This post was in partnership with Melissa & Doug, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
"The idea of going on a new adventure with your kids is all fun and games until you’re stuck in a confined space for hours on end with impatient tiny humans who have the emotional regulation capabilities of a spoon. You and your partner will quickly find yourselves staring at each other with matching eye twitches asking the silent question of the year: “Why on earth did we do this?” We’ve all been there, friend. And until scientists are able to develop a mute button for noisy children, traveling with fun toys is the next best thing.
Even though tablets are incredibly adept at distracting kids, most parents can agree that toys are the more desirable option for entertainment. Bringing toys that have a variety of themes and encourage learning is key for long trips.
In a perfect world, our kids would play uninterrupted for hours while on a plane or during a road trip. And while this lovely idea feels more like a dream, the right toys can hopefully turn it into reality. From one exhausted mom to another, here are our picks for the best toys for traveling with kids.
Ages 1+ months Perfect for the littlest member of the family, this 6-piece PB&J infant toy can clip to strollers, diaper bags, and car seats. Its multi-textured pieces are slobber worthy and help develop sensory skills. Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product! Ages 6+ months Full of crinkles and crunches, this soft taco fill-and-spill toy encourages sensory and fine motor skills. The different textures and sounds are interesting enough to capture even the most easily distracted babe. Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product! Ages 3+ years Toddlers and preschoolers are the ultimate backseat drivers with their rapid-fire questions and constant complaints. Bringing a busy board that makes them feel like a copilot can be a great solution. Ages 3+ years This magnetic jigsaw puzzle is travel friendly since it minimizes mess by clinging to the inside surface. There are multiple scenes and 119 wooden magnets for your kiddo to create fun scenarios with. A perfect toy for color recognition, matching, and problem-solving skills. Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product! Ages 1+ years Behold, a functional busy board that can also be used for packing your toddler's clothes, snacks, or other toys! We love a multi-purpose toy that minimizes mess. Ages 3+ years This one's for the kiddos that thrive on imaginative play and take their toys everywhere. Now their animals will have a place to rest wherever you're visiting with this fold-up barnyard. Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product! Ages 3+ years Compact and spiral-bound, this coloring activity with a refillable water pen is great for traveling. Plus, it promotes fine motor and early writing skills without the mess of traditional markers. Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product! Ages 2+ years This LCD tablet is also great for fine motor and writing skills, along with being lightweight and easy to fit in a purse or diaper bag. My son uses these in the car, restaurants, and while riding in his stroller. Ages 1+ years For the speed racer of the family, these double-sided wooden GO Tots promote kinetic play and can be used in tight spaces when traveling. It also allows toddlers to explore cause-and-effect through motion-driven movement. Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product! Ages 2+ years Kids will stay busy with this sensory cube that features various activities they can engage with on the go.
Melissa & Doug
Melissa & Doug
Amazon | Vanplay
Melissa & Doug
Amazon | WHITE DOLPHIN TOYS
Melissa & Doug
Melissa & Doug
Amazon | JAKATV
Melissa & Doug
Etsy | KodolaToysShop
This post was in partnership with Melissa & Doug, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.