What is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the world? Create an amazing family vacation your kids will be talking about for years to come.
Video by TravelAwaits
What is one of the most challenging travel experiences in the world? Hitting the road with kids.
As the number of children increases, so do the challenges.
Even if you’re heading to an all-inclusive resort that offers family entertainment, you’ll need some backup solutions to keep your family occupied.
In fact, one of the most difficult aspects of traveling with kids is keeping them entertained during long flights and road trips.
Some children will happily hunker down with a coloring book or an iPad, but others may not be so easily swayed. They need more dynamic options at their (tiny) fingertips.
It sounds easy, but finding the best travel toys can be expensive for parents. Just thinking about how to pack your things can be a learning experience (especially for families with multiple children).
That being said, finding the perfect travel toy to take on vacation is worth doing right.
Children who have the right toys at their disposal experience less anxiety when faced with delays, crowded planes, and other stressors. Plus, having a favorite toy can make your trip even more memorable and give you the chance to make some friends, especially if it’s an all-inclusive family resort.
Here’s what you need to know about the best travel toys for kids, including a list of the most popular products on Amazon today.
Features of the best travel toys
Each child has a different idea of what a “good toy” is. As long as the toy attracts the child’s attention and imagination, it is a good option.
Still, there are some general considerations to take into account when purchasing a travel toy.
Focus on toys that meet some or all of the following requirements:
Focus on portability in terms of weight and size. The smaller and lighter the toy, the easier it will be to pack for both long trips and day trips. Avoid odd shapes. These tend to be more difficult to pack and may also result in your suitcase being flagged by security. And avoid small pieces. Many toys come with small modular parts. You can’t eliminate them completely, but try to minimize the number of toys that contain easily lost parts. Choose toys that are easy to clean. You won’t be able to carry standard cleaning products with you when you travel, and your trip will quickly become a hassle. Durability is key. The best travel toys are not only easy to clean, but also durable. You have to endure being dragged around airports, parking lots, and all-inclusive resorts.
best travel toys on the market
I scoured the internet for the best suggestions on travel toys.
These options meet the criteria listed above, but more importantly, they are also recommended by parents who have gone on long-haul flights with their children.
If toys helped your baby survive a 7+ hour flight, they’ll definitely help you on any kind of family trip.
(A quick note about iPads and tablets: Many parents recommend bringing a tablet with headphones. The tablet acts like a mini-entertainment center, allowing kids to listen to their favorite TV shows, sing-alongs, etc. , YouTube channel, and more.
If you can buy a tablet for your child, that’s great. However, tablets tend to be heavier, less durable, and more expensive. That said, if you can’t shake your tablet, the options below are fine. If you can shake your tablet around, invest in a good case. )
writing tablet
LCD writing tablet
kids headphones
Noot Foldable Stereo Headphones – No Tangle
fluffy sticker book
Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Book
lego dots
Lego Dot Candy Kitty Bracelet & Bag Tag
Eye Found It and iSpy style puzzles
Ravensburger World of Disney Eye Found
magnet block
Caferria Magnetic Blocks Toddler Toys
magnetic playset
Bluey magnetic play set
fidget toy
pop it fidget toy cube
scratch book
Melissa and Doug on the go scratch art book
water painting book
Melissa and Doug Bruce, Water Clues Reveal Travel Activities
montessori board
Guolely Busy Board Montessori Toy
