Top Travel Toys Approved by Our Customers for Flights and Car Rides

 

Planning that much-needed vacation or gearing up for a long trip to visit family and friends? Exciting, right? But then reality sets in—how on earth will you keep your little one entertained on the road or during the flight? We hear you loud and clear because it's a question we get all the time!

So, we’ve put together some tried-and-true ideas based on what our customers love most to keep those little travellers happy. And because we love to keep things fun and educational, we’ll share our top picks and explain why they’re great depending on your child’s age.

• Key General Items
• Babies
• 1 to 3 Years Old
• 4 & 5 Years Old
• 6 Years Old and Up
• Tonies Boxes
• Baby & Me Care Tip

Quick note: We’ve divided our suggestions by age range to make things easier for you. And no, this isn’t about how smart your kiddo is (we know they’re little geniuses). The age ranges are more about safety. For example, toys labelled 18 months+ or 3 years+ have gone through extra-rigorous tests to ensure they won’t break, pose choking hazards, or cause panic on your trip.

But here’s the fun part: If your 4-year-old is totally into a toy labelled for 2-year-olds, go for it! Kids are creative and can find a million ways to have fun with anything. So, no worries—just enjoy the ride!

Now, let’s dive into some must-have items that are great for a wide range of ages and will make your travel experience much easier.

Key General Items

First up, a must-have is toy connectors. These handy little tools allow you to attach toys to the stroller, car seat, plane seat, or tray, keeping everything within reach and clean. Our favourites include the Smack Fun Straps, the Mobi Liinklz, and the LouLou LOLLIPOP Toy Links.

And because toys tend to take a tumble, having Dr. Brown's Pacifier & Bottle Wipes on hand is a lifesaver. These wipes let you safely clean anything that hits the floor without rinse.

The JL Childress 3-in-1 Travel Activity Tray is your go-to for keeping kids entertained and organized on the go! With a sturdy tray, raised edges, detachable pockets, and a cup holder, it’s perfect for road trips, flights, and stroller rides. Bonus: It even doubles as a travel tote bag. Travel just got a whole lot easier!

If you’re flying and have a layover, a ride-on suitcase can be a game changer. Tired kids can hop on, and they can even carry their own toys and belongings! We love the Trunki Ride-On Suitcase for its fun design and functionality. For long flights, the JetKids by Stokke BedBox is a great addition—it’s a ride-on suitcase that transforms into a bed, making it easier for your little one to sleep. 

Babies

When you’re travelling with a baby, they’ll likely be in an infant seat or your arms (if on a plane). Babies love to explore with their hands, so it’s vital to have toys that can be attached to their seats. This way, they can see and play with their toys without constantly falling out of reach.

We love the Kaloo Stimuli Mobile Sensory Accessories and the Manhattan Toy Baby Whoozit. These attach easily to the car seat, keeping your baby entertained and your hands-free.

Another great option is the Mobi Gumlli, a gentle rattle that’s easy for little hands to hold. It also has textured nubs that double as teethers and a tether strap for easy attachment. The Mobi Wigloo is another fun activity toy that encourages sensory exploration.

For something a bit different, check out the Fat Brain Toys pipSquigz Loops and Fat Brain Toys Whirly Squigz. These toys stick to non-porous surfaces (like car and plane windows!) and are perfect for keeping babies entertained. 

You can also add some creativity and flexibility to regular items and make them your ally on the go. For example, use the Smack Fun Tray with 2 Straps, stick the plate to a window and use the attachments to connect toys. Look at us finding more ways to use the same objects, just like the little ones! 

1 to 3 Years Old

Toddlers have better hand mobility, so toys like the Hape Beaded Raindrops are great for keeping them mesmerized by falling beads. The Fat Brain Toys Dimpl is another small, lightweight option that will keep little fingers busy.

If you’re looking for versatility, the Fat Brain Toys Suction Kupz can be used as a compact travel cup or as a fun suction toy. Another hit with toddlers is the Mobi Zippee — Babies love this toy so much that many times in our store, we have to take the packaging off at the till so they can keep playing.

The Fat Brain Toys Sensory Sets are open-ended toys that will fascinate your little one and are perfect on-the-go. They're magnetic, so you can add them to the Modular board to keep them all together. 

And if you’re looking for something pocket-sized, the Hape Classic Pocket Game Gone Fishin’ is perfect for easy travel and concentrated play.

The Plus-Plus Big Tube 15-piece is an excellent option for building play; it offers endless possibilities and it is light to carry. 

If you want to add the option of sticking to windows or tables on the ride, the Squigz is another favourite! It’s ultra-versatile and, of course, great for travelling. These suction pieces are perfect for constructing, connecting, and creating while providing relaxation and sensory stimulation.

4 & 5 Years Old

Many of the toys we’ve suggested for toddlers will still be great for this age group. But as kids get older, they start to enjoy more complex activities like colouring and drawing. That’s why we love the Crocodile Creek Coloring Stickers and the 4M KidzMaker Dinosaur Rub Art Studio.

They also start to enjoy role-playing, so the Schleich figures are fantastic for sparking their imagination. Whether it’s the Schleich Horse Club Mia & Spotty or the Schleich Outback Adventures, these toys are perfect for creating stories on the go.

The Janod Magnetic books are also great for creating unlimited stories, and the box makes them easy to carry. 

For something educational, the School Zone Flash Cards (like Go Fish Alphabet, Picture Words, and Animals of All Kinds) are budget-friendly, easy to carry, and offer lots of learning on the go! And for a bit of a challenge, the Mobi Zoomi Hexagon Maze is light and has five different mazes, making it ideal for travel.

6 Years Old and Up

Adding to the toys suggested above, older kids often enjoy games they can play independently. We love the Smart Games and the FatBrain Toys Tiltalgo. 

Tonies Boxes

If your little traveller already has a Tonies Starter Set, it’s a fantastic choice for screen-free travel time. With seven hours of playtime on a single charge, it’s perfect for long car trips. Add a Bag to store the box, favourite characters, and maybe the headphones, and you’ll be all set!

Baby & Me Care Tip

When planning for travel, it’s always a great idea to have some new toys on hand to keep kids entertained on the go.

But some kids find it tough to be away from home for a few days. That’s where bringing along something familiar, like a stuffed animal, blanket, or lovey, can make all the difference. Let your child pick out that special item to bring!

Just keep in mind that things can get lost during the hustle and bustle of travel. To avoid any tears (and parental headaches), many of our customers suggest having a backup of their child's all-time favourite item at home. 

Happy travels, and enjoy the adventure with your little one!