Let’s be real; whoever said “it’s not the journey, it’s the destination” was likely traveling with kids.
Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, the goal is toys and activities that are packed with big fun, small enough to fit in a backpack, and quiet enough not to disturb the next row. So we’ve rounded up some of our favorite travel-friendly picks for keeping the little ones’ hands and minds busy and content, even through intercontinental travel.
Baby, let’s fly
When you’re traveling with a super small kiddo, you need a toy that can be banged without making noise, chewed on for hours on end, and easily washed up when it inevitably gets chucked onto the floor. Made from food-grade silicone, our flower press toy is a chic upgrade on a classic, delighting your little one to endless hours of imaginative and sensorially stimulating play. Another silicone favorite for travel is the stackable diversity rainbow BPA-free toy by Dëna toys. As you soar through the skies, they'll discover a new way to combine, stack, and pattern this beautiful range of neutral rainbow shades and shapes.
Stop the world and felt with you
Made from durable, thick felt, Lowercase sets are easy to pack, easy to clean, and can spark the imagination of kids ages 2 and up. What more can you ask for? The pocket set comes with 32 multi-colored felt blocks that interlock, allowing your little one to bring their 3D creations to life on the go. A travel-friendly doll complete with outfit changes (comes in a starter or deluxe set) comes with a variety of outfits and clothing items so your little one can style them and play for hours on end. Whichever set you choose, the felt travel case makes it easy to pack up all of your favorites and bring them along; it folds flat, making it easy to store, and also unfolds to create the perfect backdrop for playtime with any of your felt characters and blocks.
Block steady
Sustainably made in Honduras, Tegu block sets are everything you could want in a travel-friendly toy for ages 1 and up. Each magnetic piece clicks together for mess-free, self-contained fun that packs up in an instant; modular shapes provide countless ways to build anything that your little one can dream up. Both the Jet Set Travel Pals Magnetic Wooden Block Set and the Pouch Prism Magnetic Wooden Block Set are great starter packs for what will undoubtably become a life-long favorite.
Pack your suitcase
An entire universe of play, all in one place. The Suitcase Series by Jackrabbit Creations is absolutely genius—a self-contained universe of toys that pack up neatly into their own suitcases, making for easy transportation and even easier clean up. Made from eco-friendly bamboo, there's a Suitcase for every trip: The Surf Shack, Ski Chalet, The Train Station, The Barnyard, The Firehouse, and The Fairy House.
Toot-toot! Beep-beep!
Beep beep, coming through! The Gran Via vehicle pack, complete with cars, a truck, and a bus, all with interchangeable riders, is made from high-quality beech wood, creating a fun traffic flow at the gate or on a tray table. Small enough for little hands, their mini size means you can bring a the whole (parking) lot… And fingers crossed this will be the only traffic you see!
Lights, action!
This is a personal favorite with my #DanrieKid. Just add darkness and a surface to shine onto and—voila!—three original stories just waiting to be imagined, narrated, and reimagined. The story slides can be projected against any wall with the included flashlight, turning any room (or seatback) into an instant theater experience.
Art + Leisure
When in doubt—color. The creativity never needs to stop with this travel drawing kit. It includes a 32-page sketchbook, colored pencils, and a sharpener, inside a portable carrying case to keep it all together. This kit is the perfect carry-on for your little creative on-the-go.
