threes and the Kindergarten Brain Quest .

I always keep it in my kids Dinosaur backpack when we go out and love whipping it out when they get bored.

Small Toys – Dinosaurs / Plastic Animals

Our kids are Dinosaur crazy (show me a toddler who isn’t!) and so I always keep a few plastic dinosaurs in their travel backpack.

We have two different sets, this more realistic vinyl one and this set which looks a bit funny but is still a hit with the kids.

They are perfect for pretend play, make-believe stories, dinosaur fights, and pretty much everything!

You can also buy plastic animals as airplane toy – barnyard or farm animals, wild animals, marine animals, even dragons, as per your kids choices.

Magnetic Games and Playsets

While the magnetic play sets don’t rank at the top of my list since I feel they don’t stimulate the brain enough and are a little bit bulky compared with other toys, my toddler loves them a lot – particularly the Disney Mickey one – and I’m sure he would recommend it to all other kids!

He likes taking out the magnets and stocking them on the tin surface which doubles up as the carrying case.

He also plays with it at home and I often find the magnets on other magnetic surfaces.

I like keeping the magnets in a Ziploc bag to avoid them from getting lost.

Another good set to buy is the car, train and plane one .

We also love the train magnetic playset which my son received as a gift for his train themed second birthday party – it is perfect for train crazy kids!

Trains and Cars

If you are a frequent reader of the blog, you probably know – my son loves trains!

We have all types of train toys from ride-on trains to push-pull trains to wooden train track sets to battery operated trains and even train books!

Needless to say, we also have a lot of travel train toys for use on aeroplanes.

He got some of them as birthday gifts, while I bought him the Thomas & Friends minis instead of Hot Wheels Cars one Christmas.

I find the train in a tin set quite convenient – it has tracks and everything.

Another great option for train lovers is the Thomas & Friends pop-up track set .

It works with the minis and keeps all Thomas fans happy.

Hot Wheels Cars are also one of the best travel toys for toddlers.

Little ones love playing with cars – over luggage bags, on tray table, and on the floor.

I always have hot wheels in my purse on any given day and they have been lifesavers on every trip.

The Hot Wheels 50 pack set is absolutely the best, because then you needn’t buy Hot Wheels ever again.

They also come in a 20 pack and a 9 pack , both are great with many different cars including race cars, classic cars and even emergency vehicles.

Another brand we love apart from Hot Wheels is Matchbox by Mattel.

We love books and always carry some on trips.

Our favorites for travel are the ‘ If you give a mouse a cookie ’ set, The Hungry Caterpillar , and The Little Engine that Could .

But seriously you can never go much wrong with any book!

Just develop the habit of reading and you have given your child the best start possible.

Tablets for Toddlers

While the whole purpose of taking travel toys for toddlers is to avoid screen time; having a tablet in your bag is definitely handy on those days when they want nothing else!

There’s a reason these are absolutely the best toys for flying with a toddler.

Also, kids have limited patience and no travel toy is going to keep them happy during unexpected travel delays like a cartoon or animated film can.

In such situations, rather than deal with cranky kids, I’m quite content to let them watch movies or cartoons or play games on the tablet.

Our kids share a regular Kindle Fire tablet and while it is not best in terms of weight, performance, or apps – it works for the kids!

The tablet also comes in a cool Kid’s edition that has a sleeve and Kids video subscription.

Assorted Knick Knacks

Some other things I like bringing along: lots of plain white paper to fold, tear, write, and do crafts.

I also bring along quite a few straws: my toddler likes to play with them a lot.

Other things I have brought as toys on flights include plush balls, cheerios, and beads.

Also, check this article for awesome tips about planning family travel around school schedules and jobs – you’ll definitely learn a lot! 

Tips for selecting Travel toys for 3-year-old

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of toys for 3-year-olds on an airplane.

You may find something else suits your kid better or may want to take something that you have at home.

So how do you decide whether something is appropriate to take as a toddler toy for a plane ride?

Just check that a toy follows the below criteria and you are good to go!

Here’s a tip: Did you know that travel toys make great Christmas gifts for children ?

I especially love buying them as stocking stuffers!

Lightweight and small toys

Great travel toys for toddlers have to be lightweight and small!

You do not want to carry something bulky or heavy while also carrying kids travel gear like child seat, stroller, booster seat, baby carrier, and diaper bag.

You should be easily able to stuff the toy into a purse or backpack when you need to board the flight.

Mass-produced toys

Even the best travel toys often get lost when you are running to catch flights and throwing bags around haphazardly during airport security checks.

We have often had to replace our travel toys with an exactly similar item to pacify our kids.

That’s why we avoid taking unique, valuable toys while traveling; anything mass produced works best!

Toys without sounds, lights, and mess

Travel toys should be easy to use and pack.

They should not spill or tear or stain or create a mess or have distracting lights or emit noisy sounds.

That means – no watercolors, no playdough, no markers, and definitely no glue. Also no barking puppies, musical toys, or the like.

You do not want the flight attendant to single you out for disrupting your fellow passengers on a red eye flight!

Toys without loose or small parts

Toys with loose, small parts like screws or stackable pieces are bound to loose some pieces when the airplane hits turbulence or you have to pack in a hurry because the meal service is beginning.

That’s why we recommend toys with no loose parts. Think magnetic slates with attached pencils or triangular crayons than loose rolling crayons or magnetic playsets than Lego sets.

DIY Set of best travel toys for toddlers

While all the above toys are best for toddlers of all ages, are you wondering which ones should you get?

We recommend getting something from each category below to create your own mix and match sets:

One Drawing solution

Pack anything from above recommended LCD tablets, slates, coloring books, or water coloring pads.

One Busy Toy

Pack anything from buckle toy, busy board, activity book, wikki stix, stickers, etc.

One Fidget Toy

Carry some soothing sensory toy like Pop it or liquid bubble toy or tangle toy.

Few Small Toys

Animals, dinosaurs, hot wheels – add a couple of favorites per kid to the set.

Books, Paper, and Pen/Pencils, and Knick Knacks

Throw in a couple of books that they like.

Also keep blank paper, a couple of crayons (mostly the ones we get for free in restaurants), straws, and lots of Ziplocs in the kids travel backpack.

You never know what you need to use as toys for plane journeys.

And that wraps our ultimate list of best airplane travel toys for toddlers.

Did you find this post useful? What are some of your favorite travel toys for airplane travel?

2 thoughts on “14 Best Travel toys for toddlers on airplanes”

Buckle toy busyboard. My son loves this table. I like that everything is attached to the board and has a handle so he can easily carry it around with him. It’s a pleasure to have a toy my son likes that doesn’t glow or needs no batteries and helps with my child’s motor skills. Highly recommended!

We just had a trip over 3 hours long, after he played with toys he fell asleep. This toy has helped my child to be quiet in the car, I am very satisfied with it.

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30+ Best Travel Toys For Toddlers

For a lot of parents travelling with a toddler or baby can fill them with fear. The thought of their toddler throwing a tantrum or crying as soon as the plane takes off can put parents off travelling altogether.

It doesn’t need to be this way as long as you are well prepared for everything you can have a successful journey and reap the rewards of enjoying the destination at the end.

I have come up with a really simple and easy to remember acronym that is the key to successful trip with a toddler (or at least make it a lot easier). Just remember S.A.S or Snacks,  Activities  and Sleeping aids . 

Every time I’ve been really organised with these three things, the flight or road trip has gone well.

Another commonly referred to parenting acronym is HALT; hungry, angry, lonely and tired. It’s like being ‘armed’ with something to tackle each of those issues. 

When you spend as much time travelling as we do, you learn what works and what doesn’t when it comes to keeping your kids happy on the move.

Whether we are flying or taking a road trip we are always looking for the magic travel toys for toddlers which will keep them entertained on the journey.

If you are looking to organise some travel toys yourself, it is important to find lightweight options and to figure out what works for your child so that you aren’t loaded down with gear.

We have found one of the most important components of keeping your toddler happy is having something new and stimulating to play with!

When I say new, I mean new to them! Even if it’s a toy they haven’t see for a while and have forgotten about!

If you will be travelling by plane, most of the larger airlines usually have child play packs that are handed out to children before take-off.

Some are better than others but most include colouring pencils, paper, a soft toy and some sensory play items that will only keep your toddler distracted for a while.

The key is to introduce each play item one by one to your little one. This way you are maximising the amount of precious playtime for each item before they loose interest and move onto the next.

We all know how babies and toddlers can look at something quickly and thrown it to one side.

Below we have compiled a list of some of the tried and tested items used while travelling with our toddlers. If you find the below list too advanced for your child, check out our baby travel toys list here.

If you don’t have time (or just prefer not) to put effort into searching out new toys you can try out our favourite pre-made packs designed with your child’s age in mind.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best Toddler travel toys on the market.

A few of them are better road trip toys whilst others are good choice for an upcoming flight with a toddler. For the most part the toys are great no matter how you plan to travel.

The Best Travel Toys For Toddlers

Keep ’em Quiet Bags

We love the Keep Em Quiet pre-made entertainment bags specifically designed for travelling.

When life gets busy, there is not always time to spend putting together the perfect pack of toys for your child. When that happens, our go to option is the Keep ’em Quiet bags .

These ultimate entertainment packs are specifically designed to keep little ones of all different ages entertained on a flight.

They come in different age groups, gender (also gender neutral available), as well as length of trip. If you are going away for a weekend they can be smaller and obviously a little cheaper in price.

They are stuffed full of activities such as fidget spinners, sensory toys, mess free painting, 3d puzzles, snacks, special colouring in and so on. The Keep ’em Quiet bags are available worldwide.

We have managed to stretch our Keep Em Quiet bags out for a fight and an entire trip!

Sensory Board

This sensory board for toddlers is the perfect toy to bring on any trip. Thanks to the lightweight and compact design, it can easily be put it in the backpack to be taken anywhere keeping your kids busy and quiet during a long journey.

• [8 PAGES, ENDLESS FUN] – Our innovated busy board for toddlers has 8 pages to play, featuring multiple…
• [PLAY WHILE LEARNING] – Keep your baby entertained while they develop essential skills like dressing at…
• [SOFT & PORTABLE TODDLER TRAVEL TOYS]: Our sensory toys for toddlers 1-3 is made of toxic-free soft…

With lots of bits and pieces including zippers, shoelaces, buttons, belt buckles, jigsaw puzzles, alphabet, clocks and calendar learning games. Theres lots here to keep little fingers engaged on any trip. Is available in blue or pink and can be purchased here .

UFO Sensory Toy

This Montessori UFO flying saucer design makes it easy for babies to grasp and hold, the cords can be pulled from one side to other side to hear and feel the various sounds and vibrations.

• 【Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old】with attractive UFO shape, easy for baby to hold, textured side for…
• 【Fine Motor Skills】Montessori Toy adopts multiple colors to help infants identify colors; pulling…
• 【Travel/Bath/Teething Toy】Multi-play methods to attract your baby attention and relieve discomfort on…

It has textured cords and makes it easy to hold while promoting motor skills, sensory exploration, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

You can purchase the Montessori sensory toy here.

No Mess Colouring

Colouring just got more fun (for parents). Having to worry about your child colouring on walls, chairs, seat back tables and themselves is no longer an issue.

There are a few options on the market that all follow the same principle of markers that only work on the paper it comes with. Here are some of our favorite options:

Colour Wonder Products

• COLOR WONDER PAINT SET: This Mess Free paint set for kids includes 24 pages of specially formulated Color…
• NO DRIP PAINT PENS: Color Wonder paints are now inside the no drip paint brush pens making them…
• AT HOME CRAFTS & INDOOR ACTIVITIES: Keep spirits high with creative art supplies! Simple and fun crafts…

When you are done you can let the page dry to erase the pictures and fill it in again and again.

The chunky-sized water pen is easy for kids to hold and it stores neatly right in the front cover. Water Wow comes in animal, alphabet and vehicle-themed books, which makes for an ideal travel activity toy for kids.

• 3-PACK PAINTING ACTIVITY BOOKS: The On-the-Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pads feature a…
• 4 REUSABLE WHITE PAGES: Our activity coloring books with water pen for kids each feature 4 reusable white…
• CHUNKY-SIZED PEN: These Melissa & Doug no-mess coloring books each come with a chunky-sized water pen…

The only down side is that your little one can’t choose which colour to use as it has one marker that activates all the pre-existing colours in the page.

Aqua Doodle – Travel Doodle

• ♥ A QUALITY PRODUCT OF RANGEBOW → This reusable water doodle bag mat is made with soft polyester…
• ♥ A GREAT EDUCATIONAL TOY → Kids can doodle freely letting their imagination and creativity flow,…
• ♥ GREAT SIZE → It is portable and travel friendly Toy. 11.8 X 8.9 inch (30 X 22.5 cm) approximately….

Suction Cup Spinner Toys

These spinning suction cupped sensory toys can stick to the window in the car, plane, or any flat surface. They have coloured poppers which help develop hand and eye development while keeping toddlers calm. Click here to buy a Suction cup spinner toy.

• 👶【Suction Cup Spinner Toys 】The TOHIBEE versatile suction cup toys includes everything baby need…
• 👶【Multifunctional Bath Toys 】They are more than sensory spinning toys! Its strong suction cup can…
• 👶【Baby Enjoy Spinning Toys】 Only happy without crying ! The colorful rotating wind leaves and the…

Magnetic Doodle Board

It also comes in mini for travelling although whether or not you feel the need to get the travel size will depend on your carry on space.

• 💪 DURABLE – The Chuchik magnetic drawing board for kids was meticulously designed to endure the…
• 🧳 ADDITIONAL TRAVEL-SIZE – We’ve thoughtfully included a compact 4-color magnetic drawing board that…
• 🧲 MAGNETIC STAMPS STAY IN PLACE – Experience hassle-free creativity with this magnetic drawing board…

Busy Board Activity Cube

This 7 in 1 Montessori fidget cube its sure to keep little minds engaged while taking an airplane or car ride. It has lots of pushing, pulling, switching and flicking features on it which help develop their fine motor skills as well as keeping them entertained.

• 7-IN-1 BUSY BOARD TOY — This is a 7-in-1 wooden fidget busy cube toy, includes spring bolt, switch,…
• MONTESSORI EDUCATIONAL TOYS FOR TODDLERS — Early educational toys for 1-3 and 2-4 years old toddler on…
• PERFECT SENSORY TOYS FOR TODDLERS 1-3 — This activity fidget busy cube toy keep your little ones away…

The Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to pack for any trip in your bag or backpack. Click here to purchase the Busy Board Activity Cube.

Travel Lap Tray

These travel lap trays are a popular item for any upcoming flight or road trip and perfect for organising travel toys for toddlers. Perfect for those OCD parents who can’t stand to much mess.

These activity trays are perfect for organising everything in one place from the water bottle to the pens, pencils and even an iPad or tablet.

• 【Travel and Roadtrip Essentials】- Keep your toddler entertained for hours, even on long drives! Our…
• 【Portable Carseat Tray and Road Trip Must Haves】- Our car seat tray for kids has a compact size of…
• 【Premium Quality for Long-Lasting Use】- Made of high-quality materials to give your kids a travel…

With zippered and mesh pockets to store additional items on the move plus its handy waterproof surface for easy cleaning of any spills and mess.

This particular tray also comes with a lifetime warranty. Click here to purchase the Kenley Kids travel tray.

Buckle Toys

Buckle toys are all the rage lately. They help toddlers develop fine motor skills, cognitive skills, hand eye coordination, problem solving.

You can put some small things in it and your toddler can wear it through the airport to feel like a ‘big girl/boy’ or strap it on for a crazy road trip adventure .

• LEARNING TOY: Empower your curious child with our mom-approved, child-tested learning backpacks & toys,…
• TOY & BAG: Not only is this a backpack, but it’s an educational toy as well! This bag has 10 easy buckles…
• DEVELOPMENT: While using this quiet therapy toy, this plush small figure can teach your boy or girl…

Magnetic Play Set

The play board folds in half and because the pieces are magnetic they are hard to lose, making it great for travel.

• MAKE FUN SCENES—Place colorful magnets on the fun backgrounds to make any scenes you want!
• PLAY OVER AND OVER—Easily remove magnets or move them around to make any scene you want, and even tell…
• QUIET PLAY—Engaging activity for quiet play

When they are little they will enjoy just squishing it and when they get older it’s great for letting their imaginations run wild.

• 10 cans of creative fun – kids can get creative with just the right colors They need in this Play-Doh…
• Just the right colors to start – shape, squish, mix, and make it all. Great for lots of uses like…
• Shape your imagination – squishy, bright, non-toxic Play-Doh compound sparks imaginations For kids 2…

Pipe Cleaners

We’ve been surprised time and time again that no matter what amazing toys and surprises we bring the most effective and time consuming toy is the pipe cleaners.

• Great value for money: 200 pcs 20 colors, each color 10pcs, approx 6.5mm in diameter, 305mm in length.h
• Premium Quality for all 20 colors: Manufactured with high standards, our pipe cleaners are flexible, easy…
• Great gift: Our pipe cleaners make a perfect gift for your loved ones. This product can improve their…

• ✅Note: If the sticker does not stick due to hair or stains, Just rinse them in a bowl with warm soapy…
• 21PCS CUTE DESIGN – Our Package includes: 21PCS cute patterns animals thick gel clings : Frog, Crocodile,…
• WIDE APPLICATION – Get a combinations of your favorite animal characters and decorations! The zoo animals…

Wristband Stuffed Animal

• In need of a bear hug? Huggers give long loving hugs. This bear is the perfect combination of soft…
• Huggers are the unique plush toy that hugs you back. Simply wrap these plush slap bracelets around your…
• These plush toys are for kids of all ages, adults love them too, and hang them on items in their home or…

It goes around your arm like a wristband so there will be no dropping it between the seats and never finding it again.

Fat Brain Toys

This award winning tactile toy is great to make toddlers grab, explore, sort, and discover. It is one of our favourite travel toys for toddlers.

Their little hands are immediately drawn to the six brightly coloured, textured, rubbery, tethered shapes and offers a unique way for shape-sorting fun. They are fun for little fingers to feel and also great for teething! To buy the Oombee Cube Sorter click here.

• GRAB, EXPLORE, SORT, DISCOVER! A shape-sorting cube with the shapes tethered to the corners!
• SIX TEXTURED SILICONE SHAPES ARE FUN FOR THE HANDS! Easily fit into the slots of the cube
• AGES 10 MONTHS AND UP; Shapes made of food-grade silicone; Cube made of sturdy plastic; BPA-free

BrainUpToys Busy Activity Cube 

A similar but more advanced version of the Fat Brain Toy is this activity cube from BrainUpToys . With wheels, beads, strings, bells, and all kinds of fingering shapes to keep a toddler busy until you have reached your destination. This activity cube is perfect for developing little ones fine motor skills.

• Travel Busy Cube Educational Toy Toddlers Busy board Wooden Cube Motor Skills Gift For Toddler Birthday…

Lonely Planet Pop Up Books

Whilst normally we are a fan of smaller books for the sake of space, the Lonely Planet pop up books are great if you want to prepare your child for the destination you are headed to.

• Mansfield, Andy (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 8 Pages – 04/19/2016 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

Koosh Balls

• CLASSIC REIMAGINED – The same incredible design with so many new ways to play!
• FIDGET TOY– Designed to make catching a breeze, Koosh balls are easy to catch and play with.
• PLAY ANYWHERE – With a softer feel than your average ball, Koosh are great for indoors, outdoors, at…

They come in many themes so you can choose whatever theme your child is obsessed with today!

• Phidal Publishing Inc. (Author)
• 10 Pages – 08/30/2017 (Publication Date) – Phidal Publishing Inc. (Publisher)

While we prefer to let our kids experience some good creative fun, very often the time comes, especially when flying long haul, that you need to bring out the big guns!

• SAVE UP TO $60 on a full-featured tablet (not a toy) for kids ages 3–7, 1 year of Amazon Kids+, and a…
• RESPONSIVE WITH LONG BATTERY LIFE – Features 8″ HD display, 2 GB RAM, 32 or 64 GB, up to 1 TB of…
• CONTENT KIDS LOVE – Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+ – a digital subscription designed for kids to safely…

These Kidrox Kids Headphones have a sharing port on every set, so kids can easily connect these headphones in a daisy chain and listen together – just plug the first set into your audio/media device and then connect the others so siblings can enjoy a movie together.

They also have a volume limiter to protect children’s hearing and come in 3 different designs. Click here to buy the Kidrox Kids Headphones .

• Durable And Kid-Friendly Child Headphones: Built with safe, impact-resistant, and BPA-Free nontoxic…
• 85db Volume Limiter For Hearing Protection: KidRox wants to keep your little tiger’s hearing safe! To…
• Designed With Your Little Ones In Mind: Perfect for 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 year old kids’ heads, the…

Travel Toys for Toddlers – Older Toddlers

Table of Contents

As your kids get a little older their tastes and abilities change. While the above travel toys for toddlers will still be fun and stimulating for them, some options for older toddlers are also available to them. Here are some of the best!

Playing card games can be great with older toddlers. Odds are that if your child is too young they will think the game is to throw the cards everywhere so only take this one out when they are old enough.

• [Tons of Questions for More Connection] – contains 400 questions that make your child the center of your…
• [Really Listen] – learn things you don’t know about topics you may not think to ask about, be present…
• [Leave the Questions to Us] – it can be hard to know what to talk about with our children. We’ve come up…

Little Globe Packs

The Our Little Globe Packs are a subscription box for kids wanting to learn about the culture of different countries. Our little one tried out the Kenya box just before our trip and it was an amazing introduction to her trip whilst we were still at home.

We took it along on our trip and used it both on the outbound and return journey. Inside it has a passport with flag stickers, recipes for the countries traditional dishes, an activity related to the culture a crib sheet with a few words in the language and a map.

The map was an amazing way to prep our kids for the trip. It showed lots of the animals they could expect to see and what a Masai village looks like, as well as traditional clothing.

Our daughter found it a fun way of ‘ticking off’ things she’d seen. We also found it a very useful way of preparing her for a significant cultural difference.

They are excellent for learning letters and numbers and illustrating biology, making habitats, constellations, molecular structures and so much more.

This particular pack comes with step by step instructions to make a DNA double helix.

• 144 feet of Wikki Stix in eight great colors for super creativity – big 3-D creations, science and Stem…
• Arts and Crafts activities are awesome with three-foot long one-of-a-kind Wikki Stix! Perfect for a…
• School projects, rainy day fun, and festive seasonal decor are fun and easy with Super Wikki Stix…

Other Helpful Travel Gear & Tips

Jetkids bedbox.

A great option to keep all of travel toys for toddlers safe in one place is the Jetkids Bedbox . This is a ride on scooter, come suitcase with storage, come bed. I mean, this is literally the most genius invention to come onto the family travel market ever!

This one product can deal with every stage of the journey and has been such a game changer for us.

I really love it when something has multiple functions. It’s an absolute ‘must’ when it comes to children’s products.

Let’s face it, they can get board so easily, it needs to keep them entertained and happy for as long as possible.

• FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCE – JetKids by Stokke BedBox is the world’s only premium, ride-on suitcase for kids…
• FUN & FUNCTIONAL – This spacious carry-on size suitcase holds all of your child’s must-haves, and once…
• TRAVEL ESSENTIALS – JetKids by Stokke BedBox was designed with front swivel wheels for easy maneuvering,…

The Jetkids Bedbox comes complete with a little strap, our daughter can straddle the box and I have a long handle to pull her along. The wheels at the front rotate so it can go around corners and everything.

All you have to do is unclip the lid, and turn it upside down to create a platform. There is a little extendable tray that closes the gap and overlaps with the chair.

It is adjustable to suit different seat heights so would be perfect for a car or plane.

This genius little product also acts as a suitcase that comes in a variety of colours, with storage compartments inside the main body as well as the lid! It has a hard exterior meaning lots of different things can be stored inside safely.

We popped the provided mattress over the top of the inflight seat and  BedBox platform to make her own little cozy space. It meant she could just chill or lie down for a sleep.

I was so impressed that the JetKids BedBox is not only a bed for our little one when onboard a flight, but it is also storage, and a scooter! 

For more information and to buy a JetKids Bedbox the perfect suitcase for carrying travel toys for toddlers.

Bring A Baby Carrier

As a mum who has literally traveled all over the world, mostly baby wearing, my carrier is one of the most important pieces of paraphernalia I bring with me! Having a child carrier allows you to be relatively hands-free when navigating airports, tourist hot spots and anything else you can think of!

It has always been my go to means of getting my little ones of to sleep on the move, and always seems to settle them down in those stressful situations where they just need a cuddle but also allows me to be handsfree.

There are tonnes of carrier brands on the market and sometimes it can be hard to choose which are the best baby carriers for travel and everyday use. 

• One carrier that does it all: Grows with baby from newborn to toddler (0-48 months; 7-45lbs)
• All carry positions: Inward, front outward, hip & back carry
• 100% premium cotton: Soft and cozy for the ultimate in comfort

There is no need to have a separate baby carrier for travelling. When you invest your money into a baby carrier you want it to work all of the time, no matter if you are travelling or not.

Most carriers are adaptable as your child grows from a baby into a toddler.

ErgoBaby has long been making fantastic carrier’s that mums dads and kids love. Their  Ergobaby Omni 360  might just be the best ErgoBaby carrier yet, combining the best features from some of their popular carriers. For more information and to buy the Ergobaby Omni 360 click here .

Top Tips For Travelling With A Toddler

Aside from taking lots of cool travel toys for toddlers you will definitely want to bring an array of snacks your toddler likes. Airplane food can be pretty hit or miss with tots so it is best to bring your own.

Likewise, meals might not be served precisely when your little one is hungry. I tend to bring pre-made pouches and plenty of dry snacks for the trip.

Just make sure to have the liquid foods ready for security to check if you are going through the airport. Similarly at your final destination you may need to declare any foods you have so it is a good idea to them all up on route.

Boarding The Plane

You will fine airlines always encourage families to board first! However I can’t thinks of anything worse than spending more time than needed on board. Let your toddler run around and burn off all their energy before boarding.

I tend to board later so when we get on its close so there is less issues with confining our little one. If you have a lot of hand luggage and are concerned about over head space and you have two parents flying, one could go ahead and get set up!

Sleeping Aids

As previously mentioned, the Jet Kids Bed Box is a great option to keep all of your toys in one place. Not to mentioned the ride on feature for getting through the airport and the bed it turns into on board.

If you are looking for something a little more compact for your hand luggage, there are airplane bed pillows on the market.

Plane Pal and Fly Tots are two options. They inflate with a simple foot pump to fill the leg room space and create a flat area for your toddler to lie down. This is particularly good for long haul flights.

Not only do the pillows serve as a bed, they also stop all the toys and other objects from falling onto the ground. and getting lost.

Not all airlines allow the use of the pillows so it is worth checking ahead of the flight. It does appear to come down to the discretion of the crew quite often. That being said, I have never been asked to put it away.

Again on long haul flights, they tend to provide children’s blankets however if you have something familiar it can always help with getting your little one off to sleep.

There is a premium pillow option called Flyaway Kids Bed and this is next level comfort. It is amazing but more expensive than the others. It covers the entire seat and leg space and will last longer as your child gets older due to its size.

We had a dreamy long haul flight with our two year old and the Flyaway kids bed, it is literally like business class seat in economy for kids.

If you decide to use any pillow, remember to choose the right seats! You can’t block the walkway for others so a window seat is ideal. Check out the picture below for some guidance.

If you are travelling far out of your time zone, most likely everyone will need to adjust. We’ve had our fair share of jet lag with our kids over the years.

It sounds terrifying especially if you have a routine with your toddler but rest assured its doable. We have a tonne of tips on how to deal with jet lag in toddlers .

if you are arriving local morning or early afternoon, try your best to sleep on the flight so you arrive rested. This will help you get through the day with a couple of power naps.

The main thing is to push to the new zone little by little. The hardest part about jet lag is when your little ones is up in the middle of night.

You can try a herbal remedy melatonin which is great. Keep exposing you little one to day light at appropriate times, getting out and getting fresh air.

I can remember so many times waking up in the middle of the night and having a craving for dinner.

When this happens, we tend to keep all the light dim, only eat something light and head back to bed.

Always allow some down time on your first couple of days if you are travelling a long way.

Changing time zones and being on such a long flight can make you quite dehydrated so remember to keep pushing the fluids with your little one and yourself of course.

Traveling With A Car Seat

We all know it is hard enough to survive with kids and luggage without a car seat as well on travel days. We found an amazing light-weight car seat that turns into a backpack and can easily be checked in.

It really helps to keep your hands free when you are flying with a toddler. The RyRy Compact is really easy to install and ins made with Merino Wool, the whole products is really good quality.

It is perfect if you are renting a car on arrival or needing to take a taxi from the airport.

These are our best suggestions for travel toys for toddlers with a few extra tips along the way!

Do you have a favourite travel toys for toddlers that wasn’t mentioned? Comment below or Share this post with your friends who are still on the hunt for travel toys!

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37 Terrific Travel Toys for Toddlers: Entertainment on the Go

Ultimate list of the best travel toys for toddlers (18 months to 4 year olds).

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Please see my full  disclosure policy  for details.

Keeping a busy toddler entertaine d during a long car ride or a flight can be a daunting task . Having a few great travel toys to keep your little ones entertained and engaged while on the go can be incredibly helpful.

Keep in mind that this list of the best travel toys for toddlers is very versatile . Many of these toys can be used in the car , on an airplane , in the stroller , at a restaurant , or wherever else you may end up with your toddler.

When it comes to travel toys for toddlers, there are several things to consider .

• Make sure the toys are age-appropriate & safe
• Choose toys that are compact & easy to pack
• Select toys that are durable and can withstand the wear and tear of being on the go
• Of course, we want to choose toys that are FUN and can sustain your toddler’s attention for a good amount of time
• Consider how noisy the toy may be (depending on the environment you will be using it in)

We have tried out dozens and dozens of travel toys with our two toddlers. Don’t worry, I will only share the toys and activities that actually keep my toddlers entertained for a toddler-appropriate amount of time.

We will go ahead and skip over the toys that got thrown to the side after 30 seconds 😉

37 Best Travel Toys for Toddlers

Please don’t feel like you need to go out and buy 37 toys for your upcoming trip with your toddler. Choose a handful of toys that can be your travel staples.

Consider buying secondhand or doing toy swaps with friends or neighbors to save money and space.

1. Toniebox

The Toniebox is definitely our #1 travel toy for my two toddlers. We bring our Toniebox in the car and on walks in the stroller daily. You could also use the headphone jack and bring it on an airplane.

If you aren’t familiar with a Toniebox, it is an audio box that plays music and stories when Tonies figurines are placed on top.

My toddlers love listening to the Tonie and also love playing with the Tonies figures and switching them out.

There are many different Tonie figures to choose from. My kids’ favorites are Cocomelon , Curious George , and Lion King .

If you will be bringing your Toniebox/figures on the go a lot, I would recommend some kind of carrying case. We have this one , but I think this one would be better for travel.

You can also get “ Tonies Creatives “, which is a little figure that allows you to record your own audio. You can record yourself singing or reading a story or add any other songs/stories your child likes.

My mom recently passed away, and I have videos of her reading and singing to the kids, so recorded those so our kids can still hear their TT’s voice, which is so important to me.

2. Yoto Player Mini

The Yoto Player is basically the same concept as the Toniebox, except that it uses cards instead of figurines.

A few pros of the Yoto Player vs. the Toniebox

• Yoto cards are cheaper than Tonies figures
• The Yoto Mini is smaller than the Toniebox and easier to carry around
• Yoto cards are more compact than Tonies figures
• There are 1,000+ Yoto Cards available vs. less than 200 Tonies figures

We do not personally have a Yoto Player, but my toddlers have used one before and definitely didn’t like it as much as the Toniebox.

I personally think that the Toniebox is much more engaging and entertaining for younger toddlers. In my opinion, the Yoto Player may be a better option for preschool or elementary-age kids.

Both are great for keeping kids entertained on the go and cutting down screen time.

3. Poppin’ Pipes

My son got a set of these for his 1st birthday. I had no idea what they were, but WOW my kids have so much fun with these.

Honestly, even our older nephews and adult friends/family like to play with them too. 😂

It is basically just a set of plastic tubes that can be stretched out and scrunched together. The tubes can be attached to each other as well.

My kids play with these tubes in the car, on walks, and at home.

They are kind of loud, so not the best option for an airplane or other public places.

4. Junyobee Educational Toy Cars Set

Most toddlers love playing with keys (mine included). With its lock-shaped vehicles and numbered keys, this set should keep your toddler entertained for quite some time. And it helps build those fine motor skills!

This key set may be difficult for younger children to maneuver, so it could cause frustration if you are not available to help your young toddler with it (i.e. if you were driving).

5. Toy Key Set

While we are on the topic of keys, we might as well include the basic key set.

We keep a set of toy keys in the car and my two toddlers fight over it every. single. time.

This set that we have makes noise (including a honking sound that sounds quite real) so keep that in mind if you bring them in the car.

6. Montessori Quiet Book

This little busy book is a great option for toddlers 1-3 years old. The elements are securely attached, so you don’t have to worry about pieces being dropped (or thrown) everywhere.

The book is safe for use in the car because it is soft and lightweight.

There are 9 different activities in this little book. It can usually keep my toddlers entertained for 10-15 minutes or so.

7. Pull String Toy

This pull-string toy is a great travel toy option for babies and young toddlers.

The bright colors, textured cords, and chewy silicone help keep your little one entertained.

My one-year-old loves chewing on this toy and popping the little buttons, and my almost 3-year-old still loves pulling the strings back and forth and listening to the sounds they make.

8. Dino Party Busy Board

This busy board will be a big hit if your toddler loves dinosaurs.

I don’t know about you, but my toddlers LOVE turning on/off lights, trying to plug things in, and pushing buttons.

This little board allows them to do all of that in a safe and compact fashion.

9. Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot Books

Books are a great way to keep your toddler entertained in the car, on an airplane, at a restaurant, or in the stroller – we use books often for all of these situations!

Regular books are wonderful, but we will cover books that provide a little bit of extra entertainment by incorporating sound or other features, starting with the Melissa and Doug Poke-a-Dot books.

There are many different Poke-a-Dot book options, but my kids love this animal one.

10. Touch and Feel Books

Touch-and-feel books are another type of book that adds extra entertainment.

Little ones love feeling the different textures and petting the animals!

11. Music/Sound Books

Books that play music or animal sounds entertain my toddlers the longest.

Because of the noise, they aren’t always the best option for airplanes or public places, but are perfect for the car or stroller as long as you can stand the repetitive diddys and sounds!

Here are a few of our favorites:

12. Lift-the-Flap Books

Lift-a-flap books are another engaging type of book that can entertain your toddler on the go.

Younger toddlers may be a bit rough on these books (i.e. tear the flaps off), but they are a great option for older toddlers.

Here are a few of my toddlers’ favorites:

13. LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Wo rds Book

The LeapFrog 100 Books are a fun and interactive way for your toddler to learn new words and sounds. The book says words along with exciting facts and sound effects when your toddler touches each picture.

A carrying handle on top makes it easy for your toddler to carry around.

There are multiple versions of the book, including 100 animals, 100 things that go, and a few other variations.

14. Me Reader Books

Me Reader book sets come with an electronic reader and 8 corresponding books. The Me Reader reads each of the 8 books aloud.

Your child will choose a book and press the corresponding book and page buttons on the reader to listen and follow along with the story.

My toddlers have a Paw Patrow Me Reader set, and they love it. I have to help them find the correct book and turn the pages, but older toddlers should be able to do it on their own if you teach them how.

15. Montessori Busy Board “Briefcase”

This busy board features multiple activities to develop fine motor skills and keep your kiddo entertained.

A flexible zipper allows the book to divide into 2 busy books and it comes with 4 detachable pages, making it very versatile and easy to switch up.

Activities include zippers, shoelaces, buttons, belt buckles, puzzles, and more.

The busy board is made of fabric and felt, making it safe for the car and lightweight to carry around.

I think this would also be a good idea for a plane ride.

16. Suction Cup Spinner Toys

What could be more fun than toddler fidget spinners?

The suction cup keeps the spinner secured. Put it on a table at a restaurant, a window in the car, an airplane tray table, or wherever else your toddler needs a little entertainment.

These little spinners usually keep my toddlers entertained for 5-10 minutes, so I wouldn’t plan on them playing with it for a whole road trip or flight.

17. Busy Book

This busy book includes many different activities and topics including numbers, the alphabet, colors, shapes, animals, foods, transportation, emotions, opposites, weather, days of the week, months of the year, and the human body.

My almost 3-year-old loves playing with his busy book. We use it as a guided learning tool and play with it with him, but he could definitely play with it independently as well.

The only downside of busy books like these is that they have so many little pieces that can easily be dropped/lost in the car/airplane/etc.

18. Car Set with Playmat Storage Bag

These cars are perfect to take on the go and to keep your toddler entertained!

Cars and trucks are a bit hit with my toddlers. The carrying bag makes it convenient to take this set on the go. It’s light enough for your toddler to carry it around.

This car set is pretty durable, but definitely isn’t the most quality toy we have. The wheels can be a choking hazard if they come off, so be aware of that.

19. Take-Along Shape Sorter

My toddlers love sitting and playing with shape sorters. We have one at home, but this one is perfect for travel.

The padded carrying case makes it easy to take on the go, and the crinkly flaps and textured blocks provide plenty of opportunities for children to learn and play.

20. Town Maze Magnetic Puzzle Game

This magnetic puzzle is self-contained, so it’s easy to pack and take on the go. You don’t have to worry about dropped or missing pieces.

My older toddler loves using the magnetic wand to navigate the city and help the colored balls find their way home to their matching color garage.

My younger toddler doesn’t really get the concept but still likes pounding it like a drum. 😅

21. WikkiStix

WikkiStix are one of the most open-ended toys out there! Get your toddler’s imagination and creativity flowing by making different shapes, numbers, letters, people, animals, etc.

Personally, I think these are the perfect travel toy for a long flight. They are small, quiet, and provide lots of entertainment.

I like to play with them with my toddler, and I am not sure which one of us gets more entertainment out of them. 😂

I recently found this alphabet card set that encourages your toddler to use the Wikki Stix to practice forming letters.

22. Magnetic Block Set

These magnetic blocks are perfect for building on the go! Whether in the car, plane, diaper bag, purse or at a restaurant, your toddler can build wherever you go.

The best thing about these blocks is that don’t have to worry about your toddler’s wonderful tower falling down (i.e. blocks flying everywhere and toddler meltdown ensuing).

The blocks are high-quality, non-toxic, and aesthetically pleasing (you’re welcome, mom). There are different colors to choose from.

Another open-ended toy that can be used in many different ways. Tegu has many other block sets available as well, and all of the sets are compatible with each other.

23. Reusable Sticker Books

There are many different types and varieties of reusable sticker books. The concept is genius – most kids love stickers, and these sets can be used over and over again.

We have used sticker books with “puffy stickers”, which are great for little fingers, but once these stickers get dirt, crumbs, or anything else on them (which happens often with toddlers, let’s be honest), they won’t stick anymore.

I prefer the “vinyl-like stickers”. They are more durable, last longer, and can stick to other things like windows or water bottles.

I always bring them with us on vacations because they are so small, and my kids love sticking them on the windows of the hotel room or vacation rental that we stay at.

24. Melissa & Doug Mix ‘n Match Dress-Up Puzzle

Some friends of ours use this as a “quiet toy” at church.

I think it would be great for long car rides or on an airplane as well (as long as your toddler isn’t the type to throw/drop pieces everywhere like my youngest is).

Your toddler can choose different outfits and facial expressions/emotions for the bears. All of the pieces are conveniently stored in the box, making the set easy to transport.

25. Magnetic Tiles

We have a set of magnetic tiles that were given to my kids by their older cousins. My toddlers love playing with them at home and on the go.

We have brought the smaller tiles on multiple flights.

We used this magnetic tin from a license plate game that we have to transport the pieces and use as a base for building.

26. Magnetic Drawing Board

A classic drawing toy for young kids.

This one has an attached pen, handle, and carrying bag, which makes it convenient to take on the go.

27. Etch A Sketch

Does it get any more classic than an Etch a Sketch? Bring your kids back to simpler times with this fun “magic” screen!

If you don’t remember how it works, you turn the knob in the direction that you want to draw. Simply shake to erase and start all over again!

I haven’t tried this with my toddlers yet, but plan to soon. They better love it as much as I did as a kid! 😉

28. Melissa & Doug Flip to Win Travel Game Board

This travel game board is a perfect road trip game.

The wooden frame has 25 flaps and sliding scorekeepers. There are 7 double-sided, laminated memory cards.

The little flaps are best for little hands, but you could still play the games with your child if you want to!

I would say this travel memory game is better for older toddlers if you want them to actually understand how to play, but younger toddlers could still have fun maneuvering the flaps and looking at the pictures.

29. Busy Cube

Busy cubes are great travel toys because they pack a lot of activities into one compact cube.

Those little hands will stay busy with all of the different fidgets these cubes offer.

30. Lacing Toys

Lacing toys are great for hand-eye coordination and are a great toy for travel.

Young children may get frustrated with these and need assistance. Older kids can likely use them independently.

There are many different designs to choose from.

31. Water Wow Books!

Another Melissa & Doug travel staple. Water Wow is basically a mini, mess-free coloring book that can be used over and over again.

You fill the pen with water and the colors appear when the water hits the page.

These are a great option for young toddlers who like to put writing utensils in their mouth and color all over surfaces.

32. Erasable LCD Drawing Tablet

Another great option for your little artist! This LCD doodle board is great for many different ages, from toddlers to elementary-age kids.

It is lightweight easy to use, and has a cute look to it. It does require batteries so keep that in mind.

33. Flash Cards

My toddler loves looking at flashcards in his car seat or during a long-haul flight. Definitely one of our favorite travel toys.

My toddlers will look at the cards independently, quiz us about what is on the cards, or we can talk and tell stories about the cards. They provide lots of entertainment for long trips.

There are many different themes and topics to choose from.

I definitely recommend getting a flash card set with a ring that will hold them together if you are going to be traveling with them.

34. “Talking” Flash Cards

This is a great tool to give small children the independence to “read” what is on the flashcards if you are not next to them to help (i.e. you are driving or busy with something)

35. Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Pads

This is a similar concept to the water wow coloring pads, except that it doesn’t use water.

Colors from the markers appear only on special Crayola Color Wonder Paper, not on skin, clothing, or carpets.

If your child is a bit older and can be trusted to stick to the paper, a classic coloring book or art set would be a fun option for travel.

36. Melissa & Doug Take-Along Magnetic Puzzles

These magnetic jigsaw puzzles feature farm animals, but there are other designs to choose from as well.

The puzzles are designed with a compact, fold-out design, making them easy to pack and take on the go.

The magnetic puzzle pieces cling to the inside surfaces to help keep the pieces secure. However, it can be easy for the pieces to get dropped or lost when you are in the process of putting the puzzle together.

It might be helpful to have a separate magnetic surface to keep the pieces on while your toddler is in the process of putting the puzzle together.

37. Tablet or Other Electronics

I saved this one for last because we use it as a last resort! After we have exhausted all other entertainment options, we hand over the iPad.

We only let our toddlers use the iPad when we are on a long road trip or flight. So whenever they do use it, they are totally locked in, which leads to much more peaceful travel for everyone!

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What I Learned After Flying for 18 Hours With My Toddler

By Jessica Rach

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Riding one of the longest flights in the world is already an undertaking—then I had to do it with my talkative son in tow. Even though flying with a toddler can be tough, I was determined to introduce him to the paternal side of my family who I hadn’t seen for over 20 years. So we embarked on an 18-hour journey from London to Bali . Here is what I learned about flying with a toddler after the trip—and what I wish I had known before.

Consider the duration of each leg of your flight if you have a stopover

Rather than take the usual connecting route through Dubai , I opted for a stopover in Singapore . I reasoned that it would be kinder to all involved to get the bulk of the trip out of the way in a 13-hour marathon and then completing the remaining three hours from Singapore to Bali. This worked out really well: We began our journey from London with a night flight and didn’t have to interrupt my son's sleep , which would have happened if we had stopped in Dubai after just seven hours.

Think about the timing and length of your stopover

Will you want to nap your child and use the opportunity for a day-trip in the city , or do you want to get the journey over with as quickly as possible? I opted for the latter, keen to get to my destination. We had a perfect two-hour window to stretch our legs and burn some energy before getting on the last leg of the journey, which I wanted him to stay awake for (so we could adjust to the local time in Bali as soon as possible).

Plan a night flight around your arrival times

To minimize jet lag , consider any sleeping schedules and the local time difference, and take advantage of a night flight if you can. I booked an outbound night flight, but realized the local time on arrival would be midnight, and we would be expected to sleep again—a recipe for jet lag disaster. Luckily, we stayed awake for the last leg of the journey; we were all so tired once the plane landed that we got to sleep pretty quickly on arrival.

Ask how your airline can help with kids

I flew with Singapore Airlines , which I soon discovered to be very family-friendly. I was offered baby, infant, vegetarian, western, and Asian options for my three-year-old son’s inflight meals on booking, an impressive selection from which I was able to pre-order. They also gave us an inflight entertainment pack, which included a puzzle and coloring book. The team made a real fuss over their smaller passengers. For those with babies, most airlines will warm up expressed milk on a flight and you can request a blanket for breastfeeding privacy.

Choose the best seats in advance

Luckily, I was able to select my seats upon booking, so there would be no last-minute kerfuffle trying to get the best window seats within a civilized distance of the toilets. Though I didn’t need baby changing facilities, I made a mental note to pack a slimline foldable toddler toilet seat. We managed to get a seat with no one behind us, so I only had to worry about potentially annoying one row of passengers. The window seat kept my son entertained during take-off and landing when entertainment had to be put away.

Ensure a checked stroller is included and permitted on board

My Bugaboo Butterfly was permitted on Singapore Airlines, but I was also flying a leg of the flight with their sister airline, Scoot, which only allows strollers onboard subject to space. Unfortunately, the buggy had to be checked in without a buggy bag, which I was slightly nervous about, but thankfully, it came back without any damage. For other suitable stroller recommendations, see our guide to the best travel strollers .

Invest in a plane bed

I decided to bring a seat extender to turn my son’s seat into a bed. Many airlines have varying rules on which convertible beds or seat extenders are permitted, and they are only allowed in the window or middle seat, so it's always a good idea to check before traveling. Decide whether you want to use a kid's suitcase that converts into a bed box like the Stokke ride-on or invest in an inflatable mattress. I opted for the Bubba board as it provided the perfect balance of comfort, low weight, and easy set-up. It was a total game changer, and my toddler slept solidly for over 10 hours. It took me two minutes to lay the board on the seat and clip the extension to the tray table, and my three-year-old immediately curled up and fell asleep. This will be accompanying us everywhere from now on.

Take a backpack as your carry-on

Put as much as you can in your checked luggage and keep the essentials in a travel backpack to carry onboard. You'll want your hands free when running to and from flights and going through security. I took the Longchamp Le Pliage backpack , which was great; although it doesn’t have many compartments, it’s really spacious, light, and easy to clean with wipes. I kept my phone and documents in a handy-to-reach sling bag , which, at the risk of looking like a packhorse, saved me from rifling around for everyone’s passports during the endless checks.

Check out the airport facilities

I asked about booking the airport lounge as we would have to arrive at least three hours before the flight departure time, but it proved too costly. Instead, I read up on the airport’s children’s soft play and playground areas, which my son was thrilled with.

Pack an entertainment goodie bag

Though the airline offered great inflight entertainment and an activity pack, I decided to wrap up an array of travel toys including Play-Doh, paper and pens, snacks, headphones, books, and the famous iPad for him to open and alternate at varying intervals. I also packed an inflatable cushion and blanket in the hopes that a “bedtime” routine would help give everyone a restful night. However, a pillow and blanket were included with our seat, so I could have saved the luggage space.

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12 genius travel accessories for kids that will make your family vacation so much easier.

by Taylor Lane , Sabrina Rojas Weiss

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Best Kids Travel Accessories at a Glance

Remember how good it felt the first time you figured out just what to pack in  your diaper bag  to leave the house for half an hour? (Change of clothing, extra wipes and diapers, and … an extra shirt for you.) You have it in your power to feel that mastery when you pack for family vacation now, too.

The Kinds of Kids Travel Essentials Pros Recommend

Depending on the type of traveling you’re embarking on, you will need “a plethora of engaging diversions is paramount to mitigating restlessness and maintaining harmonious spirits.,” says Justin Crabbe , CEO and Founder of Jettly . “Portable electronics, beloved times, coloring accouterments, and diminutive playthings can work wonders in captivating young wanderers.”

And if you’re camping Edenburgh shares “during a recent camping trip with my kids, I found that giving each child their own little backpack with personalized items made them feel involved and kept them entertained. This not only helped them to manage their belongings but also built their independence and enjoyment in the outdoors.”

Below, reference our guide to the best travel accessories for kids to have for your next trip.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Kiki Pure is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Kids Travel Gear for Weekend Trips

Kiki pure a2 uv & 3 stage h13 hepa air purifier.

Travel purifiers are handy, especially when you’re traveling for a long weekend. Whether you’re visiting a humid and stuffy climate, or if your children have breathing sensitivities, this purifier will help them feel soothed like they’re at home. Kiki Pure’s A2 UV & 3 Stage H13 Hepa Air Purifier is one of the best to consider for your next adventure. It features a sleek design, two fan speeds, and up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge (meaning: It’s ultra travel-friendly, which is why it made this list). Most importantly, the air purifier covers up to 150 square feet and is 99.96% effective at controlling allergens, bacteria, viruses, and odors. It’s great for hotel rooms, guest bedrooms, camp sites, RVs, and more.

Entertainment

Tonies peppa pig toniebox starter set.

Tonies are an excellent travel item to take with you on a long weekend trip. Each one is packed with your child’s favorite characters, like this one with Peppa Pig . The Tonies box plays stories, songs, sounds, and more, which gives little ones a break from screen time and a chance to explore their imaginations. Plus, it gives parents a break too!

Kids Travel Gear for Road Trips

Chicco kidfit adapt plus 2-in-1 belt-positioning booster car seat.

Hopping into a car that’s been roasting in a hot parking lot is kind of the worst. And shoving your kid into a hot car seat while you run around to turn on the air conditioning is a dance we’ve all performed. At least we know the breathable fabric in these  Chicco booster car seats  have “naturally derived volcanic mineral particles” so that heat won’t stay trapped there for long.

The Table Tyke Store 100% Silicone Placemat

Toddlers and babies aren’t especially well known for having the best table manners, and getting them to keep their food on a plate at home is challenging enough. This  silicone mat  provides a clean, safe space for them to eat on any flat surface and rolls up easily for storage or travel. It also doubles as a playmat and features a table-hugging bumper mat to prevent your little one from teething on germy corners. 

iClever Kids Headphones 

When you finally decide to plug your child into a screen (or audio device) to get your own vacation peace and quiet (no shame in this), we definitely recommend headphones that won’t get too loud. These inexpensive and durable headphones also feature a built-in splitter, for when siblings and parents want to listen in.

Cubcoat Kids Transforming 2-in-1 Hoodie

You don’t need to pack too many layers for warm-weather travel, but whenever your kid isn’t wearing their  Cubcoat , they can cuddle with it. They also make for excellent little pillows in the car or plane.

Kids Travel Gear for Long Plane Rides

Jetkids by stokke bedbox ride-on suitcase .

If your kid has outgrown their stroller or you’re just not taking it, you will whining when it comes to long walks through hotels, airports, and the like. This  ride-on suitcase  will solve that problem (for kids ages 3-7), and then some. It also converts into a clever footrest that many airlines have approved for use during flight, turning an economy-class seat into a first-class naptime bed.

Melii Snackle Box

Long plane rides mean the kids are going to need plenty of snacks to keep them nourished. Sure, plane snacks are fun, but there’s nothing like their favorite picks from home. That’s where the Melii Snackle Box comes in. It has 12 compartments with removable dividers, so you can completely customize the box for smaller and larger items. The lid also securely fits the box, so you don’t have to worry about spills.

PLUS PLUS Travel Case

It’s a pretty good idea to bring along at least one or two toys to keep kids occupied on vacation, but finding something that’s both compact and engaging for hours and days is a challenge. This  PLUS PLUS Case  comes with 100 pieces and a building base. (We can’t guarantee you will be bringing all 100 of those piece back home with you, sadly.)

Kids Travel Gear for Camping

Kidco peapod plus.

Whether you’re at the beach all day, camping, or crashing at a family member’s home with no crib easily available, your little ones need a comfy, safe, and shady place to sleep . The sleeping pad is built into the bottom of this little tent, and UV protection is built into its cover.

Summer by Bright Starts Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster Chair

So you could rely on restaurants and friends to provide you with high chairs wherever you go, and then be resigned to feeding your kiddo on your lap when none is available. Or you could get one of these clever  fold-up boosters , which work just as well on the ground as attached to a chair. They’re easy to clean, light, and may even have you tossing out your high chair at home, too.

Kid Made Modern On-The-Go Vacation Journal

If your child loves art, you will always be on the lookout for an easy way to pack some art supplies for vacation. This little vacation journal kit includes pages for documenting the trip and markers, and it will be perfect to pull out during any down-time.

Experts in This Article

Stephanie Edenburgh , CEO of Bizzie Mommy and mother of three Justin Crabbe : CEO and Founder of Jettly

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13 Practical Tips for Airplane Travel with Toddlers

T raveling by air can be a great way to save time to get to your vacation destination. It can even be a way to save a lot of money depending on how far your destination is. Toddlers may be exciting to get to be able to fly on a plane, but you will want to keep them occupied so that they do not get restless. So here are some of the best activities and the best travel toys that your toddler will enjoy in a confined space:

Prepare A Bag Of Young Kids Favorite Treats

There is nothing worse than sitting on a plane and having them complain that they are hungry. Choose snacks that will make a minimal mess, if they are messy eaters.

Talking To Your Child Before You Go To The Airport Is A Good Idea

Let them know where they are going, and why you all are going to that destination. It may be for vacation, or even to visit a family member.

Make Sure They Have Used The Restroom Before Boarding The Plane

Most planes will start boarding about thirty minutes before departure, and if you arrive in plenty of time this will help get in all bathroom breaks so that you do not have to get up all the time on the plane.

Pack Toys For Entertainment Even For The Older Children

If they are into video games and they love their screen time, purchase a handheld game or other electronic small toys to keep them happy. A good book is great for the plane ride because it allows you to read to them, or they can read it themselves if they are old enough. A book is a great way to pass along the time if it is a long flight.

Play Airplane Games Together

There are a lot of game ideas available on the internet that you can put together beforehand. Get some trivia cards made up ahead of time about your destination. You can make it a learning experience!

Traveling with children can be difficult at times. While car trips make it easier because only the parents have to deal with it if the child misbehaves, a bored child on an airplane can annoy a lot of other people and sometimes embarrass mom and dad. However, many simple travel games can be played with a child during the flight which will make the journey more enjoyable for everyone.

Virtual Hide And Seek For Some Imaginative Play And Travel Activities

Playing hide and seek using your imagination can sometimes be more fun than playing the real game. To play, simply think of someplace at home to hide. Because it’s imaginative, this can be any place big or small, even someplace like the silverware drawer. The person who is “it” then has to make guesses to “find” the other players, who will hopefully be nice enough to give some hints along the way.

Making Puppets Is One Of The Best Airplane Activities

Remembering to put coloring books, crayons or colored pencils in a child’s carry-on bag can be a great idea for some quiet time. While it’s fun to draw pictures on paper on their airplane tray table, you can make use of the things an airplane has to offer. A busy toddler can make a fun game of turning the motion-sickness bags into finger puppets. Simply turn the bag over and draw the face on the bottom. The part of the bag that folds at the bottom will become the mouth opening. Once the bag is decorated, the children can have so much fun talking with the puppets in their hands with the flight attendants.

I Spy For A Long Haul Flight Is A Fun Way For A Great Time

Whoever’s turn it is should look around and choose something visible to those playing. Then they say, “I spy with my little eye something …” and add a descriptive word for the object like the color or shape. The other players must then take turns guessing what it is the person spied on.

20 Questions For Younger Kids When You Airplane Travel

The object of 20 questions is to try to guess what the player is thinking about in 20 questions or less. The person whose turn it is thinks of an object. The player’s first question will be, “Is it a person, place, or a thing?” From that point on, the players are only allowed to ask questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no.” If they can guess the object in less than 20 questions, they win.

Find It! Is Great For Long-Haul Flights

The magazines provided by the airline are usually full of pictures. Look at them with your child and challenge him to find a particular thing on each page. Challenge the older kids to search the whole magazine himself to find the object you have selected. You can even go further and ask for a type of thing, a striped animal for example, and have him find something in that category.

Guessing Games With Different Themes

You can keep your younger children entertained with some simple guessing games that can be played from the seat of the aircraft. Use three plastic cups and hide something under one of them. Move the cups around and get him to guess which cup the object is under. Blindfold him with a scarf and give him various objects to feel and guess what they are.

Map Making For Some In-Flight Entertainment

A great game for encouraging your little kids to improve their hand-eye coordination and to think about the journey is map making. Take a few sheets of paper with you and draw a simple map of the journey you are taking. Explain to him where you are going to and from on your international flight and show him where various people he knows to live on the map. Next, get him to imagine what it would be like to take the journey over land and imagine the adventures that he would have at each point along the way. Let him draw the adventures onto the map.

Window Eye Spy Is Great For Younger Toddlers Or Any Age Group

Flying is a pretty amazing experience for toddlers, if only for a short while. Try and engage them with the experience and a great activity. If you are flying over land take them to the window and play a simple version of eye spy. Rather than choosing a letter, simply name things you can see from the window and see if he can see it too. Take turns to let him pick something and make a show out of trying to find it.

Toddlers and young children can find plane travel difficult and they don’t feel shy about communicating it to other passengers. Keeping a toddler entertained can go a long way to saving you and your fellow passengers the experience of being cooped up for hours with a disgruntled toddler. A few simple games can be all you need.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Flying With Kids

From activity books to wipes galore, everything you need for your next flight with kids.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

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Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

The trick to flying with young kids? Careful preparation. Our writer has traveled the world with twins, and she knows that flying with children can be miserable if you don't bring the right items on board with you. But with the right tools, a flight with your youngsters is not just feasible but can even be fun. We've rounded up all the supplies you’ll need for feeding, cleaning, soothing, and entertaining little ones — plus transporting all that cargo. So use this guide to prepare properly for your next family flight .

Packing Checklist for Flying With Kids

We've broken down all categories of things you’ll need to pack when flying with children and included the exact items we’d recommend.

Read more about our specific recommendations below and start your own checklist, too.

Entertainment 

• Best Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet
• Best Headphones: Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones
• Best Tech Stand: Airglo Cell Phone and Tablet Holder
• Best Coloring Book: Unicorn Imagine Ink Magic Ink Book
• Best Book: "Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey"
• Best Activity Book: On the Plane Activity Book
• Best Craft: Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks
• Best Game: Magnetic Travel Games
• Best Set: Mini Voyager 4-7 Jetsetter Travel Kit
• Best Sound Machine: Frida Baby Portable 2-in-1 Sound Machine
• Best Pillow and Blanket: Roamwild Kids Travel Pillow and Travel Blanket Set
• Best Portable Bed: Flyaway Kids Bed

Food and Drink

• Best Reusable Water Bottle: Yeti 12-ounce Kids Water Bottle
• Best Lollipops: Ring Pops (20 Count)
• Best Snacks: Healthy Snacks Variety Pack
• Best Snack Activity: Fred Match Up Memory Snack Tray
• Best Changing Pad: SkipHop Portable Baby Changing Pad
• Best Multi-purpose Wipes: Hello Bello Unscented Baby Wipes
• Best Face Wipes: Baby Wipes by Boogie Wipes
• Best Surface Wipes: Lysol Disinfecting Surface Wipes
• Best Hand Sanitizer: Kinia 8-pack Hand Sanitizer Holders
• Best Diaper Bag: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
• Best Crossbody Bag: Kibou Vegan Leather Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
• Best Kids Backpack: Herschel Backpack Kids 9L
• Best Wheeled Backpack: Jansport Driver 8 Backpack
• Best Carry-on Suitcase: Rockland London Hardside 20-inch Spinner
• Best Ride-on Suitcase: Jetkids by Stokke Bedbox 19-inch Ride-on Carry-on

Accessories

• Best Luggage Trackers: Apple AirTags
• Best First Aid Kit: PreparaKit Take Along First-aid Kit
• Best Storage Bags: Hefty Slider Storage Bags

T+L's Top Picks and Tips

Entertaining kids is absolutely critical to keeping the peace on any flight. For babies and younger kids, one rule of thumb is to think of entertainment in 15-minute increments; bring enough options to rotate activities often. For older or generally tech-minded kids? Well, the magic power of screens sure comes in handy.

Best Tablet

Amazon fire hd 10 kids edition.

Why We Love It: This tablet has plenty of storage space and comes in a virtually indestructible case.

What to Consider: This isn’t as full-featured as, say, an iPad, so kids will outgrow it eventually.

Tablets are great for long-stretch occupation — just be sure to download your child's favorite shows and movies ahead of time rather than relying on airplane wifi to stream. Amazon’s Fire for kids simpler and less expensive than standard adult versions, and it comes with an indestructible, kid-friendly case with a stand. The Fire HD 10 also includes a two-year guarantee and a yearlong subscription to Amazon Kids+. We find this to be a great investment to keep children from ages 3 to 5 occupied.

Best Headphones

Puro sound labs bt2200s volume limited kids headphones.

Why We Love It: These Bluetooth headphones have a safe maximum volume for kids.

What to Consider: They are pricier than some alternative kids' headphones.

In the same way that you’ll likely lean hard on that tablet to keep kids occupied, you'll depend on quality kids' headphones to go with it. This compact but powerful pair is made to protect early hearing damage by following the World Health Organization’s recommendation of an 85dB-limited volume range. The Bluetooth capability has a 30-foot range of movement so the child can feel free to move about the cabin, too.The lightweight, durable headphones come in nine fun colors.

Best Tech Stand

Airglo airplane travel essentials.

Why We Love It: This universal tech holder is a great hands-free solution for use in planes, cars, and more.

What to Consider: It might not be the most secure stand for larger phones or tablets.

This nifty gadget is the brainchild of a flight attendant who saw a need for a phone stand that would allow passengers to watch movies and TV shows on long flights. Now kids can also watch on your devices hands-free with this tool that fits any brand’s gadgets. It folds fairly flat when not in use, and this lightweight stand could also be repurposed to hang a bag on a chair or tray table.

Best Coloring Book

Bendon unicorn imagine ink magic ink book.

Why We Love It: This compact book is small, self-contained, and mess-free.

What to Consider: The cover is slightly misleading: This book isn’t actually full of unicorn themes.

These invisible ink activity books are self-contained — no crayon collection to roll under plane seats — and guaranteed mess-free. Kids just use the Imagine Ink marker to stay busy with 16 pages of games, all in a portable-size book just right for tossing in a travel bag. We've found invisible ink books particularly effective for children aged 3 to 6.

Where's Waldo? The Fantastic Journey Paperback

Why We Love It: This book is challenging for kids of all ages (including pre-readers) and delivers on a healthy dose of nostalgia for parents as well.

What to Consider: A book will never be as tempting as a tablet for tech-addled kids.

Books that challenge little ones keep them entertained. And Where’s Waldo does just that — even for kids who aren’t reading yet. The paperback book is not only small and lightweight for travel, but its journey motif fits in nicely with vacation adventures, too.

Best Activity Book

On the plane activity book.

Why We Love It: This lightweight book gets kids excited about their flight, with plane-themed games and activities.

What to Consider: You’ll need to bring and keep track of your own coloring implements.

Engage kids in the excitement of travel with this activity book that has an airplane journey theme. Think: spot the identical pilots on their way through the airport, true-or-false airplane and flying facts, and more. Just pack a pencil (or probably two).

Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks for Kids

Why We Love It: This generously stocked wax stick kit has plenty of sticks to share between or among siblings.

What to Consider: You'll probably leave some sticks on the floor and in the seats.

This set of wax craft sticks will be a novelty for most kids, and waxy sticks won’t roll away as easily as crayons or markers. This kit comes with 300 sticks in 15 colors and two different lengths, plenty for multiple siblings to have a go. Kids can endlessly shape and reshape them with no noise and no mess.

The Purple Cow Magnetic Animal Homes Matching Puzzle

Why We Love It: Magnetic pieces keep this tin game set together for play on the go.

What to Consider: Pieces are only magnetic on one side.

Nothing’s more frustrating than trying to travel with a game that’s rendered immediately useless after some essential piece slides irretrievably under an airplane or car seat. This compact game set provides a frustration-free alternative with magnets that keep everything together. We recommend it for children over 2.

Mini Voyager 4-7y Jetsetter Travel Kit

Mini Voyage

Why We Love It: This kit combines a customized array of kids entertainment items into one grab-and-go bundle.

What to Consider: You may save money by finding and buying all of these items separately (if you have the time and inclination).

If creating a DIY bag of entertainment ideas for every flight seems like a lot of work, buy this kit, which compiles it all for you in one convenient bundle. Choose from multiple items to build your own customized pack based on your kid’s interests and ages, including stickers, books, toys, and games.

When kids don’t get adequate rest, the whole thing goes off the rails in a hurry — for everyone. In addition to comfy clothes and layers, these packable items help keep children warm, soothed, and rested on the plane.

Best Sound Machine

Fridababy 2-in-1 portable sound machine.

Why We Love It: This portable sound machine also has a nightlight, and it hooks onto a tray table hinge or arm rest.

What to Consider: It can be hard to differentiate the buttons in the dark.

This little machine produces five soothing sounds for kids, including shushing and a heartbeat. It has an adjustable strap, so you can hook it onto an arm rest or or tray table hinge, or a car seat or stroller once off the plane. During your flight, just but be mindful of using anything beyond pink noise in flight out of respect to your fellow passengers. Conveniently, it also has a nightlight with three glow levels which could help you locate items in a dimmed cabin, too.

Best Pillow and Blanket

Roamwild kids travel pillow.

Why We Love It: This cute and cuddly set is a pillow, blanket, and toy all in one.

What to Consider: While the sleeve-style cover adds comfort to an armrest, it’s still an armrest — so it may be too firm for some kids’ tastes.

A travel pillow and blanket are always useful tools in keeping children cozy for long flights. This one has a niche feature: After you remove the blanket, the sleeve-style toy slides over any armrest to transform it into a kids’ pillow. So, it’s a penguin toy, a comfy pillow, and a warm blanket, all in one cute and compact package.

Best Portable Bed

Flyaway kids bed.

Why We Love It: Not just a place to sleep, this comfy surface also keeps toys and accessories from rolling onto the floor.

What to Consider: You’ll be happy to have it on the plane, but then you’ll be committed to traveling with it for the duration of your trip.

When kids are overtired, everyone loses. And a tool like this can be just the ticket for helping them sleep on long flights. The bed for babies, toddlers, and little kids inflates in 90 seconds and deflates quickly, too. It comes in a carry bag with a pump included, and it can be wiped clean.

When it comes to traveling with kids, you’ll always need more snacks than you think. Think you’ve packed enough? Great, now double it. And don’t forget a refillable water bottle to kep your kiddo hydrated.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Yeti rambler jr. kids bottle.

Why We Love It: This water bottle is impressively leakproof and made to withstand a beating.

What to Consider: The bottle itself is heavy, especially compared to its relatively small 12-ounce payload.

Staying hydrated with kids while traveling is a must, and this water bottle means business. The Yeti is durable, spill proof, and double-wall insulated to keep drinks cold (or warm) for hours. Plus, a straw cap makes it easy for kids to sip on the go.

Best Lollipops

Ring pop individually wrapped bulk lollipop variety party pack.

Why We Love It: It acts as both a snack and a bribe — er, reward , that is — and can help reduce ear discomfort on planes.

What to Consider: Nope, there’s no nutritional value here!

Lollipops and their ilk are a multifunction tool for traveling with kids: It’s a snack! It’s a reward! It keeps them busy! And the act of swallowing while sucking on them can also ease ear pressure on takeoff and landing. Even better, Ring Pops are a smart, toy-like alternative to stick lollies for hands-free holding.

Best Snacks

Stuff your sack healthy snacks variety pack organic care package.

Why We Love It: This variety pack includes 18 different flavors to keep kids interested.

What to Consider: The packaged snacks may be organic, but they are still processed food.

Having kids means having snacks handy at all times; traveling makes it all the more necessary to keep kids fed and comfortable to combat whining. This variety pack includes 25 organic packaged snacks from 19 different brands; 18 different flavors keep them intrigued as little surprises unfold throughout a long journey.

Best Snack Activity

Fred match up memory snack tray.

Why We Love It: Dispensing snacks this way keeps the experience fun for kids — and prolongs the process to keep them busy, too.

What to Consider: Make sure your child is able to push buttons.

Snacks serve two important functions: nutrition and amusement. For that reason, try to prolong these food breaks as a way to keep kids busy and amused. Try putting different snacks into this fun tray with compartments; it’s fun for littles to discover treats behind each door, and it adds time to the whole process. For slightly older toddlers and children, you can make a memory game out of it.

Keeping kids clean — and cleaning up after them — has long been a top concern among traveling parents. A global pandemic only underscored the importance of traveling with wipes and sanitizer.

Best Changing Pad

Skip hop pronto changing station.

Why We Love It: When you travel with your own changing pad, you’re guaranteed a non-public surface no matter where you are.

What to Consider: A separate changing pad may not be necessary if you have a diaper bag that comes with one.

Change a diaper on the go without fear of exposing baby to gross, public surfaces. This changing pad takes the form of a clutch, with a large mesh pocket that holds four diapers and accessories, plus a translucent wipes case. A front zipper pocket holds essentials like keys and cash. Drop it in any bag, or clip it on a travel stroller or luggage handle instead.

Best Multi-purpose Wipes

Hello bello unscented baby wipes.

Why We Love It: You can use these extra-soft baby wipes on just about everything.

What to Consider: These full-size packs aren’t tiny.

Is there nothing a baby wipe can't do? From diaper changes to on-the-go hand cleaning to wiping up half-eaten miscellany, traveling with baby wipes is a must. These are super soft with aloe and chamomile extract — and no alcohol, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or parabens.

Best Face Wipes

Boogie wipes.

Why We Love It: These hypoallergenic, ultra-soft saline wipes are great for cleaning snotty faces and even clearing airways.

What to Consider: If you don’t want to pack a bag full of different wipe options, this specialty product might be the first to go.

With kids, runny noses are just about guaranteed for chunks of the year, and they're even more likely when you add in the fatigue and exposure from traveling. These hypoallergenic and alcohol-free cloths are designed expressly for nose-wiping, with gentle saline, vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile to soothe sensitive skin.

Best Surface Wipes

Lysol disinfecting wipes to-go pack.

Why We Love It: You’ll find tons of uses for this travel-sized package of wipes when traveling through public spaces with (or without) kids.

What to Consider: These are ideal for surfaces, but they are not for use on kids’ faces.

These germ-busting wipes are ideal for cleaning nonporous surfaces like a tray tables or seatback entertainment screens, and they're a must for both safety and peace of mind when traveling with littles known to touch everything.

Best Hand Sanitizer

Kinia 8 pack empty mixed kids hand sanitizer.

Why We Love It: These cute and colorful hand sanitizer holders keep gel easy to access for frequent cleanups.

What to Consider: Be advised these containers come empty, so you’ll need to fill with your favorite brand.

In addition to wipes, hand sanitizer is a must for quick cleaning on the go. Keep your gel handy by filling these colorful jelly wrap silicone carriers. The 1-ounce, flip-top-cap bottles attach with adjustable silicone cords to backpacks, diaper bags, and just about anywhere else.

Depending on kids’ ages and sizes, they may be candidates to tote their own cargo. Backpacks, rolling bags, and even ride-on options help keep the process moving smoothly. Adults, on the other hand, can benefit from bags that keep hands free in case they need to carry tired children or hold little hands along the way.

Best Diaper Bag

Dagne dover indi diaper backpack.

Why We Love It: This bag is sleek, chic, and unisex, and it delivers on functionality with tons of specialized compartments.

What to Consider: It's spacious and deep, so smaller items can be hard to spot in a hurry (and when are you not in a hurry when traveling with kids?).

Traveling with kids means prioritizing performance in a diaper bag ; we're huge fans of Dagne Dover because the brand fuses functionality with style so well. Done in chic, 100-percent vegan neoprene, this backpack-style diaper bag also clips to a stroller upon arrival. It includes a mini changing mat and extra pouches, with an extra zipper opening for easy access to wipes.

Best Crossbody Bag

Kibou diaper bag.

Why We Love It: This crossbody doubles as a compact diaper bag for hands-free convenience.

What to Consider: A diaper bag this small obviously isn’t a feasible option for longer outings or multiple babies, so consider your usage.

This vegan-leather waist pack, which extends into a crossbody, is a great choice for traveling through airports and wearing on the plane. The ultra-compact diaper bag has tons of features so you can travel hands free: A built-in waterproof pocket holds 20 wipes wet for up to a week, a detachable changing pad unfolds from the back flap, a hook holds a pacifier or key, slots secure credit cards or cash, and the nylon lining is wipeable and stain resistant. It's even possible to use this as a regular bag once your little ones are out of diapers, too.

Best Kids Backpack

Herschel heritage backpack | kids.

Why We Love It: Encouraging kids to carry their own backpack builds independence while keeping the family’s cargo moving.

What to Consider: This kid-size version is best for ages 3 to 7; move up to youth size for older kids.

Herschel has just the right size backpack for children preschool age and up to carry their own gear — both to help out the family and to develop a bit of self reliance. This kid-proportioned version is just 13 inches high and has a removable sternum support strap. The next size up is right for youths ages 8 to 12 and, at 15 inches high, it also features a 13-inch laptop or tablet sleeve.

Best Wheeled Backpack

Jansport driver 8 core series wheeled backpack.

Why We Love It: A rolling backpack keeps the weight off kids’ backs and holds a solid amount of cargo.

What to Consider: This well-equipped pack is substantially sized and a better bet for grade school ages and up.

This 21-inch rolling backpack is packed with features for bigger kids. It has two spacious main compartments plus skate wheels and a telescoping handle for a smooth ride. An exterior mesh bottle pocket stretches to fit large bottles, and a 15-inch laptop sleeve has a buckle to keep technology extra secure. It comes in an array of solid colors and appealing prints, and you can easily tuck away the shoulder straps when not in use.

Best Kids' Carry-on Suitcase

Rockland london hardside spinner wheel luggage carry-on.

Why We Love It: Kids can grow with this 20-inch spinner, small enough to manage but large enough to hold proper cargo.

What to Consider: A 20-inch spinner will be too large for preschoolers to easily maneuver.

When it comes to kids’ roller bags, we advocate for choosing a piece small enough for them to manage but large enough to hold a meaningful amount of cargo. To be worthwhile, it must be an efficient use of hands and bin space, not just a character-shaped gimmick that holds very little. Our writer's twins have these durable hardside cases, which they’ve carried independently since age 6 (going on three years and many miles and still going!).

Best Ride-on Suitcase

​​stokke jetkids bedbox.

Why We Love It: This wheeled ride-on suitcase transforms into a leg rest or bed in flight.

What to Consider: Not all carriers permit the use of items like these as leg rests while in the air.

This ride-on rolling suitcase has hidden talents beyond scooting through the airport: It transforms into a leg rest, or an in-plane bed, to help keep kids comfy and rested during the flight, too. Bonus: It even includes two sheets of stickers for kids to personalize their own luggage.

It may seem overwhelming to keep track of all the things you need to bring, especially after you've left home. GPS trackers can be lifesavers for locating your items during the journey, and a small first aid kit and plastic slider bags prepare for just-in-case moments and help clean up mid-flight messes, too.

Best Luggage Tracker

Apple airtag 4-pack.

Why We Love It: Track your kids’ stuff — or even your kids themselves — amid hectic environments like airports.

What to Consider: These tiny trackers are made to interface with Apple devices only.

In crowded, chaotic environments — especially when the dependability of baggage handling could use improvement — a small GPS tracking device tucked into a bag can make all the difference in reuniting with it after, say, a kid blithely walks away from their belongings after being distracted by a candy display. You can also use these tags on children themselves, with an array of specialty wristbands, keychains, and necklaces designed to incorporate the tags for wearability.

Best First Aid Kit

Preparakit small compact first aid kit for kids.

Why We Love It: This well-stocked first aid kit covers the basics in a compact, highly portable package.

What to Consider: You can save money if you choose to compile your own kit with customized supplies.

This TSA-approved mini first aid kit contains all the essentials for babies and toddlers in a package just about the size of a wallet. The curated array of 50 items includes bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, thermometer strips, and more. There’s also additional room to add your own prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Best Storage Bags

Hefty slider storage bags.

Why We Love It: They have a stand-up bottom for convenience.

What to Consider: They're less durable than sturdier bags made for freezer storage,

There are so many uses for slider storage bags while flying with kids: Use them within backpacks to organize cables, toys, and snacks. Or, use them to separate wet or soiled items, and to collect trash tidily. Plus, they’re super lightweight and waterproof.

Prioritize new or special items

When it comes to keeping kids entertained during a long flight, they’re most likely to stay engaged when playing with something that is new to them. Now’s the time to choose new or rarely used games, books, toys, and technology to pack in your kit for maximum novelty value.

Consider portability

You may be accustomed to your full arsenal of supplies at home, but carefully consider how portable and necessary each of these items is before committing to travel with it. Luggage fees add up, arms and hands quickly fill, and only the truly portable items are usually worthwhile to bring along on travels with kids.

Children over the age of two must have their own ticket, and therefore are entitled to the same baggage privileges of other ticketed passengers in the category. Check your airline and ticket class for the specific baggage allowances.

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food (including purée pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on baggage, according to the TSA regulations ; these are considered medically necessary liquids. Just make sure to take these items out of your carry-on bag to be screened separately.

The same permission applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, like ice packs and freezer packs.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Alesandra Dubin is a career travel and lifestyle writer and a frequent traveler. She’s also a twin mom with plenty of hard-earned experience from world travels with kids.

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Mum reveals the clever trick to flying with young kids – including how to make them ‘sleep for 10 hours’

• Tom Malley , Foreign News Reporter
• Published : 16:24 ET, Apr 28 2024
• Updated : 20:16 ET, Apr 28 2024

A MUM has revealed the perfect trick for flying with young kids and how to get them to sleep on a plane.

Whether you have a long-haul international flight or just a short journey, getting in much-needed rest can be a real challenge when travelling with young one's.

But one parent believes she's sussed out the best method to ensure the whole family can peacefully sleep without any disturbances.

Travel expert Jessica Rach recently embarked on an 18-hour flight from London to Bali alongside her toddler and had one trick up her sleeve to make it as smooth-sailing as possible.

She said she that investing in a plane bed was the ultimate way to get her son to sleep.

"I decided to bring a seat extender to turn my son’s seat into a bed," she told Condé Nast Traveler .

"It was a total game changer, and my toddler slept solidly for over 10 hours.

"This will be accompanying us everywhere from now on."

The travel guru added how parents can either use a kid's suitcase that converts into a bed box or invest in an inflatable mattress.

"I opted for the Bubba board as it provided the perfect balance of comfort, low weight, and easy set-up," she said.

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The process is completely hassle free, too, with parents just needing to lay the board on the seat and clip the extension to the tray table.

However, it's important to note that many airlines have varying rules on which convertible beds or seat extenders are permitted.

Furthermore, they are only allowed in the window or middle seat, so parents are advised to check before travelling.

There are plenty of other ways to ensure you and your children can have a stress-free flight ahead of your next longhaul trip.

Jessica suggests choosing the best seats in advance and packing an entertainment goodie bag.

Sitting by the window and having things to occupy them can be the perfect distraction for toddlers - and save you the hassle of keeping them entertained.

Planning a night flight around your arrival times is also useful as it ensures your kids are less likely to have their sleep schedule disrupted.

Another mum has also revealed her simple tip for keeping kids entertained on a long-haul flight – and it costs just £3 .

Rather than bringing onboard items like eye masks, noise-cancelling headphones, and tablets, one mum suggested something a little different.

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And a flight attendant has revealed their game-changing tips for flying with kids that everyone parent should know about.

Everything from plane maps to pre-boarding tactics can make the world of difference to a lengthy flight when you have little ones in tow.

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The 8 Best Travel Strollers for Dads Navigating Airports and City Streets

These are the ones that’ll make your life easy and your kids happy.

Best Overall Travel Stroller

Bugaboo butterfly stroller.

Comfiest Stroller

Gb qbit+ all-city stroller.

Best Budget Stroller

Babygap classic stroller.

Easiest Stroller to Carry

Contours itsy lightweight travel stroller.

Best Stroller for Twinning

Uppababy g-link v2 stroller.

Best Stroller for City Dwellers

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller.

Smoothest Handling Stroller

Silver cross jet 3 super compact stroller.

Best Stroller for Flying with Infants

Doona infant car seat and stroller.

Thankfully, my wife and I come prepared. The Bugaboo Butterfly travel stroller is a godsend when running around with small humans . It opens quickly and easily, it’s light and portable, and it holds kids up to fifty pounds. That means even though my two-year-old daughter is usually the one hitching the ride, when my five-year-old son’s legs get tired (or a sibling rivalry inevitably rears its head), he can hop in there, too.

All of which is to say that when the Koenig clan finally does arrive at the gate, all four of us are in relatively good spirits—even the two year old. The Bugaboo is a great get, but there are a number of other travel strollers out there that could be a good match for you and yours. Read our full breakdown of the varieties we’ve tested and reviewed.

The Butterfly is aptly named, as it feels like it is actually floating over the ground, even when on grass and gravel. The seat must be especially comfortable, because my two year old surely would have let me know in no uncertain terms were it not. The cargo space on the Bugaboo is good enough for emergency drinks, snacks, Mom’s bag, and Dad’s travel hoodie.

Opening and closing the Butterfly is a cinch, and with Irish blood on both sides, my kids appreciate the sun canopy as well. The stroller is small enough to keep as a carry-on, but if you do decide to check it, be sure to fold up the footrest so it doesn’t get damaged in transit.

There’s not much to dislike about the All-City stroller, and that includes its price point, which is a good chunk less than the Bugaboo’s (right in the $300 range, depending on when and where you shop).

This is a stroller with comfortable padding in the seating area and folding mechanisms that won’t induce public meltdowns (from dads, not toddlers). It’s also rather maneuverable and has a silky ride that is really impressive. The only bona fide knock against it is that at 17.6 pounds, it’s pretty bulky, and without a shoulder strap, heaving it around is a real workout.

For an item that costs around $100, the Classic Stroller from babyGap can take a beating. That’s a pleasant surprise for those of us dads who tend to hulk out on things from time to time. (Hi, it’s me. I’m the problem, it’s me.)

This stroller also has a comfortable seat with a five-point harness and a sun canopy overhead with a peekaboo window so you can keep an eye on Junior. The only thing not to like about it is that the folding lock on the bottom-right side takes a little getting used to, which might annoy impatient dads... Not that I know anyone like that.

The most minimalistic of the strollers on this list, the Contours Itsy Lightweight Travel Stroller reminds me of something my wife says every time I float the idea of buying a new car. She points out the window at the old beater in our driveway and says, “Does it still roll?”

This stroller has no cupholders and limited storage space. It also doesn’t recline, which might be an issue for bigger kids. But it does, in fact, still roll—rather smoothly at that. And at just 12.3 pounds and $170, this will be a sensible option for many.

Before I had kids, I used to think I wanted twins. What a sweet and innocent child I was. One kid at a time has been plenty for me, and for those dads in the trenches with twins, you have my respect.

For you guys, the Uppababy G-Link V2 Stroller is a very solid choice. I think of it as the Cadillac of travel strollers—comfortable, smooth, and (obviously) rather large. It’s actually too big to keep as a carry-on, so be prepared to check it. But realistically, there is very little not to like here.

Since I’m a full-fledged suburban dad now, car seats are my current worry. But I lived in cities for twenty years of my life, so I am very sympathetic to space concerns. The best travel stroller out there for the urban denizens among us needs to be small and easy to maneuver—enter the Babyzen YOYO2.

This zippy little thing is great for weaving through armies of commuters on busy city sidewalks. It also folds up teeny, and at 13.7 pounds, it’s an easy carry with a padded shoulder strap. The only downside is that it’s not fond of rough surfaces, which is not really a big deal as long as you avoid New York City potholes.

You know that feeling when you’re cutting wrapping paper and the scissors begin to glide? That’s how it feels to push the Silver Cross. It’s also got a five-point harness and an adjustable footrest, plus it fully reclines. The sun canopy is workable if not the largest I’ve seen.

A fun trick is that this stroller folds into a little rolling-suitcase-looking thing—the leather-wrapped bumper bar turns into the handle. The main drawback here is that cargo space is at a bare minimum. The Silver Cross Jet 3 is best thought of as the roadster of travel strollers.

Traveling with infants—and really doing anything with infants, now that I say it out loud—has an added degree of difficulty. Gently put: You’re going to want all the help you can get. That’s why I like this entry from Doona. It doubles as a car seat and stroller, so it gets high marks for versatility. It is also ready right out of the box for newborns (many other strollers need to be adapted for kids under six months). And, best of all, for you cosmopolites out there, it’s approved by both U.S. and European authorities for air travel.

The one issue with this stroller is that its max weight capacity is thirty-five pounds, so your child will likely outgrow it quickly. But it’s great to save for a second kid or to share with friends.

What to Consider When Buying a Travel Stroller

Don’t just trust our picks; see how we graded them.

Movement When you’re pushing around one, two, or (godspeed) three-plus kids, you want the stroller to make it easy on you. If you’re in the city, you only need it to be good on sidewalk asphalt and epoxied airport floors. If you’re in the burbs, gravel and dirt might come into the equation.

Weight When it’s folded up, you want it to be easy to handle. This is especially true for carry-on strollers.

Storage Everyone in the family has essentials: Baby’s snacks, Dad’s drink, Mom’s in-flight melatonin. A good stroller gives you space for all of it.

Ease of use Is it difficult to fold? Does it fit in an overhead bin? Is the carry-strap sufficient for its size? Stuff like this is important.

Versatility This is critical when you’ve got multiple kids and the older ones like to campaign for stroller privileges. What is the weight limit? Also, if a stroller can recline, it’ll be more comfortable for bigger kids.

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Southwest Airlines hosts first mock travel day for families with Autism Moms of Kona

From toddlers to teens, about 10 keiki and their parents walked through Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport Thursday afternoon to catch their Southwest flight to Kona.

Those families boarding Flight 143 were members of the Facebook group Autism Moms of Kona . And this mock travel day was meant as a fun activity to help children with autism get more comfortable with the process of going through the airport — starting from the ticket counter, to going through security, and agriculture to boarding a plane and ending at baggage claim.

“Just in general it’s anxiety-ridden, let alone having to go through all these other hoops and having a child that struggles with things that are different or unusual,” said Tia Banks, customer service agent with Southwest Airlines. “So we’re doing anything that makes it easier for our families.”

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Those on the spectrum often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.

While these mock flights happen often on the mainland, this was the first time Southwest held an event in Kona. And just like a real trip to the airport, all families got their boarding passes and went through security, placing bags, phones and keys in bins to be scanned.

They were reminded to remove their shoes as well before walking through the metal detector.

Once through security, families continued their journey to gate 4 for Flight 143.

Trudy Palik and her partner Brendonn Vaiula were among the parents who brought their children along for the afternoon “plane ride.”

Palik travels with her 3-year-old son BJ, who has autism, regularly as he has doctor appointments once a month in Honolulu. She explained traveling with her son is hard as he gets scared with all the people.

“I think it’s too many faces,” she said.

Normally Palik travels with BJ alone, but on Thursday, Vaiula was there to experience flying with their son. Normally in a stroller, Vaiula tailed BJ around the airport gate as he wandered about.

When it was time to board, the 3-year-old was nervous, but he walked out to the plane calmly with his parents.

“He is more comfortable because his dad is here,” Palik said.

Jessica McCullum, founder of the Facebook group Autism Moms of Kona, was also there with her children. She carried Josephine, 2, who is on the autism spectrum.

While she is not new to taking her kids on planes, it’s never easy as the process of getting through the airport can be challenging with children who are sensitive to crowds, lights and noises.

“Waiting in long lines can cause a meltdown,” McCullum said.

McCullum was looking forward to this experience so she could communicate with the airline about the needs she and other parents with children on the spectrum have when they travel.

“A lot of these kids are picky eaters,” McCullum said, adding a lot of times parents are told to throw their snacks away.

This leaves them, McCullum said, hungry with no calm space to retreat to.

Once the plane was ready, the Southwest crew welcomed families through the gate and walked them to the 737-800 aircraft. Three flight attendants and a pilot volunteered their time to give families the authentic experience of flying on an airplane.

Once seated, volunteer flight attendants went through the safety briefing going over instructions on how to buckle the seatbelt, how to use the oxygen mask if there is a loss in cabin pressure and how to inflate the life jacket, stowed beneath the seat, in the event of a water landing.

Served drinks and snacks, keiki also got a peek inside the cockpit where the pilot allowed them to push buttons and where the captain’s hat.

As the plane prepared for “landing,” one of the children got on the intercom saying: “We’ll be on the ground in 10 minutes. Thank you for flying Southwest Airlines.”

Before deplaning, staff with Southwest informed families of the program TSA Cares , which ensures families traveling with children with needs, have an escort through the traveling process, from check-in to boarding.

After “returning” to Kona, the families deplaned and collected their draw-string Southwest Airlines backpacks from the baggage claim carousel.

McCullum said the experience was awesome. “No meltdowns!”

A newer member of the Autism Moms of Kona group, Tisha Delima participated in the flight with her 3-year-old daughter Melia.

Delima said Melia has been identified as on the spectrum and they have an upcoming doctor’s appointment in Honolulu. Melia hasn’t been diagnosed.

“I thought this would be a good opportunity to get tips and have a fun outing,” Delima said.

Delima said the mock flight was good practice in not getting overwhelmed by the process.

Banks hopes the program grows so the airline can offer these experiences once or twice a year.

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Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.