Top Travel Toys

Travel is exciting and fun – and challenging. When you’re traveling with kids, you probably know all too well how imperative it is that you keep them entertained, or else there’s the possibility of them driving you bananas.

You’ll want to be able to provide varied play experiences and have things that are small enough to take along. And you’ll want something that isn’t necessarily a screen. Many kids feel more secure when they travel with their favorite toys. While kids may want to take a ton of toys with them, you’ll want to set some limits. For children 4 and up, one good rule is that they have to carry whatever they want to bring. (Of course you’ll help at times, but setting the rule can be good practice to get them thinking about limitations.)

Self-contained games, cards, crayons in a travel portfolio or a zipper plastic bag all make good additions. The idea is to keep the size down and keep any pieces together.

Flying on a plane is an entirely different type of travel with children. In a car, they can spread out a little more and you’re not as limited in what you can bring. On a plane, there is limited play space and limitations of what you can carry on. We always thought lighter and smaller when thinking of toys to pack for a plane. Remember to limit small pieces, and items that pack up easily and are self-contained are always important considerations. You also want to consider the overall play experience. Toys and games that can be shared among kids.

The following is our list of some of the best, new toys for traveling. These will keep your kids busy and entertained and having a variety of different experiences. We’ve also kept an eye on finding affordable products that deliver a lot of great fun. You’ll see a lot of classic play in these, and that’s a great addition to a summertime trip. And, yes, they will also provide parents with a little peace and quiet on their family journey.

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1. BubbleBum

   from BubbleBum USA for ages 4 and up

   What it is: BubbleBum is an inflatable car booster seat that is simple and convenient. It easily deflates to fit into a bag or purse and weighs…

   

   

   • Is It Useful?

   • Is It Worth It?

   • Assembly & Instructions

2. Shamzees

   from Jay at Play for ages 3 and up

   What it is: Shamzees are pillow covers with funny faces that fit any standard-size pillow. Just stuff the pillow into the Shamzees and you've got…

   

   

   • Fun

   • Repeat Play

   • Assembly & Instructions

3. Aquadoodle Travel n’ Doodle

   from Spin Master for ages 2 and up

   What it is: Aquadoodle, the popular water-based drawing toy, now has a travel version. Aquadoodle Travel n' Doodle has two drawing surfaces. Fill…

   

   

   • Fun

   • Repeat Play

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4. Doc McStuffins Finish the Scene Activity Set

   from Tara Toy for ages 3 and up

   What it is: The Doc McStuffins Finish the Scene Activity Set comes with 280 stickers and a 45-page activity booklet. There are scenes on each page…

   

   

   • Fun

   • Repeat Play

   • Assembly & Instructions

5. SeatPets

   from Jay at Play for ages 3 and up

   What it is: SeatPets are travel buddies that easily attach to the shoulder restraint of a child's seatbelt, providing a soft cushion for their…

   

   

   • Fun

   • Repeat Play

   • Assembly & Instructions

6. Tummy Stuffers

   from Jay at Play for ages 3 and up

   What it is: Tummy Stuffers turn clean-up time into playtime. The Tummy Stuffers' tummy will stretch and stretch as kids "feed" it toys, clothing,…

   

   

   • Fun

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   • Assembly & Instructions

7. Tag Along Teddy

   from Tag Along Teddy for ages 3 and up

   What it is: Tag Along Teddy is a backpack that is both fun and functional and that comes with a stuffed animal. Tag Along Teddy backpacks are made…

   

   

   • Fun

   • Repeat Play

   • Assembly & Instructions

8. Travel Qwirkle

   from Mindware for ages 6 and up

   What it is: Qwirkle is a game where players match colors and shapes while using tactical manuevers and well-planned strategy. You can play Qwirkle…

   

   

   • Fun

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9. Table Topics

   from Ruby Mine for ages 0 and up

   What it is: Table Topics is all about starting meaningful conversations. There are a variety of Table Topics themes, and each theme contains 135…

   

   

   • Fun

   • Repeat Play

   • Assembly & Instructions

10. Lay-n-Go Lite

    from Lay-n-Go for ages 5 and up

    What it is: With the Lay-n-Go Lite, kids can play for hours and clean up in seconds. This 18-inch travel/personal activity mat lets kids bring…

    

    

    • Fun

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