18 Exciting Travel Toys for Young Kids to Keep Them Entertained

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A young boy plays with legos on his airplane tray table during a flight.

When you’re planning a family vacation, it’s important to pack travel toys that will keep your young kids entertained throughout the trip. This can help make your family vacation more exciting, especially if you choose travel toys that are new and different from what your child is used to at home. Between coloring books and crayons, small toys, and puzzles, travel toys can all help keep young kids happy and occupied during downtime at your hotel or when you’re out exploring your destination. Of course, different age groups require various toys and activities, so we’ve divided this list into toddlers, kids between ages 3-5, and kids between ages 6-8. Next time you plan a family vacation, check out these travel toys for young kids. Stay tuned to learn more!

Best Travel Toys for Toddlers

Are you looking to travel with your little ones but unsure how to keep them entertained? Check out these tips for choosing the best travel toys for young kids, especially toddlers!

Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Activity Pads

Product shot of 6 Melissa & Doug Water Wow books, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: Melissa & Doug Store via Amazon

A young girl lays on the floor and colors in a Melissa & Doug Water Wow book, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: Melissa & Doug Store via Amazon

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! They’re perfect for long car rides or plane rides, as they’ll keep your child entertained for hours without making any permanent messes. There are different themes, like farms or under the sea, and some even relate to travel. Plus, they’re reusable – just let the ink dry and then fill them up again with water to start all over.

Here are two great options on Amazon to consider:

Wooden Lacing Toys

Two SEALIVE toys, one cheese and one apple, with a wooden lacing feature, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: SEALIVE Store via Amazon

There’s nothing quite like wooden lace toys to keep young kids entertained on long car rides or airplane flights. Simple and one-piece, they’re classic travel toys that never go out of style, ensuring you won’t lose the necessary pieces. And they’re the perfect size for packing in a carry-on bag! Ideal for keeping fidgety toddlers occupied while in transit, lacing toys help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They also promote creative thinking and problem-solving. So, not only are they fun, but they’re also educational.

Here are three great options on Amazon to consider:

The JCREN Wooden Lacing Apple Threading Toy is available on Amazon, starting at $9.99. Buy now.
The SEALIVE Montessori Activity Caterpillars Eat Apple and Kids Cheese Toys are available on Amazon, starting at $11.99. Buy now.

Search & Find Activity Books

The front cover of the children's book, My Big Seek-and-Find Book, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: Roger Priddy via Amazon

Do you have a little one who loves exploring and learning new things? If so, you must get them a Search & Find activity book! These books are the best toys for traveling with young kids, particularly toddlers, because they are packed full of exciting activities that will keep your child entertained for hours on end. Choose from classics like iSpy Books, the Where’s Waldo books, and even versions of these books featuring your child’s favorite Disney characters (Mickey Mouse, Moana, Finding Dory, etc.). There are so many great, diverse options for these fun books!

Here are three great options on Amazon to consider:

Balloons

Balloons are one of the best toys for traveling with young kids! Though it may seem simple, bringing a few balloons along on your family vacation can provide hours of affordable fun. If they’re feeling bored at your hotel room or your accommodation, blow them up and play volleyball over the gap between the two beds. This is a great way to keep them entertained while you’re traveling and burn some energy too. You can also use the balloons to play catch, or create a makeshift fort. Little ones will especially enjoy the “lava” game, where they can try to not let the balloons hit the floor! Or, you can take it to the playground between activities.

Check out this great option on Amazon:

Rubfac Balloons are available on Amazon, starting at $8.99. Buy now.

Click here to read The Ultimate Guide To The Best Family Travel Gifts 2022-2023!

Quiet Activity Book

A product shot of the Curious Columbus Quiet Book, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: Curious Columbus Store via Amazon

A quiet activity book is one of the best toys for traveling with young kids. These books are usually made of fabric and contain a variety of activities that can keep kids entertained for hours. Activities in these books can range from simple puzzles and mazes to more complex games and storytelling. Quiet activity books are the perfect way to keep kids occupied on long car rides or plane trips, and they can even be used during layovers or delays.

Parents love this Curious Columbus Quiet Book from Amazon because it’s travel-themed and lets kids pack their bags, plan their routes, etc. It’s also bright and colorful with many 3-D aspects, which will impress them!

Check out this great option on Amazon:

The Curious Columbus Quiet Book is available on Amazon starting at $36.99. Buy now.

Busy Boards

A product shot of the Dasigjid Store Busy Board, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: Dasigjid Store via Amazon

One way to make travel more enjoyable for everyone is to bring some busy boards for the kids to play with. A busy board is a small board with various knobs, levers, and switches, ideal for kids between one and three years old. They are perfect for long car or plane rides, and can even be used during layovers or delays. Amazon sells a Busy Board for Toddlers 1-3 Years Old with different sections focusing on fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and more. From turning knobs and opening doors to pressing buttons and sliding beads, it’s a great way to teach your kids about different shapes, colors, and numbers. Best of all, it’s all enclosed in a sturdy carrying case, so it’s easy to take on the go!

Check out this great option on Amazon:

Busy Board for Toddlers 1-3 Years Old is available on Amazon, starting at $19.99. Buy now.

Best Travel Toys for Kids Ages 3 – 5

When it comes to travel, one thing is for sure – kids need to be kept entertained! Thankfully, plenty of great travel toys for kids can help make the experience more enjoyable, even if you’re traveling with young kids between 3 and 5. Here are some suggestions!

FIND MORE RESOURCES: Travel Resources For Families: Where To Book Hotels, Flights, & More

Fisher-Price Travel DoodlePro

If you’re looking for the best travel toy for kids ages 3 – 5, look no further than the Fisher-Price Travel DoodlePro! This innovative toy is perfect for keeping kids entertained on long car rides or plane trips. Almost like an etch-a-sketch, the Travel DoodlePro features a built-in stylus that allows kids to draw and doodle on the included drawing pad. Plus, the drawing pad can be erased with the touch of a button, so your little ones can start fresh again and again. The Travel DoodlePro is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to take along on any trip.

Check out this great option on Amazon:

The Fisher-Price DoodlePro is available on Amazon, starting at $25.22. Buy now.

Wikkistix

One of the best travel toys for young kids who are prone to sensory overload is a soft fidget toy. Consider WikkiStix, a kind of compact wax-coated yarn stick that doesn’t require any adhesive or glue! With just some pressure from your fingers, these versatile and colorful sticks can be used to create all kinds of designs, shapes, and figures. Children can use them to make faces, animals, houses, cars – anything they can imagine! They’re easy to pack, too, since one small tube of Wikkistix has 24 different sticks.

Check out this great option on Amazon:

WikkiStix is available on Amazon, starting at $5.82. Buy now.

Interactive Activity Books

Product shot of the children's book, Paint by Sticker Kids: Rainbows Everywhere!, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: Workman Publishing via Amazon

Interactive activity books are a great way to keep kids entertained while traveling. These books are packed with puzzles, games, and other activities that will help keep little minds busy. Parents recommend Connect the Dots books, which are perfect for younger kids who are just starting to learn how to read and count. They can spend hours connecting the dots and then coloring in the resulting picture, which will help develop their fine motor skills and visual perception.

Amazon sells a fantastic Connect the Dots book for ages four through eight, featuring different themes such as flowers, farms, dinosaurs, sea creatures, and more. There’s also this Airplane Activity Book for kids between 4 and 8. It includes puzzles, coloring pages, and more activities for kids centered around traveling to get them excited for their trip! You can also buy some Paint by Sticker Books for more creative kids. Kids will love finding the sticker that goes in each spot and watching their masterpiece appear!

Here are three great options on Amazon to consider:

Wooden Tangram Puzzle Book

Looking for the best travel toys for kids ages 3 – 5? You can’t go wrong with a Wooden Tangram Puzzle Book. These educational puzzle books feature tangram pieces that fit into cut-out shapes on each page. Kids can use the booklet to find the right placement for each piece, giving them something to do during a long flight or car ride. This option on Amazon comes with magnetic blocks, so you don’t have to worry about losing them while on vacation!

Check out this great option on Amazon:

BEESTECH Wooden Tangram Puzzle Book is available on Amazon, starting at $8.88. Buy now.

Coloring Supplies

A young girl and her mom color while sitting outside. — Photo Courtesy: Alan Rodriguez

Coloring is a great way to keep kids entertained while on the go, and it’s also a great way to help them develop their fine motor skills. Plus, it engages their sense of wonder and helps them stay calm and focused while on the go. Coloring books with thick lines and large pictures are a good choice for young kids, as they’re easier to color within the lines. Meanwhile, older kids may enjoy coloring books with more intricate designs. When it comes to supplies, triangular crayons are an ideal option, mainly because they don’t roll away and are also easy to hold.

Crayola sells a Create’ N Carry Art Set that’s perfect for traveling families, featuring construction paper, pens, kids’ markers, paints, colored pencils, crayons, and more. When you’re done coloring, you can hang up the pages as makeshift decorations in your hotel room or Vrbo!

Here are two great options on Amazon to consider:

Magnetic Puzzles or Magnet Activity Books

A young boy plays with a Melissa & Doug Take-Along magnetic jigsaw puzzle, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: Melissa & Doug Store via Amazon

Magnetic puzzles and magnet activity books are the best travel toys for children ages 3 – 5! These puzzles engage kids creatively and help them develop problem-solving skills, guaranteeing the pieces won’t get lost or fall on the floor easily since they’re magnetic.

Melissa & Doug sells 15-piece magnetic puzzles with various themes, such as farms, princesses, and vehicles, so that kids can choose their favorite. They come in a compact, fold-out format that’s ideal for traveling, and there’s even a carrying handle. (Plus, the pieces are shape-coded for easy sorting!)

Meanwhile, magnet activity books have colorful pictures and fun characters that kids will love. Amazon sells an interactive magnet book about farms, encouraging young readers to play out their own barnyard adventures. It’s a quiet activity so you won’t disturb other travelers either!

Here are two great options on Amazon to consider:

Best Travel Toys for Ages 6 – 8

Are you looking for the best travel toys for your 6 to 8-year-old? If they want to color or read a book, look no further! Here are some great tips for choosing the perfect travel toys for your little ones.

Melissa & Doug Arts ‘n’ Crafts and Activity Kits

A product shot of a young girl playing with the Melissa & Doug Design-Your-Own Bracelets Kit, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: Melissa & Doug Store via Amazon

Melissa & Doug Arts and Crafts Kits are the perfect travel toys for young kids ages 6-8! If you have a creative kid in your family or someone who loves to build things, these are the perfect all-in-one gift to keep them amused during your flight. From bracelet making to scratch art, stamping, stickers, tape art, and more, there are fun and exciting crafts for them to learn, and they’ll have something to remember their trip with too. The kits provide everything needed for the given craft, so you don’t have to scramble for the appropriate supplies!

Here are two great options on Amazon to consider:

Squigz

Squigz are perfect for keeping little hands busy on long car rides or plane rides! Made from silicone and stuck together using suction, these portable toys can be pulled apart and reconnected over and over again, which is satisfying for kids (and adults!). This also makes them ideal for travel, since they’re easy to keep together, and Squigz even offers a mini version of the blocks. Whether your child is a budding artist or just likes to fidget, kids can also use them to build all sorts of shapes and structures.

Check out this great option on Amazon:

Fat Brain Toys Original Squigz Starter Kit is available on Amazon, starting at $25.95. Buy now.

Card Games

A product shot of Uno, one of the best travel toys for young kids. — Photo Courtesy: Colin Davis

There’s nothing like a good card game to start the family fun when you’re on vacation. They’re perfect for when you’re all stuck together in close quarters, and they can be played just about anywhere. Pack some of your favorite card games from your childhood and teach little ones how to play old classics. Games like Skip Bo, Uno, Go Fish, and Old Maid are all great choices that will keep kids of all ages entertained for hours. Not only are they fun, but they’re also educational and can help improve problem-solving skills, counting, matching, and strategic thinking. Plus, they’re easy to pack and don’t take up much space, so you can always have them on hand when you’re on the go.

Here are four great options on Amazon to consider:

PlayRoute Brain & Memory Cube Toy

The PlayRoute Brain & Memory Cube Toy features five different games that will keep your child’s brain active and engaged while on the go! Designed for ages 6 to 12, the cube features different sides with various activities, including a memory game, a shapes and colors game, and a counting game. This includes games like “Follow Me” and “Remember Me,” where kids need to memorize patterns to win. Plus, the cube is small and lightweight, making it easy to pack whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or car.

Check out this great option on Amazon:

PlayRoute Brain & Memory Cube Toy is available on Amazon, starting at $29.99. Buy now.

Brain Games

When searching for the best travel toys for young kids, options that are fun but also educational are a must. Brain games are a popular choice because they can keep kids entertained for a while, but also teach them key concepts such as decoding patterns, solving equations, thinking outside of the box, and more. These brain games from Amazon feature reusable mats so kids can have fun while they’re learning. They also come with a dry-erase pen and other supplies you need, so it’s easy and compact to travel with.

Check out this great option on Amazon:

Skillmatics Brain Games are available on Amazon, starting at $14.97. Buy now.

A New Travel-Themed Book to Read

A teen girl reads a book in the middle of a bookstore. — Photo Courtesy: Seven Shooter

There’s nothing quite like finding a new book to read on vacation. And if the book is based on the destination, you’ll be visiting, even better! This is a great way to keep kids entertained and excited about where you’ll be going. With books like Eloise in Paris, your child can learn all about the city of light through the eyes of their favorite protagonist, Eloise! From its history and culture to its food and fashion, there’s a lot to get them excited about.

Or, learn all about the history of pizza through the story of an adorable little girl who lives in Pienza with the book Pizza in Pienza. Best of all, both books are filled with beautiful illustrations that will keep your child’s attention from start to finish!

Here are two great options on Amazon to consider:

Sticker by Number Books

A product shot of the cover of Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Nature. — Photo Courtesy: Publications International Ltd. via Amazon

If you’re looking for the best travel toys for kids ages 6-8, look no further than sticker-by-number books! These unique books feature pages filled with numbered stickers that kids can use to fill in the corresponding spaces on the page to create beautiful illustrations. They provide hours of fun and entertainment while helping to develop important skills like counting, color recognition, and fine motor control. This Sticker by Number Book on Amazon is nature-themed, so it features all kinds of motifs like butterflies or flowers, ranging in difficulty from easy to hard.

Check out this great option on Amazon:

Sticker by Number: Nature is available on Amazon, starting at $11.59. Buy now.

General Tips for Traveling With Young Kids

Traveling with small children can be a bit of a juggling act. On the one hand, you want to ensure they’re entertained and not bored. But on the other hand, you don’t want to wear them out so much that they’re cranky and tired by the end of the day. Here are some general tips to help you strike the right balance!

Bring Snacks

Two young kids enjoy suckers on an airplane. — Photo Courtesy: Stacy Levy

When traveling with young kids, bringing along some snacks is always a good idea. This will help keep them from getting too hungry and cranky. However, having a variety of them on hand can be helpful so that kids can choose what they want. Try to have a mix of healthy and unhealthy options, as well as some that are easy to eat without making a mess. Our favorite options include crackers, fruit, granola bars, and yogurt.

Adjust Your Pace as Needed to Avoid Tired/Cranky Travelers

A dad holds a young baby with Ponte Vecchio in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Jessica Forse

One of the best ways to avoid tired or cranky travelers is to adjust your pace as needed. This means being flexible and being willing to stop often if your kids need a break. Let them run around or play for a bit if they’re getting cranky.

Give Yourself a Lot of Time to Get Through Security + the Airport

A mom pulls a toddler and luggage in a purple wagon while pushing two other bags down an airport terminal. — Photo Courtesy: Courtney Parks Zannella

Give yourself plenty of time to get through security and the airport in general. It can be chaotic and overwhelming with little ones in tow, so allow yourself some extra time to avoid any stressful situations. If you plan ahead and give yourself ample time, it will make the process much smoother.

Take a Few New Toys or Books

A young girl reads quietly to herself. — Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Borba

When traveling with young kids, taking a few new toys or books is always a good idea. This can help keep them entertained and distracted from any potential boredom during the journey. Plus, it’s always nice to have a few surprises up your sleeve in case of an emergency!

Pack a Special Toy

Small boy playing with toys on an airplane. — Photo Courtesy: Tram Dao

If you’re planning on traveling with young children, it’s important to pack a few special items to keep them entertained. Travel can be stressful for adults, so imagine how kids must feel being away from home in an unfamiliar place. A favorite toy or two can go a long way in making them feel comfortable and helping them pass the time on long flights or car rides. If your child is very attached to a particular toy, consider bringing along a spare in case it gets lost while you’re away.

Schedule Downtime for Kids (and Parents) to Decompress

A young girl wearing sunglasses, lies on a beach towel reading a book on a sunny day at the beach with the ocean in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Drew Perales

It can be tough to keep kids entertained while traveling, but scheduling some downtime for them (and for you!) to decompress is important. There are a few different ways to do this. If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, see if there are any kid-friendly amenities or activities available. Many properties will have pools, playgrounds, game rooms, and other kid-friendly areas that can be great for letting off some steam.

Another option is to plan some day trips or excursions focusing on fun rather than sightseeing. This includes amusement parks, water parks, go-karting, laser tag, and mini golf. These are all great activity ideas that the whole family can enjoy. And they’ll give everyone a much-needed break from all the walking and sightseeing!

Let Kids Pick + Pack a Few Activities They Think They Will Play With on Your Journey

A young Black girl plays with a toy airplane over open luggage, as her family prepares to fly with kids and take a trip. — Photo Courtesy: Vlada Karpovich

When traveling with young kids, it can be helpful to let them pick and pack a few activities they think they will want to play with. This way, they can feel involved in the trip, and you can avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” complaints. Maybe they want to plan a particular day in your itinerary just for them, or perhaps they’d benefit from packing their own suitcase. Of course, you’ll still want to pack some additional activities and snacks just in case, but giving your kids a say in what comes along on the journey can help make it more enjoyable for everyone.

Download the Playground Buddy App

A young girl makes her way across playground equipment at Camel's Back Park, near the Hyde Park neighborhood, one of the best things to do in Boise with kids — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Antonia Grant, Antonia Grant, Aakriti Chawla

A young girl sits in a large play structure in Carson Park. — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Antonia Grant, Antonia Grant, Aakriti Chawla

The Playground Buddy app is a great way to entertain kids of all ages while traveling, especially on a road trip. It lists every playground on a map in your location and what kind of equipment is there. What an excellent way to get kids moving and stretching their legs every few hours. Plus, you could also stop for a picnic lunch or snack and just relax.

Also, read: 25 Best Travel Hacks To Plan Your Next Family Vacation

Happy Travels!

A family of five enjoys a beach picnic in the sand on a sunny day. — Photo Courtesy: Kampus Production

We hope you liked this list of 18 Exciting Travel Toys for Young Kids That Will Keep Them Entertained the Whole Trip! From educational books to fun activities, we’ve rounded up all of the best products for young kids. Enjoy your next family vacation!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.