Sanity-savers for kids ages 1–5 on planes, in cars, and everywhere in between
The Right Toys Can Save Your Trip (and Your Sanity)
Let’s be real — traveling with toddlers and preschoolers is no joke. Whether it’s a long flight or a quick road trip, the best travel toys can make all the difference between a smooth ride and total chaos.
We’ve tested plenty of options on the go with our now 2- and 4-year-old, and in this post, I’m sharing the toys that actually keep them busy. You’ll also find a few highly-rated gems from fellow parents that we’re eyeing for future trips.
Nothing too complicated. No mess. Just well-packed fun for little hands.
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Quiet Time Heroes: Best Travel Toys for Independent Play
Great for airplanes, restaurants, and downtime in the hotel room
✅ Our Tried-and-True Favorites
Melissa & Doug Water Wow!
Reusable magic painting books that only need water — no mess, no stress. We never leave without at least one.
Magnetic Drawing Board
Compact, satisfying, and endlessly reusable. It’s a staple in our travel bag.
Fat Brain Dimpl
A simple silicone popping toy that’s toddler gold. Keeps little hands and senses engaged.
Reusable Sticker Books
Stick, peel, repeat — quiet fun that lasts. Just make sure you collect the stickers before takeoff again!
Pop It Toys
A toddler crowd-pleaser that works like magic in the car or on a plane. Lightweight and soothing.
– One that entertains adults, as well
We got this popper game for our kids a couple Christmases ago, and I might spend just as much time playing it as the kids do. It can get addicting! It does make noise, but you can turn it off if you need it to be quieter.
💡 Other Parent Favorites
Dimpl Duo – A step up for older toddlers with colors, textures, and shapes. And how amazing is it that it features Braille?!
Tegu Magnetic Blocks – Compact wooden blocks with hidden magnets for creative building
Fidget + Focus: Best Travel Toys to Keep Little Hands Busy
For longer travel stretches when you just need them absorbed in something
✅ Our Tried-and-True Favorites
Buckle Toy / Busy Book
Zippers, buckles, buttons — busy books have different activities for varying skill levels.
Suction Fidget Spinners
Stick to windows, tray tables, or car seats. It’s pretty amazing to me how long these keep kids entertained!
💡 Other Parent Favorites
Lacing Cards – Great for fine motor skill practice on the go, just make sure they have a sturdy container that won’t fall/spill easily.
Bristle Blocks – Satisfyingly click together and easy to pack
Creative & Imaginative Play: Toys with Staying Power
Perfect for pretend play wherever you are
✅ Our Tried-and-True Favorites
Mini Vehicles
Whether it’s race cars, dino cars, or monster trucks, these are perfect for a plane tray or hotel floor.
LEGO Duplo Set
Just a few blocks go a long way. Great for building and rebuilding during long waits. Our kids really enjoy the train set!
*Pro tip: Bring a closable pouch/bag to keep these pieces in when not in use.
💡 Other Parent Favorites
Wikki Stix – Bendable wax sticks that can shape anything and stick to tray tables
Magnetic Play Scenes – Like mini dollhouses or cities that fold open and shut easily
Tiny but Mighty: Travel-Friendly Classics
Lightweight, versatile toys that pull double-duty
✅ Our Tried-and-True Favorites
Stacking Cups
Beach toy, bath toy, snack container… these do it all and pack down small.
Finger Puppets
Great for storytelling, laughs, and spontaneous puppet shows mid-flight.
Mini Board Books or Indestructibles – Especially for younger toddlers
💡 Other Parent Favorites
Reusable Gel Window Clings – Great for road trips or window seats
Mini Busy Cube – We have the larger board version of this, but the more compact cube would probably be better to fit in a toddler toy bag
The Honest Parent’s Backup Plan: Screen Time in a Pinch
Let’s be honest — even the best toys don’t always cut it.
When we’ve tried everything and the meltdown is looming, we reach for our backup:
Tablet loaded with toddler shows or games
Kid-safe headphones – A must for keeping things quiet for everyone around you. These also plug into each other so kids can listen to the same thing at the same time!
There’s no shame in using your emergency plan. You’re not handing over a screen — you’re buying yourself peace on hour four of a layover.
Tips to Make Your Best Travel Toys Work for You
- Pack toys in clear zip pouches or reusable snack bags to keep things organized
- Rotate toys from trip to trip to keep them feeling “new”
- Let your kids choose a few favorites to boost excitement
- Avoid noisy toys or multi-piece toys that are hard to keep together
Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Toys for Toddlers: A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Packing the right travel toys has saved us more times than I can count. I hope this list helps make your next family adventure a little smoother, too!
Have a favorite travel toy I missed? Let me know in the comments. We’re always on the hunt for smart additions!
Want more travel-with-kids tips? Check out:
- Handling Travel Delays with Toddlers
- How to Relax on a Family Vacation
- Keeping Toddlers Entertained on Road Trips