"Even though I love road trips, toddlers absolutely make them more challenging. “Are we there yet?” could be a title to a song—that’s on repeat—when it comes to a long stretch in the car with a toddler, especially when you’ve only made it five minutes out from the driveway. There are times when my son is pretty good at keeping a conversation going during a car ride, and sometimes he even fits in a quick nap until we get to our destination. Other times, a kid-friendly playlist will do the trick. But when it comes to travel that is longer than 30 minutes, I try to keep a few products in the car to keep my toddler entertained on long car rides.
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Traveling requires preparation, patience, and low expectations. The first step, though, is to prepare. Fill your car with toddler-friendly activities and snacks. You’ll be cruising along the highway in no time. After several road trips ranging from a 30-minute drive to Nana’s house to an eight-day cross-country trip with an 18-month-old, I’m here to share the best products to make it a smooth ride. Check out items to keep your toddlers entertained, plus a few car essentials to get you through the drive no matter the distance!
The Best Car-Ride Products for Toddlers
All these products are car favorites when it comes to keeping a toddler entertained during a long car ride. There are so many options that they’re worth rotating, so your kiddo will never be bored. Car rides just got a lot more fun!
Listen to your own music up front while your LO listens to their favorite show or sing-along songs. These safe sound headphones don’t go over 85 decibels. It’s a win-win for everyone during a long car ride.
These fun little sticks can be bent, twisted, and sculpted into fun designs—plus, they can stick to the windows for added enjoyment.
Kids (and parents) love these popper toys. I know they keep my toddler entertained and calm, and they’re great for everyone.
These mess-free coloring books are an editor favorite. They are easy to keep in the car (store them in the seat back pocket so you always have them) and can be used over and over again.
Each page has a new activity for them to explore, like pages with buttons, clock hands, shoelaces, and more.
This audioplayer is a game changer. Have your toddler listen to their favorite stories and music with the interchangeable Toniebox characters. It’s entertaining and educational! Read our full review of the Toniebox here.
This travel-sized Yoto Mini Audio Player is perfect to take on a car ride. Just insert a card, and they’ll be entertained with endless stories and music until you get to your destination. Make sure to order the 2024 edition to avoid any recall issues.
Join in on the fun with an interactive “I Spy” bingo game. You won’t be hearing “are we there yet?” with this mom hack.
It’s all our favorite Where’s Waldo? books in one compact set. I leave this book in the car, and it’s so easy take it with us wherever we go.
It’s a mess-free option, and this magic brush gives you a toddler-filled masterpiece all in one sitting!
There’s endless fun and entertainment with these sticker books. Did I mention they’re reusable?
A great option for long road trips and if you want to fit in some digital entertainment. Add screen time limits and filter content depending on age.
Other Car Ride Essentials
With all this entertainment, you’ll need some long car ride essentials, like a car organizer and a travel tray. You will be more than prepared with these handy items.
Have all your kid and toddler essentials in this easy-to-reach and easy-to-store organizer.
This lap desk allows your little one to be entertained and organized.
multiple patterns available
It doesn’t have to be complete chaos when traveling. Have a designated back-seat organizer for each kid, so everyone knows where their travel essentials are.
This highly rated iPad case comes with a convenient handle for kids to carry and fits over the car headrest for easy viewing.
Keep the toddler food crumbs at bay with a travel snack tray.
Don’t leave the house without these easy-to-pack snack containers. I love these because they fit in my car cupholders, too. Whip them out during the car ride and take them on the go.
After trying out so many water bottles, these are the only ones I use. The spill-proof valve guarantees a mess-free car ride.
Products to Entertain Babies During a Car Ride
We can’t forget about the babies! If you’re a mom of multiple kids, these toys for your baby will keep them entertained for a longer car ride, too.
Keep your baby entertained with this toy featuring a rear-facing car seat mirror so you can keep an eye on them, too.
Your baby will be happy in and out of the car with this activity toy that hangs straight from their car seat.
more themes available
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Amanda Shapin Michelson, Former Editor
Amanda is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and motherhood. She recently wrote the book Pregnancy Hacks, sharing tips to comfortably get through the major ups and downs of pregnancy. She currently works for Babylist and lives in Maryland with her husband, kids Millie, Ezra, and Sloane, and pup Ollie.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.