Color Wonder

These markers are a game changer. They allow the littlest travelers to get creative without the worry of staining clothes or making a mess in the car or airplane. Parents can relax knowing their kids can color independently without needing constant oversight. There are tons of options with favorite characters, blank pages for individual creativity, and other products (painting? stamps?!) that might interest your little ones.

Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow!

Each book contains pages that can be colored with a special water-filled pen, revealing hidden pictures and activities. I love that these pages can dry and be used again and again. We’ve had several books for years and they are still enjoyed by my almost 5-year-old.

Magnetic Doodle Board

This design board has magnetic pieces that you can move into place with an attached pen. Kids can create whatever they want or follow the templates to create pre-made designs. It’s compact, easy to carry, and great for road trips, plane rides, or waiting at restaurants.

Melissa & Doug Flip to Win Travel Memory Game

Its compact design and sturdy construction make it perfect for on-the-go entertainment. I especially like that the cards all fit within the holder so when it isn’t in use, it’s easy to pack away. Kids love discovering what is behind each window and snapping them shut if there isn’t a match.

It can be a bit heavy and bulky, so I would prefer it for road trips, but can certainly be brought on an airplane.

Yoto Mini

Yoto is a portable audio player that is perfect for traveling with kids. We have the mini version that is smaller and more portable. Its ease of use and extensive library of audiobooks, music, and educational content cater to different age groups. While on the road, Yoto keeps kids entertained and engaged with age-appropriate audio content, allowing them to learn and enjoy stories while keeping parents’ sanity intact.

I especially love that you can also play the audio recordings from the app on your phone. The big difference between this and just purchasing audiobooks on your own is that kids get to have autonomy in choosing and using their cards in the player.

There is a learning curve to using this while traveling, and I suggest reading this article from Janssen at Everyday Reading to see if it is a good fit for your family.

Magnet Tangrams

This travel-friendly game promotes critical thinking and spatial reasoning while offering a compact and mess-free option for kids to exercise their minds on the go. The best part is they are magnetic to ensure puzzle pieces stay in place even during bumpy rides.

WikkiStix

WikkiStix are a versatile and mess-free travel activity and are easy to throw into any activity bag. These colorful sticks encourage creativity and fine motor skills development while keeping young minds engaged and entertained during car rides or flights. I even enjoy playing with them when I need something to keep my hands busy!

Kids Kindle

We have three Kindles in our family of five – two of which are the Kids Kindle. It’s designed with young readers in mind and features a TWO-YEAR worry-free guarantee. Kids can use it to access a vast library of books while on the go, including many library ebooks. Its durable build can withstand the rigors of travel, and its long battery life ensures entertainment during extended journeys. It’s typically cheaper than the regular Kindle and includes the above-mentioned warranty, a cover, and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. As a budget shopper, this is my #1 Kindle recommendation.

Fidget Toy Ball

We discovered this fun fidget toy while visiting some family friends one weekend. I love that it is small, inexpensive, and keeps little hands and minds busy. Simply “mix up” the balls by pushing them to different colored holes, and then solve it by matching each colored ball with the slot that shares the same color. Kids can take turns mixing it up while the other will then solve it.

Handheld Water Game

I love this option because it’s a simple, no-frills entertainment option that doesn’t require batteries or screens, making it a welcome break from electronics during long journeys. Its compact size means it can easily slip into a travel bag, and you can keep it empty of water until you get past airport security.

Rubik’s Cube

A classic brain teaser that offers continual challenges. While I lack the patience and spatial intelligence to spend more than five minutes trying to solve it, a Rubik’s Cube provides a mentally engaging activity that can help pass the time during long journeys and keeps kids busy, while also stimulating their brains. (Not recommended for kids who get easily frustrated!)

FOLDOLOGY – The Origami Puzzle Game

This is another puzzle but with a slightly different twist, by combining the fun of puzzle-solving with the creativity of origami. With 100 puzzles of varying difficulty levels, it offers endless fun, ensuring kids stay engaged and entertained during long journeys. It’s an educational, creative, and travel-savvy choice for older kids. Win-win-win.

Word Spin

This is a fun game where players are given a time limit to create as many words with as many points as possible. They do so by separating and rearranging the magnetic letter wheels. Kids can either take timed turns and tally points after each turn or bring two spinners and have them work at the same time. If younger kids want a turn too, maybe give them a word to spell and have a sibling time how fast they can create it.