travel toys for 14 month old

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The Top Airplane and Car Toys for Toddlers on the Go

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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

OombeeCube

  • 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

Food Grade Silicone Pull String Activity Toy

  • 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

Bright Stripes Scratch-Tastic Pictures Bundle

  • 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

Yoto Mini 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

Sketch Pals Portable Lady Bug 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

Lamaze Mortimer the Moose Toy

  • 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

Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Drawing Pad Bundle

  • 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

Fat Brain Toys Dimpl

  • 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

Chuckle & Roar Magnetic Dot Art Designer Travel Art 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

Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Play 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

I Can Be... A Veterinarian! 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

Guolely Busy Board Montessori Toy

  • 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

Melissa & Doug K's Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Toy

  • 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

VTech Turn and Learn Driver

  • 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

Buckle Toys

  • 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

Seckton Upgrade Kids Selfie 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

Lace & Trace Farm

  • 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

Fisher-Price Little People Cuddle & Play Nursery Toddler Playset

  • 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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The 14 Best Travel Toys For Toddlers

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.

We’re living in a new golden age of road trips, and no matter where you’re headed, the road can feel long when your travel buddy is a toddler. A little prep can make all the difference. First, bring all the snacks. Then, don’t leave home without a slew of toys to entertain them for the haul. The best travel toys for toddlers keep them busy by engaging their senses — all while having fun. And don’t worry: I kept the noisier toys at grandma’s house and off of this list.

A solid travel toy for a toddler needs to have a certain busyness factor. Hands-on toys like puzzles or pads for coloring and drawing hold a little one’s attention. Tactile toys that may have buckles or buttons , pop-ups, or building designs tend to keep kiddos engaged longer — and they'll also be great at helping them practice fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and/or problem-solving. Open-ended toys that can be played with in multiple ways will also go the distance in holding their interest over several hours or days on the road.

Lightweight toddler toys that don’t make a mess or come with fewer pieces are clear favorites when you’re on the go or traveling in tight quarters, and some portable toys come with storage bags or containers to hold multiple pieces. It’s worth noting that there can be big developmental differences between younger and older toddlers, so I've included a range of toys suited for toddlers of all ages. Just note: Small parts can be a choking hazard for children under three, so be sure to check the age recommendations for each toy.

Pro tip: Save the surprise! Don't dole out the toy until your trip has started — it only adds to the toy's appeal — and it'll buy you more entertainment time when you need it most.

1. This Mess-Free Tablet For Doodling

KOKODI LCD Writing Tablet

  • Age: 3 years old and up

For your upcoming trip and really every car ride, plane ride, or train trip to follow, you'll want to pack this toddler writing tablet . It's a much-loved travel toy with over 12,000 reviews on Amazon; kids love the endlessly reusable surface to draw and color on, and parents appreciate that it holds their attention without making any mess. The attached stylus creates thin or thicker colorful lines depending on the pressure applied, and there's a button to erase or lock what's on the screen. Your toddler will have fun using their imagination and using it for writing, drawing, counting, spelling, and more.

Plus, this tablet is so slim and lightweight, you can tuck it into any backpack. The tablet's built-in battery offers six months of battery life, so you don’t need to worry about charging it on your trip. I keep one in the backseat of my car at all times. If you have multiple kids traveling with you, color coordinate for each toddler: Choose from blue, orange, pink, or yellow.

A helpful review : “We bought this pad to take on a long car trip with our 4 yr old granddaughter. She is usually traveling with her nose stuck to an iPad, I was looking for something to get her out of watching iPad all trip. This did the trick! She drew all kinds of things, practiced her numbers and letters, and played games with me. It was great to have something that didn’t need to be charged.”

2. The Uber-Popular Cups That Parents Swear

The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys

  • Age: 6 months old and up

A set of stacking cups is so much more than it seems, and its versatility and small size make it an essential travel toy for toddlers. This particular cup toy set is wildly popular with a 4.8-star rating and over 56,000 reviews; plus, it's only $5.

The eight brightly colored cups are stackable but also nest within each other for minimal storage in a carry-on bag or anywhere else. The bottoms of the cups are numbered for practicing counting and number recognition. They'll also love knocking down a tall tower of cups. Each cup also has holes on the bottom, so they make fun bath toys anywhere . Headed on a beach vacation? Pack these lightweight cups for tons of playtime in the sand. Or scoop up fresh snow with them if you're headed north. Really, these are a fun toy anywhere you can stack them.

A helpful review : “If I had to pick one toy for a baby, this would be it. My 3-year-old still finds things to do with these cups that he has had since infancy. So simple and yet so versatile. They can [be] bath toys if needed. They are perfect for travel where your destination may not have many kid toys because they pack so easily and yet provide great entertainment and opportunities for development, creativity, etc. Everyone should have these.”

3. A Soft Toy With Buckles To Keep 'Em Busy

Buckle Toy Buster Square

  • Age: 1 to 4 years old

You may have noticed your toddler is increasingly interested in things like seat belts and high chair buckles. This buckle toy square takes those non-toy things and turns them into a very appealing square toy for the toddler crowd, with six kid-friendly buckles in different clasp styles.

Learning to buckle and then unbuckle these straps engages your toddler in fine motor skills, cognitive skills, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination, so don't be surprised when this small toy holds their attention for longer than you thought possible. An easy-to-open zipper reveals a pocket, and on one side of the square are numbers and shapes that will appeal to your toddler, too. With over 3,000 reviews, this is another fan favorite. Several shoppers noted they clean this lightweight toy regularly in a washing machine.

A helpful review : “My son is obsessed with buckling things (set belts, high chair straps, etc) so this was perfect. The cover of the pillow is soft and the straps provide different challenges as they are different on each side. The zipper pocket allows for storage of other small items and is something else to play with it. Kept him busy enough on a plane ride.”

4. A Reusable Sticker Pad That’s Perfect For Road Trips

Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad - Habitats

Toddlers love stickers, and this reusable sticker pad comes with more than 150 stickers for hours of fun adhering and rearranging them on five colorful animal habitat pages. The sturdy stickers feature farm animals, dinosaurs, sea creatures, and more, and they can be reused again and again and even adhere to car windows if you're on a road trip.

This sticker pad is lightweight and slim enough to keep in the backseat of a car or in a carry-on bag. It's a little wider than a standard sheet of paper, so you'll want to double-check if it can fit in your backpack or bag. With a 4.7-star rating and over 3,000 reviews, you can't go wrong with this under-$10 pick. Choose from other themes, too, like vehicles , farm , under the sea , or stock up with a 3-pack of sticker pads or a princess bundle .

A helpful review : “This sticker book kept my three year old daughter busy for three hours on the way to New York and two and a half on the way home! Perfect for road trips. Working on figuring out how to keep the reusable stickers all together since I have now purchased every one of these sticker boards!”

5. A Beautiful Lacing Card Set Based On A Beloved Book

The World of Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar Lacing Cards

Toddlers aren't tying shoelaces quite yet, but they can start to build the necessary patience and determination for the milestone using these lacing cards . With 10 beautiful cards featuring familiar characters from the classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar , little ones can work on strengthening their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills while attempting to thread the lace in and out of the card's holes. This card set is lightweight and small enough to keep a few in a bag, backpack, or backseat.

A helpful review : “Kept the kids occupied off and on during an 8 hr road trip. Definitely recommended for ages listed.”

6. This Conveniently Machine-Washable Activity Book

deMoca Quiet Book for Toddlers

This smartly designed toddler activity book packs nine activities into a small, lightweight book with a convenient handle for toting it everywhere. The Montessori-inspired activities engage your kid's fine motor skills and include buckling a belt, learning how to snap and button, and telling time. This book is like a busy board your toddler may have at home, but it's soft, easily portable, and perhaps best of all, after a long time away from home: it's machine-washable. The toy comes with a garment bag for its turn in the spin cycle.

Each of the activities and pieces is tethered to the book so they won't get lost, and the book is available in red, green, or blue. This book is pricier than some others, but many parents noted in the over 1,500 reviews on Amazon that it is "totally worth it" to keep your toddler entertained during travel.

A helpful review : “[...] My daughter LOVES playing with this in the car, and it keeps her just as occupied as the annoying noisy battery-powered toys. And what a reprieve it has been!! [...] It grows well with them, which is a must considering the price tag. It is very well made and very durable. We’ve had it for just under a year and it’s held up excellently. [...] 100% worth the money for the peace and quiet!!!”

7. A Set Of Reusable Mess-Free Coloring Pads

Melissa & Doug Water Wow Bundle: Farm, Safari & Under The Sea

  • Age: 3 and up

Coloring books are a family traveling staple, but here's another no-mess option you should also keep on hand. These Water Wow! books appeal to toddlers because the water pen “magically” fills in the themed pages, and you'll love that these lightweight books let your little one color without potentially marking up anything outside of the coloring book.

The provided water pen is wide so it’s easier for toddlers to grab, and it conveniently fits into a built-in storage spot on each book. I keep these travel-friendly books in my backseat or in my bag and love how easy it is to fill up the "pen" from my water bottle. I've never had any issues with leaks. I’ve used these a lot in restaurants and on car rides to keep my toddler entertained, and I love that they may help promote fine motor skills as well as early writing skills.

This set of highly rated coloring pads, with over 7,000 reviews, comes with three themed books (farm, safari, and under the sea), each with four reusable pages in a spiral-bound pad, and fun facts to go with each page. These mess-free coloring books are also available in other themes: dinosaurs , vehicles , and an affordable fairy tale bundle . No matter which theme you choose, these are a must for traveling toddlers.

A helpful review : "We recently used these on a trip for 2 toddlers, they were quiet and content with these while on the plane. We love all Melissa and Doug products but this one was truly a life saver on a flight."

8. A Small Magnetic Wooden Block Set

Tegu Travel Pal Magnetic Wooden Block Set

  • Age: 1 year and up

An ordinary set of blocks might be tricky to keep track of with a toddler on a train or plane, but this magnetic wooden block set has just six pieces that stick to each other with magnets hidden inside each chunky block. The colorful and patterned blocks can be arranged into a hummingbird design, as well as over 60 other creations, like a rocket ship or other animals. The small set is lightweight enough to bring on any trip, whether you're traveling on the road or in the air.

If you find your toddler loves building with this on-the-go set — which also comes in a jet plane , cat , tugboat , and whale — you can add on to the Tegu block collection at home, since it's compatible with the brand's other blocks, too. The wooden pieces are made of FSC-certified (aka sustainable hardwood) so while pricier than other wooden blocks, they're responsibly made and are designed with durability in mind.

A helpful review : "Purchased this toy for our 2-year-old to play during our flights. He really enjoyed it. Once taken out of the packaging, it’s compact enough so you can easily throw into your backpack or bag."

9. A Set Of Moldable Sticks To Spark Your Toddler’s Imagination

Wikki Stix Reusable Wax and Yarn Sculpting Sticks

For a toy that weighs next to nothing but brings the potential for hours of open-ended play, add these reusable sculpting sticks to your bag. One box brings 24 eight-inch colorful sticks made of food-grade, non-sticky wax and yarn that can be molded into all kinds of shapes; a guide is included with ideas for getting started. They're designed not to break, tear apart, or leave behind residue, but a grown-up can easily cut them with scissors to shorten the sticks.

With over 1,800 reviews, this educational toy allows them to create their own forms using their imagination and is a favorite for painlessly taking arts and crafts time on the road.

A helpful review : “An amazing amount of fun for a 4 yr-old out of what are simply pieces of waxed yarn. Great for travel because there's no mess and they can quickly be packed away and the end of the flight or road trip.”

10. A Portable All-In-One Maze

Hape Go-Fish-Go Magnetic Wooden Toddler Maze Puzzle

  • Age: 2 years old and up

Change it up for your puzzle-loving toddler with this magnetic wooden maze . Using a magnetic wand, they'll guide colorful beads through the fish-themed maze to reach the end. It's ideal for travel with a built-in carrying handle on the hand-held puzzle and sturdy pieces that are all enclosed and attached for safety and convenience.

Playing with this maze engages kids in problem-solving, fine motor skills, and logic skills to keep them entertained. This toy is also available as a train maze puzzle .

A helpful review : “We purchased this for a recent Disneyland trip with our 2 y/o grandson. It was small and light enough to stuff into our backpacks for him to play with in long lines. It was also very handy for the 6 hour car ride. It was a simple, self-contained toy that was perfect for him!”

11. This Shape Sorter With Its Own Storage Bag

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter

  • Age: 9 months old to 3 years old

As your toddler begins to name shapes and colors, keep the fun going on your trip with this portable shape sorter . They'll enjoy pushing the nine textured blocks in different colors and shapes through their corresponding slots in the padded case that also functions as a storage bag for the toys. This lightweight toy engages your toddler's senses, as well as their fine motor and communication skills.

The case has a carrying handle and a bonus activity side with crinkly flaps that reveal pictures of familiar items for a matching game. This pick with a 4.8-star rating and over 2,500 reviews is lightweight and soft, so it's easy to pack for a road trip or in a carry-on bag. You can even fit a couple of extra small toys inside the case along with the blocks.

A helpful review : “My kiddo loved this toy. I got it for a plane ride to Hawaii for my 12 month old, and she enjoyed taking the shapes in and out and looking at the pictures, and picture flaps. We used it on an off the plane for that trip, and kept playing with it when we got home. At 18 months she was able to fit the shapes in on her own, and just loved playing with the shapes on her own. [...]”

12. A Puzzle In A Bag That Fits In Any Backpack Or Carry-On

Mudpuppy Ocean Life Puzzle to Go

This puzzle for toddlers is designed for on-the-go puzzling with its small size and drawstring storage bag that holds all 36 pieces. The finished puzzle measures just 12 by 9 inches, so you don’t need much space to work on it; it's a great toy to keep in your suitcase for play once you arrive at your destination, but know that it also fits on a standard airplane tray.

Figuring out which pieces and patterns fit together will keep your toddler’s focus for stretches at a time. This highly rated puzzle, with an ocean theme, will appeal to many toddlers, but it also comes in 10 other themes, including dogs , planes , and space . Each bag takes up such little space in a suitcase, it wouldn't hurt to have some options once you're are your hotel or rental.

A helpful review : “These are THE BEST puzzles. My 2.5 year old loves them. He does them over and over again. They clean up/store easy with the travel pouch & will be nice for restaurants (instead of phones and tablets) because of their size & portability. We love these & have purchased several. Now, I’m buying them for gifts. Cannot recommend enough!”

13. This Retro Toy That Will Entertain Toddlers & Their Grown-Ups

Pocket Etch A Sketch

Maybe this brings back memories of your own childhood, and it's just as fun as you remember. This pocket-sized Etch A Sketch is a drawing toy that's lightweight and mess-free, so you can take it pretty much anywhere. It has kid-friendly knobs that are easy to adjust to create different pictures, is small enough to fit in your pocket, and weighs less than 1 pound for effortless portability — and honestly, I enjoyed playing with this travel-friendly toy while my toddler napped.

A helpful review : “Perfect travel game for little kids on road trips or airplane rides. Looks just like the original but smaller.”

14. Some Unique Puzzle Sticks For Older Toddlers

Mudpuppy Transportation Puzzle Sticks

  • Age: 3 to 6 years old

Older toddlers will be delighted and surprised by the totally different shape of this set of puzzle sticks . Instead of the traditional jigsaw pieces, these long sticks offer a new challenge while also requiring putting together just eight pieces per image. The whole transportation-themed set comes with 24 double-sided sticks that create six finished pictures. They'll love building a train engine, boat, rocket ship, fire truck, dump truck, and hot air balloon.

A puzzle tray is included to contain the pieces as they're put together, and this much-loved puzzle is the winner of an Oppenheim Platinum Best Toy Award for superior children’s products. It's also available in five other themes, including robotics , animals , ballerinas , and under the sea .

A helpful review : “These are absolutely great for traveling! They don’t take up a lot of space, fit on an airplane tray perfectly, and are a great alternative to screen time.”

Nice To Have: A Set Of Backseat Organizers With Tablet Holders

Reserwa Backseat Car Organizer

A backseat car organizer is essential for road trips and any car rides in between, and this set of two is highly rated with over 2,400 reviews. With six storage pockets and a clear tablet holder in the center, you can keep every travel toy tucked away but at arm's reach when needed. Some of the long pockets are also great for holding water bottles or snacks.

The center tablet holder is a game-changer for setting up your toddler's favorite show without worrying about them accidentally switching the screen to something else. Unlike some other organizers, these have holes for headphones and USB cords, so you can charge your little one's tablet as they watch, too.

A helpful review : "I ordered this item thinking it would, at very least, be a cute cup holder. [...] I was so pleasantly surprised by its quality, durability, and craftsmanship that I immediately ordered a second set. The organizers really do hold all their road trip necessities--pockets galore for books, toys, and anything they need. The kids really like them and that means I LOVE them."

Also Great: A Board Book All About Space

Hello, World! Solar System

  • Age: 0 to 3 years old

This space board book stands out for completely gripping my toddler's attention compared to other board books we've recently checked out. It's a colorful book with just enough information about the solar system to engage toddlers. My almost 3-year-old is obsessed with this book and we’ve read it so much he has memorized some of the fun facts, and we’ve picked up other books in the series, too. It's small, lightweight, and maintains an impressive 4.8-star rating with over 5,000 reviews. This book is also available as part of a boxed set with four books that will entertain your traveling toddler.

A helpful review : “My 2 year old has recently become obsessed with planets and the moon, but I was having a hard time finding a board book that it seemed like she would like (everything I was finding was designed for older kids). This is absolutely perfect for her though, and she’s completely obsessed with it. It’s simple, but great for small kids, and is still educational too.”

travel toys for 14 month old

travel toys for 14 month old

  • Airline Reviews
  • Baby Travel Tips
  • Packing Lists + Hacks
  • Toddler Travel Tips
  • Baby Essentials
  • Toddler Essentials
  • Travel Essentials
  • Destinations

travel toys for 14 month old

  • Mom Confessions

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.

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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.

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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 

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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 

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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.

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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 

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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 

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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 

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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.

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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.

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel 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.

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

46. Memory matching games 

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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 

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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 

Best Toddler Travel Toys

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 .

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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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Jettsetters Travel

Family Adventure Made Easy

Last Updated on 01/01/2024 by jettsetterstravel

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).

BEST TRAVEL TOYS FOR TODDLERS

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.

Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set with National Geographic Astronaut, Dinosaur,

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.

best travel toys for toddlers toniebox audio player

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

Yoto Mini + Starter Pack Bundle – Kids Screen-Free Bluetooth

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.

BUNMO Pop Tubes Large 8pk | Toddler Toys Loved by

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.

fun toddler toys for travel

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!

Montessori Educational Toys Learning Games Busy Board - Toddler Car

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.

B. toys – Toy Car Keys – Key Fob with

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.

deMoca Busy Book for Toddlers 1-3, Toddler Travel Quiet Book

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.

Baby Montessori Sensory Toys - Toddler Travel Toys Educational Learning

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.

Syahro Montessori Busy Board, Wooden Kid Sensory Board, Dino Led

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.

Melissa & Doug Children’s Book – Poke-a-Dot: Pet Families (Board

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!

Bright Baby Touch & Feel Boxed Set: On the Farm,

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:

ABC & 123 Learning Songs: Interactive Children's Sound Book (11

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:

Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book

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.

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

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.

Disney Frozen Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and More! - Me Reader

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.

URMYWO Busy Board for Toddlers, Montessori Toys Busy Book for

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.

Suction Cup Spinner Toys, Strong Suction Cup Bath Toys, Spinning

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.

Montessori Busy Book for Toddlers Ages 3 and Up -

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.

ALASOU Baby Truck Car Toys with Playmat/Storage Bag|1st Birthday Gifts

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.

Melissa & Doug K's Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy

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.

HABA Town Maze Magnetic Puzzle Game For 2 - 5

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.

Wikki Stix Doodler, Fidget Toy Plus Arts & Crafts for

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.

8 Piece Tegu Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set, Tints

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.

Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Play Sets - Safari, Pirate,

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

iGetooy Reusable Sticker Books for Kids, Toddler Sticker Activity Book,

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).

Melissa & Doug Mix 'n Match Wooden Bear Family Dress-Up

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.

PLUMIA 52pcs Magnetic Tiles Toys Magnets for Kids Learning Toys

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.

Wellchild Magnetic Drawing Board for Toddlers,Travel Size Toddlers Toys A

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!

Etch A Sketch Classic Sketch, Multicolor

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!

Melissa & Doug Flip to Win Travel Memory Game -

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.

Montessori Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3 - Travel Activities Busy

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.

KLT Lacing Toy for Toddlers, Wooden Threading Toys, 1 Apple

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.

Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal

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.

TEKFUN Toddler Toys Kids Writing Tablet - 3 4 5

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.

Star Right Words Toddler Flash Cards Set of 4 -

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)

Aullsaty Toddler Toys Talking Flash Cards for 1 2 3

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.

Crayola Nickelodeon Color Wonder Bundle (Set of 3), Mess Free

Colors from the markers appear only on special Crayola Color Wonder Paper, not on skin, clothing, or carpets.

Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Kit (50+ Pcs), Includes

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.

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzles Travel Toy On

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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10 clever travel toys to pack for your next flight

By Jessica Macdonald

Traveling with kids

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.

travel toys for 14 month old

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.

travel toys for 14 month old

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.

travel toys for 14 month old

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.

travel toys for 14 month old

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

travel toys for 14 month old

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.

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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

travel toys for 14 month old

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.

travel toys for 14 month old

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.

travel toys for 14 month old

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.

travel toys for 14 month old

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.

travel toys for 14 month old

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Best Travel Toys for Toddlers

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Skye Gilkeson

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Best travel toys for kids featured 2

Family Travel / May 20, 2023

50+ Best Travel Toys for Kids, From Babies to Teens

Travel toys for kids can make the difference between a terrible trip and an opportunity for the whole family to relax and have fun. Y oung kids can be the most enthusiastic travelers. But, long-haul flights can feel like several days when you are struggling to entertain a child on a plane. Whether you are taking a plane ride with kids or a family road trip we have put together a list of the best travel toys for kids, from babies to teens.

best travel toys for kids

Choosing the right travel toys for kids can transform your trip. © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Travel Toys for Kids

The beauty of long haul flights is that any premium carrier will provide personal entertainment screens. But, screen time isn’t going to offer hours of entertainment to your children on a long flight.

Not only does the novelty wear off fast, but there really are limited options for kids when it comes to airplane entertainment systems.

That’s why you need to make sure to pack a selection of toys and activities for each of your kids.

This is a comprehensive list of the best travel toys for kids.

Obviously, you don’t need to pack all of these items. But use this as a guide so you pick and choose those which you think would suit your own kids’ interests and ages. 

The Best Travel Toys for Babies

Sensory toys are perfect for babies and toddlers.

Not only are they great travel toys to help develop their fine motor skills, but they are also a particularly great distraction during take-off and landing when the pressure may be affecting your little ones’ ears.

A rattle or pretend keys . If you’re traveling with a baby and you have to use the insanely small change table in the airplane bathroom, keeping a small toy in the diaper bag is a clever idea.

These Hit The Road Activity Keys are a great toy that we carried on planes (anything with a mirror is a winner with babies).

We must have taken Sophie the Giraffe on at least 30 flights when Alaska was a baby.

Great for teething, chewing during take off if they won’t feed, or as a travel toy to entertain during the flight or car ride, this is one of our favorites.

Suction spinner toys are the perfect toys to stick to the plane window during take-off to entertain babies when they can get frustrated and tired of being in that infant seat belt.

A tummy time book with a mirror and teethers were one of my daughter’s favorite travel toys as a baby.

It was the simplest and easiest travel toy to carry in the carry-on , the baby backpack or to use in the hotel room for playtime. 

Musical pram toys. While most traditional pram toys are too bulky to take traveling, a small pram toy can be surprisingly entertaining for your baby during transit.

We would attach a pram toy like this one to our travel pram, then place it in the car seat of the rental car and use it again when exploring. It easily hooks onto a travel backpack for transit.

Picture books . I’ve mentioned my love of the chew-proof books the Indestructibles series, before. They are lovely and thin, colorful, and cannot be ripped by little hands.

Read Next | What to Pack for Travel With a Baby

best travel items for todders

Screen time will likely only occupy your kids during take-off and landing. Pack some fun travel toys as well. © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Travel Toys For Toddlers Aged 1-2 years

Toddlers love to build and flex their growing independence.

The best travel toys for toddlers are colorful  and tactile and help them master their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Soft toys are one of the best travel items for toddlers who can easily be overwhelmed by the intensity and unfamiliarity of a long-travel day.

Bringing a soft toy (not their favorite) from home is a really important comfort, particularly for little kids.

If you choose to buy a new soft toy for the trip, buy one that has either a keychain or a hook so you can attach it to the pram or bag while in transit or an educational soft toy that serves a double function – play and comfort.

Busy books are the perfect travel toy for toddlers. Small children love exploring with their hands so these books are ideal.

You don’t need a huge busy board, simply choose the right size quiet book that’s the right size for your carry-on.

A Melissa & Doug refillable water pen and coloring pad is a genius idea as there is no mess, no fuss and you don’t have to watch them like a hawk as you do if you carry markers or sharp pencils.

A magnetic play set will get their little fingers working and test their imagination as they design different scenes.

Animal playsets are the best toys for your toddler to take in the car, plane, or even the bath. You don’t need to pack a whole set, just throw a few in their pencil case.

A Duplo set is a double-duty travel activity as your toddler can build the scene and then use it for imaginary play.

Fingers puppets are a super packable fun travel toy for toddlers. Choose silicone or plastic as they then double as bath toys.

Popper fidget toys are a simple yet effective travel activity for toddlers. The mickey mouse poppers with a key chain are easily attached to your travel bag for entertainment while in transit.

A silicone coloring placemat sits neatly on their tray table and is another fun way for kids to color and draw and is reusable.

A collapsible bucket and sand set is such a handy toy to keep in the car for road trips or to squeeze in your luggage for a holiday.

They are underrated travel toys. But, we have taken beach toys to the beach, used them in the bath, or for park picnics.

travel activity books for preschoolers

Activity books and craft activities make the best travel toys for preschool and early school-aged kids. © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Travel Toys for Kids Aged 3-5 Years

Kids’ creativity and imaginative play really flourish at this age, meaning they have a much broader range of interests when it comes to play.

Dot books are a fun travel toy for preschool to school-aged children. They are a new take on a coloring book. Older toddlers will love these too.

Coloring books are the perfect travel toy for a budding little artist. If you travel or go out to eat frequently, I recommend you buy a pack in bulk and keep them in the cupboard. 

Twistable crayons are a great idea as there is less chance they will make a mess and you don’t need to carry a pencil sharpener.

They are suitable for toddlers to school-aged children and we’ve found they last a long time compared to regular crayons.

Reusable Sticker Books . Reusable stickers are a clever option over a single-use sticker pad as they can design the scene, pack up and start all over again.

Magnatiles are a great way to play with your child on the plane. You can build structures and shapes together and they easily pack away afterward into a ziplock bag or carrying case.

Suction toys are fun airplane toys but also double as bath toys once you get to your hotel.

A talking flashcards toy is one of the best travel items for toddlers for long road trips. This is a good way of entertaining and educating a toddler while they sit in the back seat as they can learn unassisted.

A small magnetic drawing board . Kids follow the pre-made pattern by placing colored magnets to create a picture.

A mini Etch A Sketch is great for small hands as you simply draw with the knobs and shake to erase.

Wikki Stix are bendable crafting sticks of twine that children can shape into whatever they like.

Both little kids and older kids will like getting creative with these and as they are waxy, they don’t require glue to stick onto surfaces.

An airplane tray table cover . A tray table cover is a simple way to keep your child’s snacks and hands on a clean surface (because we know they never keep their food on a plate).

This cover keeps the space clean while adding a couple of extra activities to their schedule.

A foldable travel tray . If you are doing a lot of long-haul travel or a big road trip, consider a tray table organizer. Your child can settle in and get set up and you don’t have to crawl on an airplane floor every five minutes in search of a missing crayon.

Simple, fun, thin books . Both of my kids love the School of Monsters series.

The Best Travel Toys for Kids Aged 5 to 7

Preschool and early school-aged children love to learn in a practical way. So, the best travel toys for 3-5 year olds are fun, educational, and creative activities.

Kids’ tablets can come in handy when you are on a long car ride or family road trip (or you’re flying with a budget carrier that doesn’t provide screens – check that before flying).

While it’s simple to download shows and movies onto your children’s tablet, they can be educational too by adding games like Reading Eggs, World of Peppa Pig, or the Grandma’s Garden series.

If you don’t have the budget for an Apple iPad , buy the top-selling kids tablet with built-in software, parental controls, and a shock-proof case. 

We have these kid’s wireless headphones for our kids to watch tablets or the inflight-screen. They are fun colors, the kids get stickers to customize them and they have a safe, maximum sound limit.

Don’t forget to grab a headphone adapter for flying.

Handheld water games are not only compact but can be quite challenging. These are the perfect game to keep your kids occupied while waiting in those long airport lines.

An activity book is the best travel toy for preschool and early school-aged children, particularly on long trips. T hey can do coloring, solve puzzles, answer questions, and draw.

We like activity book kits that come themed with their favourite characters and include stickers.

Mini Lego sets will keep those with a keen eye for building busy. There are so many different sets to choose from. These have small parts so be mindful of that if you are travelling with younger children.

Explorer Flash Cards . If your 5-year-old is anything like mine, they won’t be able to learn enough facts in a day and love to show off their reading skills.

So, these cards will be a fun learning activity to do with your kids. Choose one of the different themes for each international flight.

A Polly Pocket travel toy is a small play set that your child can get to play with in the lounge and carry on to the plane themselves with its necklace or fanny pack options.

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travel toys for grade school kids

There are so many simple travel toys and activities that will keep your kids engaged during the journey. © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Travel Toys for Kids Aged 7 – 12 years

The tween age group is all about self-expression and exploring their passions. Creative toys for travel are a great option to entertain your tween kids on your next holiday.

Card games . Older kids will enjoy card games like UNO, Memory, or Go Fish. These are also a fun way to pass the time playing together in an airport lounge.

Foldology is an origami-style game that challenges the brain and coordination by creating different shapes out of paper to reveal a photo.

Craft kits . Let them immerse themselves in some craft with a friendship bracelet-making kit .

Drawing Kits . Fashionistas will love trying their hand at designing with this fashion drawing kit including stencils and stickers.

A Rechargeable Game Activity Cube will test their problem-solving skills and enables your kids to play together too.

It includes arcade games, brain games, and disco lights with music for dance parties when you reach your destination.

Tween coloring book . The young artist in your family will love tween coloring and good quality pencils to keep them entertained on the plane.

Mad Libs is a fun word game that can be played with the whole family – perfect for a holiday road trip.

DIY designer water bottle . Let them get creative and decorate a brand-new water bottle that they can then use on their trip so they get a great travel gift too.

Travel Activities for Teens

A Kindle means your teenager can dive into their favourite new travel reads without having to weigh down their carry-on with paperbacks.

This is the perfect gift too for your teenager who commutes a lot between home and school.

A travel journal . Why not encourage them to record their travel memories for later? They can write, draw and scrapbook as they go.

These travel games will fit easily into their carry-on to ease the boredom when it hits promising hours of fun.

Road trip riddles . Get the whole family involved on your next family vacation with some brain-twisting riddles in this book.

Vlogging camera . Is your teenager an aspiring vlogger? Get them an entry-level vlogging camera so they can record your next vacation.

airport lounge activities

Activity books and craft kits are great travel toys for airport lounges. © Skye Gilkeson

best travel items for toddlers

Sticker books are always a hit when travelling. © Skye Gilkeson

Tips for Choosing the Best Travel Toys for Your Trip

Be smart about which travel toys you take.

You absolutely do not have to pack an entire suitcase full of toys for your kids to travel with.

A handful of different toys is the perfect amount. Be smart about what you choose to pack.

The best travel toys for kids are those that are dual-function (like a soft toy with sensory extras like teethers), reusable, compact, and easily washable.

Opt for Quiet Toys

Consider your neighbors on that flight, train ride, or airport lounge. The majority of toys should be quiet toys that don’t disturb others.

If your kids are using a tablet, ensure they have headphones plugged in. And, don’t use musical toys or loud rattles unless you are in the car or out in the open.

New Toys Are Key

New toys are key to keeping them engaged for longer. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune or go overboard with how many you take.

Ration Your Kid’s Travel Activities

Be strategic about the way that you present the travel toys and activities you pack. 

You need to ration each activity out. Then you have an ongoing supply of surprise toys which is especially important on a long journey.

Make sure you have some travel toys in your carry-on and some in your checked baggage for when you arrive at your destination.

You may need them for the wait in the luggage hall, the transfer trip, or the hotel waiting area.

How to Pack Kids Toys for the Plane

Encourage each child to decorate their own packing cubes that will fit easily in a carry-on.

Make sure you have two separate bags or activities for younger and older siblings or a bag for each child, so you don’t risk arguments over who owns which toys.

Make sure each child (if they are 5 years old and up) knows they are responsible for their own travel activities, including packing everything away once they’re finished.

When you’re packaging up your toys into different bags, ensure anything that could leak is in a well-sealed snap-lock bag.

Ask For Inflight Entertainment

Don’t be afraid to ask the flight attendant whether the airline has any travel toys for kids.

Some airlines have great kids activity kits like the Qantas kids pack that contains a mini Etch A Sketch style toy.

We hope this comprehensive guide to the best travel toys for kids gives you some inspiration and helps you pack for your next trip with the kids.

More travel tips and inspiration:

4 Lake Como Towns You Must Visit

A Guide on Epic Things to Do in Queenstown New Zealand

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Banff

How to Spend Two Days in Zurich – Tips From a Local

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Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here .

The Fit Traveller may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Prices may be subject to change without notice.

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Best Travel Toys for Babies and Toddlers

These travel-ready toys will keep your little one busy and entertained., by briana engelbrecht.

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Some people love traveling—they live for long-distance road trips and collecting sky miles. Babies? Not so much. Being confined to a car seat without much of a view can be really frustrating, especially for a tiny, wiggly person.

Whether you’re driving, flying or even just going out to a restaurant for an hour or two with your baby or toddler, you’re going to want to bring something to keep your little one entertained. But you don’t want it to lug around an entire activity center. The best toys to take with you, whether on plane rides or road trips, are small and portable so you can easily fit them in your diaper bag and pull them out at a moment’s notice.

Our top tip: keep a special set of toys for travel that you only bring out when taking a trip or going out to dinner, to keep them feeling new and exciting for your baby or toddler.

Here are our favorite travel toys for babies and toddlers.

Best stroller toys for babies.

Stroller toys make the perfect travel toys since they are meant for taking on the go. These picks are super portable since they’re compatible with all the best strollers and top rated infant car seats —simply clip them to the handle, and your baby has something to keep them entertained for the ride. These are best for younger babies from 0-6 months and slightly older for babies 6-9 months .

Lamaze Clip & Go Stroller Toy - Freddie The Firefly.

Lamaze   Clip & Go Stroller Toy

Fisher-Price Slow Much Fun Stroller Sloth.

Fisher-Price   Slow Much Fun Stroller Sloth

Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Activity Toy - Puppy.

Skip Hop   Bandana Buddies Activity Toy

Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile To Go & Travel Toy Bundle.

Manhattan Toy   Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile To Go & Travel Toy Bundle

Tiny Love Stroller Arch - Treasure The Ocean.

Tiny Love   Stroller Arch

Itzy Ritzy Link & Love Activity Plush with Teether - Dino.

Itzy Ritzy   Link & Love Activity Plush with Teether

Best tummy time toys for on-the-go.

While you can’t really take their bulky activity center or play gym with you on your next vacation, what you can do is pack a travel playmat and engaging tummy time toys to set up a safe space on the floor wherever you’re staying.

Toddlekind Portable Playmats - Sea Shell.

Toddlekind   Portable Playmats

Skip Hop Farmstand Tummy Time Wedge.

Skip Hop   Farmstand Tummy Time Wedge

Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me Tummy Time Wedge - Llama (2020).

Fisher-Price   Grow-With-Me Tummy Time Wedge

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Farm Play Mat.

Melissa & Doug   Take-Along Farm Play Mat

Wee Gallery Activity Pad - Ocean.

Wee Gallery   Activity Pad

Melissa & Doug Flip Fish Baby Toy.

Melissa & Doug   Flip Fish Baby Toy

Best travel books for babies and toddlers.

Books are always a great source of entertainment. From lightweight, soft busy books to a truly indestructible pick, these books are easy to throw in your carry-on or diaper bag.

Manhattan Toy Llama Soft Book.

Manhattan Toy   Llama Soft Book

Lamaze Peek-a-Boo Forest Cloth Book.

Lamaze   Peek-a-Boo Forest Cloth Book

 Indestructibles: Things That Go!.

Indestructibles: Things That Go!

 Little Park Ranger Board Book Set.

Little Park Ranger Board Book Set

 First Words 12 Book Set.

First Words 12 Book Set

Sassy Rookie Books Baby Box Set.

Sassy   Rookie Books Baby Box Set

Best baby sensory toys for traveling.

Sensory exploration has many developmental benefits (think motor skills development ), and these travel toys will both encourage learning and entertain fussy babies.

Munchkin Twisty Figure 8 Teether.

Munchkin   Twisty Figure 8 Teether

Sassy Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes Musical Toy.

Sassy   Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes Musical Toy

Sassy Crinkle Ball.

Sassy   Crinkle Ball

pamexin Silicone Pull String Activity Toy.

pamexin   Silicone Pull String Activity Toy

Quark Thiingy Teething Ball.

Quark   Thiingy Teething Ball

Manhattan Toy Wild Bear-y Plush Toy.

Manhattan Toy   Wild Bear-y Plush Toy

Best travel toys for toddlers.

From a busy board to a portable shape sorter, these travel toys will keep their little minds and hands busy while en route.

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby and Toddler Toy.

Melissa & Doug   Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby and Toddler Toy

Sassy Busy Bands.

Sassy   Busy Bands

Hape Little Copter - Yellow.

Hape   Little Copter

Esjay Toddler Busy Board.

Esjay   Toddler Busy Board

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys.

ALASOU   Suction Cup Spinner Toys

Tegu Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set.

Tegu   Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set

Best on-the-go activities for toddlers.

In addition to a couple of travel toys, these portable activities for toddlers will provide some extra entertainment on the way to your destination. If you’re taking to the skies, the airplane’s tray table provides a great spot for your toddler to get to work.

Melissa & Doug  On the Farm Reusable Puffy Sticker Play Set.

Melissa & Doug   On the Farm Reusable Puffy Sticker Play Set

Bluey Aqua Art Water Doodle Book.

Bluey   Aqua Art Water Doodle Book

Crayola Peppa Pig Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Activity Set.

Crayola   Peppa Pig Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Activity Set

ORSEN LCD Toddler Doodle Board .

ORSEN   LCD Toddler Doodle Board

Skillmatics Dot it - No Mess Sticker Art.

Skillmatics   Dot it - No Mess Sticker Art

Melissa & Doug Tape Activity Book.

Melissa & Doug   Tape Activity Book

{name} {jobTitle}.

Briana Engelbrecht

Assistant editor.

Briana Engelbrecht is the Assistant Editor at Babylist, where she brings her passion for early childhood development and experience as a mom of two to Babylist articles and product guides. A former preschool teacher, she loves children’s picture books, cats, plants and making things.

Best Toys for Babies 0-6 Months.

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.

Best long travel toys for toddlers

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

deMoca Quiet Book for Toddlers

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.

Crayola Color Wonder Stow & Go

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.

TOMY Toomies Hide & Squeak Eggs

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.

ZSFLZS Magnetic Faces Puzzle

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.

KOKODI LCD Writing Tablet

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.

Fat Brain Toys PipSquigz 3 Piece Set

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!”

Buckle Toy Buddy Backpack

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.

Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Books Set

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!

Welly Bandages

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.

Tegu Travel Pal Magnetic Wooden Block Set

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.

Aitey Lacing Toy for Toddlers

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.

Disney Frozen Color N' Style Fashion Purse

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.

Mudpuppy The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Friends Magnetic Character Set

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.

Dot to Dot for Tiny Tots Wipe Clean Activity Book

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.”

CHUCHIK Magnetic Drawing Board Set

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.

Wikki Stix Alphabet Cards Set

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.

Fat Brain Oombee Ball

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.

First 100 Animals Lift-the-Flap

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.

Melissa & Doug On The Go Water Wow! 6-Pack

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.

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet

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

travel toys for 14 month old

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9 best travel toys that’ll keep kids entertained no matter the journey

Wave goodbye to backseat boredom with these child-approved toys and games for your little ones, article bookmarked.

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While family holidays are a great opportunity to create new memories together, the journey to your sunny destination can be stressful, sending even the most laidback parents into a spin.

Much like any daunting task – particularly where children are involved – preparation is key, and if games of eye-spy and singalong songs aren’t silencing the inevitable cries of “are we there yet?”, it could be time to pick up a reliable travel toy.

Whether you’re travelling by train, plane or automobile, the best travel toys are compact and easily packed away without faffing to find missing pieces. You want options that are quiet, so not to bother other travellers or you and something they can play with independently or in harmony with a sibling (one can dream, hey).

Although screen time may be the obvious answer, we tried to steer clear of typical technology in the hunt for simpler options, and gave bonus points to those that managed to be educational too.

No matter where or how you’re planning to venture with the kids this summer, these are our favourite travel toys to keep tantrums at bay.

Related stories

How we tested.

Our four- and six-year-old testers tried out an array of travel toys on long car journeys and trips on the train. We also gave them a thorough testing when out and about, including when we were grabbing lunch, during downtime on the beach or enjoying picnics in the park. However, it’s safe to say for the favourites toys, the playing continued at home too.

The best kids’ travel toys for 2023 are:

  • Best overall – Janod dinosaurs magneti’book: £18, Kidly.co.uk
  • Best value for money – Fiesta crafts airport stickabouts: £5.95, Dottyhippo.co.uk
  • Best for portability – Spirograph the original travel set: £10.99, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best for learning a new skill – Galt travel learn to draw set: £15.99, Booghe.co.uk
  • Best for older kids – Nexcube 3x3 classic: £8, Smythstoys.com

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Janod dinosaurs magneti’book

  • Best : Overall
  • Type : Magnetic book

It looks like a book, but it’s so much more. From traditional toymaker Janod, the portable magneti’books are boredom busters for three- to eight-year-olds, and they can fit in most handbags. There’s over 15 themes to choose from, but we tested the dinosaurs version, much to our mini testers’ pleasure.

Kids of all ages are fascinated by the magic of magnets, and this rather sturdy box is filled with 40 magnetic cardboard pieces to play with. The magnetic board features a tropical Jurassic scene, which our testers loved attaching their magnetic dinosaurs to while adding their own sound effects along the way and comically mixing and matching body parts.

We were also super impressed with the quality of the materials and the fact that it’s wipe-clean. It encourages imagination and is great for siblings playing together on the go.

Fiesta crafts airport stickabouts

  • Best : Value for money
  • Type : Stickers

We’ve all been there battling the stickers that get stuck to our children’s fingers or everywhere other than the sticker book… here’s where Stickabouts steps in. Reusable, washable and glue-free, Stickabouts stick to any flat surface, including aeroplane seats and train tables, but fortunately, our mini testers were more interested in filling the airport scene with the 42 pieces.

Perfect for airport delays or long journeys, the set is recommended for three to seven years and is a purse-friendly, portable and pleasurable option. Our testers even used the stickers in the bath at the hotel.

Playfoam Go! squishy sandcastle

  • Best : For sensory play
  • Type : Interactive toy

If you’ve yet to discover the wonders of Playfoam, with that long journey ahead, now’s the time. Playfoam is the squishy, squashy, sculpting toy that offers sensory and creative play by the bucket load, or in this case, by the sandcastle load. Because Playfoam only sticks to itself and never dries out, it’s great for on-the-go fun.

It comes in a portable case with a handle and is ready to use from the offset with built-in shell moulds to sculpt and squish the Playfoam into seashell shapes. However, our six-year-old tester’s favourite bit was squashing the perfectly formed shapes and starting all over again.

Kudos to those who can encourage players to keep the colours separate. Lightweight, no mess and self-contained, plus you’ll get five animal friends, Playfoam Go! Squishy Sandcastle is a fun on-the-go toy.

Spirograph the original travel set

  • Best : For portability
  • Type : Drawing

The humble Spirograph filled us with all the nostalgic feels, and this travel set has nailed on-the-go creativity. The Spirograph studio has a built-in design ring, work surface and storage compartment for holding all the implements: six wheels, two pens, a 2-page pad, a design guide and, of course, any finished artwork. It was too advanced for our four-year-old, but our six-year-old tester – with a bit of adult help – loved seeing her different designs take shape.

Bigjigs toys holiday kit

  • Best : For holiday role-play
  • Type : Interactive toys

This nine-piece set from BigJigs is holiday vibes in a case and sure to get any jet-setter excited about an upcoming trip. Our four- and six-year-old testers loved discovering what was inside this pretend travel suitcase.

There are wooden role play toys such as sun tan lotion with a fun working pump, a pretend camera, a comb, toothbrush and toothpaste and some play spending money. Our testers saved the postcards to send while on holiday and enjoyed playing “holidays” with the passport and map. You’ll also get a handy red cap, stickers – which never fail to entertain – and four colouring pencils.

This set is perfect for drumming excitement but also when on the move. The testers temporarily argued over who got to carry the case, but we also managed to fit a few more, colouring books and small toys in too.

Galt travel learn to draw set

  • Best : For learning a new skill

Time on your hands? Fill the void and learn a skill with this activity set from Galt. It is designed for on-the-go-drawing, and budding artists aged four+ can learn to draw in three easy steps using the 10 step-by-step drawings. Simply slide through the three discs that start with the drawing’s outline and progress through to the finishing touches using the pen provided (which handily slots in the back of the board).

The pen is a child-friendly size, and the eraser on the end means each drawing can simply be wiped off when your little ones are ready to move on to their next masterpiece. This toy is brilliantly portable and great for car or train journeys. It kept both our testers entertained and stimulated – sharing, however, was questionable.

Tonies starter set

  • Best : For story lovers
  • Type : Audiobook

If you’re trying to steer your young ones away from screen time this holiday, we believe we’ve found the answer with Tonies. The device is a child-friendly audio player that is geared towards independent play for children as young as three years old – just the ticket for a long journey.

While it’s not specifically designed to be a travel toy, add a set of foldable headphones (£24.99, Tonies.com ), and you’ll hear no mutterings of “Are we nearly there yet?” or “I’m bored.” It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that you will need to connect to wifi initially, but once you’ve placed on the Tonie, the story is downloaded.

Encouraging a love of audio learning and reading, our little testers enjoyed adjusting the volume using the rubber ears and swapping stories by placing the Tonie figurines on top of the cube. There’s a vast offering of stories to choose from, including the hugely popular Peppa Pig and The Gruffalo , and even Disney classics, but at £14.99 a pop, we’d suggest going for their favourite character.

In the starter set you’ll get a Toniebox, a Creative-Tonie, which has 90 minutes of space for you to upload online audiobooks, music or even recordings of your own stories and messages, and a charging dock. We can’t deny it’s a considered purchase, but can you put a price on a peaceful journey? Plus, it’ll be your child’s companion way beyond the end of the holiday.

Aquabeads deluxe carry case

  • Best : For craft lovers
  • Type : Crafts

If you have a child that’s pleaded with you to take their Aquabeads on holiday, your prayers have been answered. The newly released Aquabeads Deluxe Carry Case allows creative play to continue wherever on the horizon. New to the phenomenon, our six-year-old tester’s eyes lit up when she saw this – quite possibly due to the shiny buckle – but the excitement continued as she opened the case.

The portable carry case comes with more than 1,400 solid, star and jewel beads in 4 colours. There’s a built-in tray to make creations on the move and a double-sided Aquabeads pen for execution – we found this worked well on a train table where there’s a little more room. If you’re familiar with the craze, you’ll know water is required to stick the creations together.

There’s a spray water bottle provided, but you’ll need to fill it up, and it’s worth remembering that creations take an hour to dry. It’s certainly something craftspeople will enjoy beyond the journey, and the carry case design makes it transportable, even if you do require a still space for smooth work.

Nexcube 3x3 classic

  • Best : For older kids
  • Type : Puzzle

A fidget toy is the ultimate distraction, just what kids need on tedious journeys. You’ve probably heard of a Rubik’s cube, but let us introduce Nexcube, the world record-setting speedcube. They may look similar, but we found this brand less abrasive on the hands, and the movement has been ergonomically designed with a unique mechanism for smooth turns.

While our testers were below the recommended age for the Nexcube (eight years plus), they did enjoy twisting and turning it, and it’s a toy that’ll undoubtedly hold the attention of slightly older kids and, dare we say it, adults too!

The verdict: Kids’ travel toys

We love the portably playing possibilities that the Janod Magneti’books provide. We found it fun, suitably silly, great for siblings and affordable. Plus, there’s a great selection of themes to choose from to suit different interests.

From Star Wars to Harry Potter, we’ve found the best kids’ Lego sets

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Our Sweet Adventures

35+ Best Travel Toys for Babies

35+ Best Travel Toys for Babies

Are you flying with a baby for the first time,  road-tripping with a baby , or visiting the grandparents for the weekend? Are you an avid traveler, or soon-to-be parent, trying to figure out what to add to your baby registry? Then you are at the right place because I have over 35 of the best travel toys for babies.

My guide to the best baby travel toys is perfect for newborns through 18 months old. There will be tummy time travel toys to challenging sensory-focused activity toys. 

More importantly, every child develops at their own pace. Therefore, my guide is organized by the type of toy rather than by the baby’s age. 

You will find the best tummy time toys, rattlers, teething toys, toy straps and suction holders, sensory play toys, books, car toys, and more. All perfect travel toys for babies ready for an adventure! 

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

A baby boy sitting in a hotel room shirtless playing with a cube and textured blocks - one of the best travel toys for babies.

Table of Contents

Best Travel Toys for Babies: Tummy Time

If you are traveling with a baby that is not mobile yet (which is one of the best times to travel with a baby), everyday items such as an activity mat and a tummy time pillow are the perfect travel toys. At this early stage in life, they are trying to develop their brain, learn immense skills, and take in their surroundings.

One of the first essential skills a baby is trying to learn is to hold their head up on their own and roll from tummy to back and back to tummy. So continue their development while you are on the go. Promote growth by showing them the world and continue tummy time with these travel toys.

Boppy Tummy Time Prop

travel toys for 14 month old

When we traveled with our twin babies, we brought our Boppy pillows, which were life savers! You might think it’s too bulky to pack for a trip, but it’s not. The Boppy Tummy Time Prop pillow is slightly smaller, making it the PERFECT tummy time pillow for traveling.

It also comes with a plush crinkle toy and rubber teething ring to attach to the patented SlideLine. The SlideLine is not limited to the toys included with the Boppy pillow. You can connect your baby’s favorite toys to make tummy time more fun and active.

Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat 

travel toys for 14 month old

One of the best ways to promote tummy time is the Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat. Babies will have fun splashing on the water without getting wet, which means no mess!

The water mat has fun, brightly colored sea animals that float in the water. Babies can try to touch the sea animals and watch them move along the water.

It is easy to inflate and deflate. You simply blow air into the outer ring and fill the inner mat with water. When you need to pack up and go, deflate the outer ring, empty the water, and then fold it, which fits nicely in a suitcase or a large diaper bag.

Lupantte Baby Activity Mat

travel toys for 14 month old

If you still need an activity mat, this one is highly recommended and perfect for traveling. What I like most is the replaceable washable cloth covers, which come with two! So when you need to wash one, your baby can still play on the activity mat.

The Lupantte Baby Play Mat has cute animals, detachable sensory toys, a black and white crinkle book, and a mirror. It is also easy to assemble or disassemble, lightweight, and easy to carry—all great for traveling with a baby.

Pro tip: the arches should fit in a suitcase, but you can also slide them into a pack n play bag or with your car seat bag.

Taf Toys Tummy Time Activity Book

travel toys for 14 month old

We love the Taf Toys Tummy Time Activity Book. We have used it for all three boys.

The Taf Toys Tummy Time Activity Book is a great travel toy for babies who need to work on tummy time. It is double-sided with crinkle pages for two developmental stages.

For the first three months, your baby can enjoy the first developmental side with high contrast, black and white single image pages. There is also a baby-safe mirror. The other side is for the second developmental stage, which includes vibrant colors with multi-sensory textures, fun 3D activities, and a tethered baby koala teether.

Best Travel Toys for Babies: Toy Straps and Suction Holders

Before we get into ALL the best travel toys for babies, one of the must-have items you need to buy is a toy strap or a suction holder for toys. When traveling with a baby, you want them to avoid dropping toys on dirty surfaces constantly.

Toy straps and suction holders allow you to attach the toys to these devices. So your baby can play freely, and you can be (almost) worry-free of germs and stop the “drop game.”

Silicone Toy Straps

travel toys for 14 month old

A silicone toy strap is a wonderful accessory on the go. You can use it on car seats, strollers, high chairs, and anything else it can wrap around.

Attach the toy strap to a pacifier, teether, rattler, bottle, sippy cup, or any toy with a handle, and you will stop the “drop game” forever. We love it for everything, but especially on planes and car rides.

These toy straps are washable, stretchable, adjustable, and made from BPA-free food-grade silicone.

Grapple, The Baby Suction Cup Toys Holder

travel toys for 14 month old

The Grapple is a cute apple-shaped suction toy holder that firmly sticks to flat, smooth surfaces. It also has three adjustable toy straps tethered to keep toys within the baby’s reach and from falling to the floor.  I want to specify the within reach because the toy straps are short. So we attach longer toy straps to the Grapple. 

It works excellent for airplane trays, high chairs, and restaurant tables. Going out to eat and flying is so much easier with the Grapple!

From personal experience, the bottom of the Grapple easily collects dirt. It works best when it is clean and moist. People often use a baby wipe or get the bottom wet with water to help with suctioning.

Otherwise, we love it! It is small, light, made with BPA-free food-grade silicone, and easy to wash.

Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center

travel toys for 14 month old

The Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center is one of the best travel toys for babies because it’s multi-functional. The main component is the spinning Ferris wheel with bright colors, grooved textures, and cascading beads.

The activity toy can also suction to flat surfaces and has “click clack” rings. We like to use the “click clack” rings to hold more toys with a toy strap.

Most importantly, the Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center has many benefits for a baby’s development. It has fun sensory elements, strengthens fine motor skills, encourages tactile exploration, and teaches the connection of sound to sight.

Best Travel Toys for Babies: Rattle and Teething Toys

When a baby is teething, EVERYTHING goes in the mouth. Honestly, does this stage ever end?

Whether it is a teething toy or not, a baby will chew on it, and they will most likely drop it too. Therefore, I like to pack rattle and teething toys that can attach to a toy strap.

BABY ELEFUN Teething Toy Ring

travel toys for 14 month old

I know everyone loves Sophie the Giraffe (I do, too), but the Baby Elefun is one of the best travel toys for babies. You can easily loop a toy strap through the center of the teething elephant. So you can have a piece of mind that your baby won’t drop it.

The Baby Elefun has several soothing textures to help massage those sensitive pressure points in the baby’s mouth. Little fingers will find it easy to hold and maneuver to find the right texture in the right spot.

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

travel toys for 14 month old

Of ALL the rattle and teething toys, this is by far the favorite for all three of my boys. We can’t ever part ways with it because it’s been a lifesaver as one of the best travel toys for our babies.

The Winkel is a colorful rattle and teething toy. It’s a maze of soft, continuous BPA-free teething tubes connected to a center cube that rattles. The Winkle is easy for tiny fingers to hold and inevitably shake to hear a rattle, providing auditory stimulus.

When your baby is teething, you can refrigerate The Winkle for additional soothing comfort. It is a simple toy, but one of our most effective and used toys.

Itzy Sloth Lovey and Teether

travel toys for 14 month old

How can you resist a cute sloth?!? The Itzy Sloth Lovey and Teether is so adorable and snuggly. It will immediately be your baby’s new best friend.

The Itzy Lovey features soft sherpa fabric and a gentle minky plush for delicate baby skin. It’s also more than just a lovey. The sloth arms make crinkle sounds, there are textured ribbons for a baby to touch and explore, and an attached silicone teether to massage sore gums.

It’s the one and all lovey that you must get for your baby! In addition to the sloth lovey, Itzy has other cute animals, such as a bunny, dinosaur, koala, and lion.

Bright Starts Oball Shaker Rattle Toy

travel toys for 14 month old

The Bright Starts Oball Shaker Rattle Toy is among the best and most popular rattle toys. It is a simple rattle with an award-winning flexible   Oball at both ends. Between the Oballs is a clear, textured handle with colorful beads inside. 

The Oball finger holes make it easy for little hands to grip, squeeze, and play.   Or a baby can easily grab the textured handle and shake it to hear the rattling sounds of the beads. It is so much fun! Your baby will never put it down, especially if you loop a toy strap through the Oball.

Skip Hop Infant Pineapple Rattle Toy

travel toys for 14 month old

How cute is this pineapple rattle toy? It has cool summer vibes! The perfect travel toy for babies heading to a tropical destination.

The Skip Hop Infant Pineapple Rattle Toy has easy-to-grasp openings for little hands to grab, roll, and shake. Colorful rattle beads sit on top of the sweet pineapple to entertain a baby with delightful sounds.

It’s also a multi-sensory teething toy with rubberized leaves with different textures to help soothe the baby’s gums.

Best Travel Toys for Babies: Sensory and Play

Sensory toys are crucial for a baby’s development. Yes, sensory toys are fun to play with, but more importantly, it promotes language, cognitive growth, fine motor, and gross motor skills.

So what are sensory toys? Anything that stimulates a baby’s sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch in a safe and natural environment using play. Some elements include bright, contrasting colors, sounds, different textures, and spinning.

Almost every baby toy has a sensory element, but here are the best travel toys for babies that strongly focus on sensory through safe play.

Melissa & Doug Flip Fish Soft Baby Toy

travel toys for 14 month old

The Melissa & Dog Flip Fish Baby Toy promotes many development skills through sensory play. It squeaks and crinkles, has bright colors, several textures, a silicone tail for teething, a small mirror, and hidden pictures under the scales. It is the fish that keeps on swimming; I mean giving.

Your baby will have endless fun with this cuddly fish. Yes, it’s a little big, but it fits perfectly in a diaper bag. Trust me. It will be one of the best toys to keep your baby entertained on a flight and at home!

Melissa & Doug Soft Taco Fill & Spill

travel toys for 14 month old

A baby’s first taco! This adorable sensory toy is a perfect travel toy for babies because it is light and small. The 12-piece soft taco includes a soft taco shell with smooth fabric, textured crinkles, and food-shaped fabric pieces.

When your baby is young, the pieces are great sensory toys to discover sounds and textures. As they grow, the soft taco toy will continue to engage the baby by developing their fine motor and problem-solving skills.

Show them how to fill their taco shell! And they will be making a delicious taco in no time.

3PCS Suction Cup Spinner Toys

travel toys for 14 month old

Hands down, you must get Suction Cup Spinner Toys. These are the best travel toys for babies. It is the most used travel toy from our one-year-old twins.

The Suction Cup Spinner Toys will stick on any flat surface. From car and plane windows to airplane tray tables, hotel mirrors, and tables – we stick these to anything we can!

The three-piece set has different colorful bugs that promote visual and auditory senses and fine motor skills. Babies can spin the bugs in the center or its large “wings.” Your baby will have endless fun spinning, watching, and hearing the soft jingle bells from Suction Cup Spinner Toys.

Montessori Pull String Activity Toy

travel toys for 14 month old

The Montessori Pull String Activity Toy is one of our favorite screen-free airplane activities for kids . It’s a beautiful multi-sensory activity toy for babies around 12 – 18 months old seeking a challenge. There are several ways for babies to have fun and develop skills with this travel toy.

Through sensory play, your baby will learn cause and effect when they pull the textured cords. The textured cords make it easy for babies to grasp a hold while promoting fine motor skills and sensory exploration. It will also stimulate auditory senses because your baby will feel vibrations and hear sounds from the textured cords.

If you feel your baby will just put this toy in their mouth, that is okay! The teething journey never ends! Thankfully, the textured cords are BPA-free food-grade silicone. Our babies would chew this activity toy in between sensory play, which was a win in my book.

teytoy My First Baby Tissue Box

travel toys for 14 month old

The teytoy My first Baby Tissue Box is a fun sensory activity toy that will entertain your baby by pulling out and putting in scarves and crinkle papers. The soft cotton tissue box is great for traveling because it can collapse into a diaper bag and open to its (almost) rectangular form.

It comes with 12 rainbow dance scarves and three crinkle papers. The crinkle paper makes stimulating sounds and is double-sided with vibrant colors, animal patterns, numbers, and the ABCs.

Fat Brain Toys MiniSpinny

travel toys for 14 month old

The Fat Brain Toys MiniSpinny is an exciting sensory toy that will encourage fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination and teach cause-and-effect. The MiniSpinny has three vibrant propellers that spin down the free-standing corkscrew pole.

Like a rainstick, you can flip the MiniSpinny repeatedly to watch the propellers and listen to the sounds it makes while it spins down the corkscrew pole. Little fingers can also hold the MiniSpinny and spin the propellers down the corkscrew pole one by one.

It’s mesmerizing to watch, and it’s fun to play. Your baby’s senses will be spinning with joy when you take the MiniSpinny everywhere you go.

Sassy Fishy Fascination Station 2-in-1 Suction Cup Toy

travel toys for 14 month old

The Sassy Fishy Fascination Station 2-in-1 Suction Cup Toy is among the best sensory toys for high chairs and tables. Moreover, it can suction on any flat surface. It is one of the best travel toys for babies because you can suction it to airplane tray tables.

The Sassy Fishy Fascination Station 2-in-1 Suction Cup Toy is a spinning Ferris wheel with many sensory features. The spinning Ferris wheel encourages the baby to reach, tug, and bat the individual spinning fishy toys. It teaches cause and effect while strengthening hand-eye coordination. Each fishy spinning toy also has colorful beads inside the clear structures to allow the baby to connect the sound to sight.

Again, this is a great travel toy for babies because you can remove the spinning wheel from the base for floor play. Hence, the 2-in-1 toy. Your baby can play with the spinning wheel inside a hotel room while you unpack and get situated.

HABA Rainbow Fabric Ball

travel toys for 14 month old

The HABA Rainbow Fabric Ball is the first and only ball your baby will ever need! It features eight diverse sections with unique textures, contrasting colors, and gentle rattle and crinkle sounds.

The soft, colorful fabric ball is easy for a baby to grasp, toss, and roll. It is a great sensory toy to encourage tummy time, independent play, and crawling.

Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Pull-Back Vehicle Set

travel toys for 14 month old

Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Pull-Back Vehicle Set includes a plastic storage bag (great for traveling) and four soft vehicles – a school bus, a family car, a fire truck, and a police car.

A baby can effortlessly pull back the vehicle and watch it accelerate at full speed. Bonus, it does not require batteries because it has a rev-up mechanism inside each vehicle.

The pull-back vehicles teach babies cause and effect while promoting independent play and fine and gross motor skills. They are great to play in a hotel room or grandparents’ house.

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

travel toys for 14 month old

The Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter is one of the best travel toys for babies 9 months and up. The shape sorter is a padded case with a take-along handle and includes two activity sides.

One side has a shape sorter to fit nine textured shape blocks. The other side has crinkle flaps with pictures and matching shapes beneath the flaps.

Babies developing skills to become toddlers will enjoy learning to identify and match shapes by dropping the textured blocks through the appropriately shaped slot.

Fat Brain Toys InnyBin Baby Toy

travel toys for 14 month old

The Fat Brain Toys InnyBin Baby Toy is a cube with vibrant-colored elastic bands. It includes six fun textured and different-shaped blocks to push through the elastic bands of the cube.

It’s a challenging toy for babies, but it’s manageable. Once they understand the concept, they will stuff the cube with any object they can find.

Although the Fat Brain Toys InnyBin Baby Toy is a 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 in. cube, I still enjoy bringing it with us on our trips. It keeps our twin babies entertained in the hotel room as they enjoy putting anything inside the InnyBin cube.

Best Travel Toys for Babies: Books

Books play a significant role in a baby’s development. So I recommend packing at least one book when you travel with a baby. Books help cognitive development, increase vocabulary, and reinforce basic reading concepts, such as turning pages and following text from left to right.

Babies are still developing their eyesight for the first few months of life. Therefore, babies should “read” high-contrasting, black-and-white images. As they get older, books with interactive elements such as crinkle pages, different textures, and peek-a-boo flaps will engage and stimulate your baby’s senses.

Here are a few of the best books for babies to pack on your trip!

Hello, Baby Animals Book

travel toys for 14 month old

Hello, Baby Animals  is one of the best and cutest first books for a baby. It has high-contrast black-and-white pictures and patterns with friendly text. 

Hello, Baby Animals  is also one of many in the  Hello,  baby book series by duopress labs with art illustrations by Julissa Mora. Other books in the collection include  Hello, My World , and  Hello, Ocean Friends .

Beiens Visual Quiet Books

travel toys for 14 month old

The Beiens Visual Quiet Books are high contrast, crinkle books with stimulating exercises on the pages. There are flaps, a turning dial, a baby-safe mirror, a squeaky, and more. All designed to help facilitate development in the retina, optic nerve, and brain.

You can choose Beiens Visual Quiet Book Shapes & Color, Animals & Color, or both!

Lamaze Peek-A-Boo Forest Soft Baby Book

travel toys for 14 month old

Peek-a-boo books are a favorite at my house. So the Lamaze Peek-A-Boo Forest Soft Baby Book was an instant hit for us at home and on the go.

The Lamaze Peek-A-Boo Forest Soft Baby Book has soft pages with crinkle flaps and 3D features for your baby to interact with and play peek-a-book with all the cute forest animals. The book helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Every page has bright, vibrant colors with friendly animals. When you read this book to your baby and play peek-a-boo, both of you will have smiles and giggles!

Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book

travel toys for 14 month old

You can count on Melissa & Doug to make a fantastic baby activity book. Every page is an activity of learning and fun.

The Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book is a perfect baby travel toy. It has eight interactive pages: learning how to button, buckle, count, match, play peek-a-boo, and more. This activity book can keep a baby engaged for hours, which is great for plane rides.

Best Travel Toys for Babies: Car Travel and Stroller

Road-tripping with a baby  or going to an amusement park might feel daunting, but if you prepare with fun car seat and stroller toys, you will do great! Here are a few baby travel toys perfect for the car and stroller. 

Read next: A Complete Guide to Epcot with a Baby or Toddler

Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim Mobile To Go

travel toys for 14 month old

Baby mobile for a car seat?!? What a genius invention! Speaking of a genius invention – the travel mobile is from the award-winning Wimmer-Ferguson infant collection, the original innovator of black and white developmental toys.

The Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim Mobile To Go has three reversible discs that display black-and-white graphics on one side and high-contrast color images on the other. So as your baby grows and has the ability to see color, you can change the reversible discs.

The travel mobile is lightweight, easy to pack, and can attach to most car seats, infant carriers, and strollers with the sturdy plastic clamp.

Baby Einstein Star Bright Symphony Plush 

travel toys for 14 month old

The Baby Einstein Star Bright Symphony Plush is a cute musical toy at home or on the go because it has velcro straps to wrap around a car seat and stroller. The smiling star has vibrant colors, plays six classical melodies, and has gentle lights that dance around.

It has two settings that caretakers can control. One is a cause and effect, where babies can push the smiling star to turn on the music and lights. The other setting is where the music and lights will play continuously.

Taf Toys Koala in-Car Play Center

travel toys for 14 month old

The Taf Toys Koala in-Car Play Center is a unique combination of a high-quality, baby-safe car mirror and a soft, colorful car toy for rear-facing babies. There are three cute activity toys tethered to the car toy – a crinkle rainbow, a koala that rattles with a chime bell, and a snail with a baby teether.

The car toy is easy to attach and adjust for the baby’s reach and play. The mirror and car toy attach separately, so if you already have a mirror, you can still utilize the car toy. With that said, Taf Toys also has other fun activity car toys for rear-facing babies, such as a stirring wheel, a cool penguin, and safari animals.

BeeSpring Hanging Spiral Car Seat Toy

travel toys for 14 month old

Keep a baby happy and calm on your road trip with this BeeSpring Hanging Spiral Car Seat Toy. You can wrap the spiral car toy around an infant carrier and let your baby enjoy the hanging toys.

The spiral car toy also has contrasting colors and patterns to help stimulate a baby’s sight. Tethered to the spiral toy are a flower teething toy, a flower toy with colorful beads inside a clear center, and a rattling cow. If those toys are not enough for your little one, you can also attach more toys to the spiral with a silicone strap.

Lamaze Freddie The Firefly

travel toys for 14 month old

Lamaze Freddie The Firefly is a fun, interactive travel toy for babies that can easily clip on a car seat and stroller. It has a Soft velour body with multiple textures to explore on the wings, including crinkle wings and a squeaker. There is also a baby-safe mirror for self-discovery.

On the top of the wings are high-contrast black-and-white patterns, while the bottom of the wings has vibrant, colorful patterns. Babies will have so much fun playing with Lamaze Freddie The Firefly while strengthening their tactile processing and auditory and visual development.

Tomy Lamaze Mortimer The Moose

travel toys for 14 month old

A distant cousin to Lamaze Freddie The Firefly, Tomy Lamaze Mortimer The Moose is another interactive travel toy for babies that can clip on a car seat and stroller. The body is snuggly soft with a squeaky tummy while his antlers are textured to soothe teething.

His dangling legs have colorful hooves with fun patterns and make crinkle sounds to the touch. Babies will enjoy exploring Tomy Lamaze Mortimer The Moose to stimulate their tactile senses.

And if you are wondering which one to get, either Lamaze Freddie The Firefly or Tomy Lamaze Mortimer The Moose, get BOTH!

Infantino Hug and Tug Musical Bug

travel toys for 14 month old

The Infantino Hug and Tug Musical Bug is a cute musical toy for road-tripping. Wrap it around an infant carrier and let your baby reach, hug, and tug at the musical bug. Babies can either tug the bug or use their tiny fingers to wrap around the clacker rings and pull.

The musical bug is a great sensory toy to teach babies cause and effect from sight to sound. It only has one tune, which plays for 90 seconds as the bug slowly inches its way back up. It’s fun to watch and pleasant to listen to.

Best Travel Toys for Babies: BONUS Activity Center

Check out this bonus travel toy for babies – a portable activity center!

Summer-Pop ‘N Jump Portable Baby Activity Center

travel toys for 14 month old

The Summer-Pop ‘N Jump Portable Baby Activity Center is a fantastic travel toy for babies. Let your baby get all of their energy out bouncing on the jumping activity center. This portable activity center is a must for active babies whether you are going on a trip with plenty of indoor or outdoor time.

There are three levels of height adjustment to grow with your baby, a floor mat, a removable canopy, and the seat is removable for machine washing. A few fun toys come with the activity center – a spinner ball, rattler, teether, and mirror book.

The Summer Pop ‘N Jump Portable Baby Activity Center is lightweight and unfolds in seconds. So your baby is ready to bounce while you kick back and relax on your trip. It also includes a travel bag with a shoulder strap making it easy to pack and carry.

I hope your cart is full of new, engaging, and sensorial travel toys for your baby. After three babies, I know that having interactive toys is important for a baby’s development on the go, just as much as if you are at home.

travel toys for 14 month old

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Toys for 3/4 month Old babies

Hi mamas! I need ideas for toys for my 3.5 month old baby girl.. links would be helpful!

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https://a.co/d/4rqe6rK?tag=wte-community-20

https://a.co/d/hPIn9wo?tag=wte-community-20

https://a.co/d/ddmd4uB?tag=wte-community-20

https://a.co/d/070wE1X?tag=wte-community-20

https://a.co/d/faeyB2k?tag=wte-community-20

I lay this next to her over an arm while she lays on her playmat and she loves hugging and mouthing it.

https://a.co/d/60jWizU?tag=wte-community-20

This is a 6 mo + toy but we shake it at her and it catches her eyes and she likes the sound. When she’s old enough to grab and sit she’ll be able to bat it around.

https://a.co/d/86QNbHR?tag=wte-community-20

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    That's where the DMoose Travel Lap Activity Tray comes in. This lap desk can be fitted over LO's car or airplane seat and features sturdy walls and mesh pockets to keep toys organized. Bonus: The surface is waterproof, which makes it easy to clean. Weight: 1.17 pounds. Dimensions: 12.6 x 16.5 inches.

  10. 50+ Best Travel Toys for Kids, From Babies to Teens

    Travel toys for kids can make the difference between a terrible trip and an opportunity for the whole family to relax and have fun. Y oung kids can be the most enthusiastic travelers. But, long-haul flights can feel like several days when you are struggling to entertain a child on a plane. Whether you are taking a plane ride with kids or a family road trip we have put together a list of the ...

  11. The Best Travel Toys for Babies and Toddlers

    These are best for younger babies from 0-6 months and slightly older for babies 6-9 months. Lamaze. Clip & Go Stroller Toy. Babylist $16.99. Amazon $17.75. Target $17.89. Fisher-Price. Slow Much Fun Stroller Sloth. Babylist $14.99.

  12. Best Airplane Activities for Babies and Toddlers

    Bring along a couple of fun travel themed board books or some digital baby books on your phone or tablet and you should be all set with your 1 year old plane activities. Hola Baby Activity Ball. Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy. Fat Brain Toys - Dimpl Sensory Toy. Fat Brain Toys - MiniSpinny.

  13. 20+ Best Travel Toys for Toddlers (18 Months

    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.

  14. Flying with a Toddler: My BEST Tips for Flying with Toddlers

    2 Year Old Travel Toys; 3 Year Old Travel Toys; This post about flying with toddlers is more about their behavior. Read on to learn what to expect on a flight with a toddler and how to survive air travel with toddlers. ... And just to prove that I know what I'm talking about, we took our 14 month old on a 12 hour flight. He did NOT like being ...

  15. The Best Travel Toys To Occupy Your Toddler On A Plane (Because Flying

    Tegu Travel Pal Magnetic Wooden Block Set. 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. $20.98.

  16. Best Travel Toys for Kids from Grade School to Teens

    Wikki Stix. Colorful Wikki Stix are bendy craft items sure to inspire your child's imagination. Use them to build a variety of 3-D crafts. These work well as fidget toys, too. Get the Wikki Stix Traveler, loaded up with activities for kids on the go in an easy storage bag.

  17. 18 Exciting Travel Toys for Young Kids to Keep Them Entertained

    If you're looking for the best toys for traveling with young kids, we highly recommend the Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Activity Pads. Lightweight and perfect for packing, these clever pads are filled with water-based ink. Colorful patterns or pictures appear when your child draws on them with the included stylus!

  18. Top 10 Kids' Travel Toys for Road Trips

    Etch-a-sketch, of course, is a classic, and it's especially fun for kids who don't have one that they play with regularly. Folks love the travel-sized Magnatab from the airplane guide, but below is the bigger one that would add some additional fun for the car. 8. A Puzzle Toy.

  19. Best kids' travel toys 2023, tried and tested on long journeys

    The best kids' travel toys for 2023 are: Best overall - Janod dinosaurs magneti'book: £18, Kidly.co.uk. Best value for money - Fiesta crafts airport stickabouts: £5.95, Dottyhippo.co.uk ...

  20. 35+ Best Travel Toys for Babies (Newborn

    It is one of the best travel toys for babies because you can suction it to airplane tray tables. The Sassy Fishy Fascination Station 2-in-1 Suction Cup Toy is a spinning Ferris wheel with many sensory features. The spinning Ferris wheel encourages the baby to reach, tug, and bat the individual spinning fishy toys.

  21. Amazon.com: Toys For 14 Month Old

    Benresive Wooden Toddler Puzzles Ages 1-3, Montessori Toys for 1 2 3 Year Old Boys Girls, 6 Pack Animal Toddler Toys Gifts for 1 2 3 Year Old Boys Girls, Learning Educational Preschool Toys. 720. 1K+ bought in past month. $1699. Save 5% with coupon. FREE delivery Thu, Apr 25 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.

  22. Amazon.com: 14 Month Old Toys

    NARRIO Travel Toys , Suction Cup Spinner Infant Baby Toys 12-18 Months, First Easter Birthday Gifts Girl Toys, Spinning Top Sensory Toys for Toddlers Age 1-3 Year Old Boy 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,788 1K+ bought in past month

  23. Amazon.com: Best Travel Toys For 18 Month Old

    Baby Montessori Toys for 18 Months, Sensory Toys for Toddlers, Airplane Travel Essential for 1 2 Year Old Birthday Gifts Pull String Activity Motor Skills for Travel, Kids Gifts for Boys Girls. 689. 200+ bought in past month. $699. FREE delivery Sun, Feb 18 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.

  24. Toys for 3/4 month Old babies

    Just a different option to consider. April 06, 2024 | by DoubleTroubleTots. Regarding cribs…There is another option -> floor beds.Initially, baby will be in parents room, typically a bassinet, until 6+ months anyways.So when you decide to move LO to their own room, skip the crib, and go for a twin (or bigger) floor...