These Travel Toys Are the Key to Low-Stress Traveling With Kids
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Flying in an airplane or driving on the road with your toddler, kid, or teen can be a lot smoother for both of you if your child has a distraction keeping them busy and happy. A kids' tablet comes to mind, but many of us also want something that encourages a little bit more engagement, so the kids aren't just watching shows the whole time they're in the backseat. In other words, we want some great travel toys .
As our staff was testing toys and gifts for kids in search of this year's Best Toys, we found these seven new toys that lend themselves perfectly to families on the move. Whether you're shopping because you have travel ahead, or you figure your next gift might as well be something that works on the go, these deliver. Happy trails!
1) LeapFrog My First Gamer
LeapFrog's new handheld video game system lets preschoolers feel like big kids. The games sneak in education around numbers, letters, and colors, and the games are gentle, like feeding birds and racing boats. "It has become one of the toys we pack for family trips because it keeps my kids occupied and is easy to take along," a parent told us. Ages 3+; four AA batteries required
2) Bizzikins Annie the Pet Sitter Activity Doll & Busy Book
A soft busy book keeps toddlers busy and their imagination whirring. Choose from four different ones—a pet sitter, astronaut , gardener , or forest ranger . Each lets kids play with zippers and buckles, and each has a plush character hiding inside. "It kept her engaged longer than I expected, especially during travel," a parent told us. Ages 18 months+
3) Crazy Aaron's Better Butter Buttercream
Manipulatives such as this putty from Crazy Aaron's don't just keep kids distracted, playing with them can be nice and soothing. This honey-themed putty has a texture to it and little bee charms inside. Unlike slime, it isn't wet feeling, Unlike dough, it never dries out. And unlike electronics, it's totally silent! Ages 3+
4) Tamagotchi Paradise—Orange Tropics
While Tamagotchi is for sure nostalgic, it also keeps getting better. Kids on the go can feed and tend to their digital pet, play minigames, and even connect with siblings. And here's a life lesson: This iteration lets kids hire a babysitter for their pet when they need a break! Ages 6+; two AAA batteries required
5) Boppo Tablet
Little kids quickly figure out how to use the 10 buttons on this innovative display to play music, games, podcasts, and audiobooks. Though it's shaped like a tablet, there's no screen. "The concept of this toy is incredible!" one parent said. "I love the size—it's a little heavy but not a huge issu—the tops, the brightness level, everything is great!" Plug headphones into the headphone jack for plane travel. It recharges via USB-C. Ages 1+
6) Rubik's Rush
When a series of colored squares lights up, your kid thinks fast and pushes the button that will form three lights in a row. Patterns can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. There are multiple difficulties and modes, including solo and head-to-head play for up to four players. Ages 7+; three AAA batteries included
7) Catan On the Road
This is faster than classic Catan, at only about 15 minutes, but just as competitive. Players still collect resources and trade them with other players to build settlements. It's all done via take-along cards, so you could play it in an airport. Ages 10+
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