We Tested Dozens of Travel Toys and These Were the Winners
“How do you even manage flying with two kids?”
“They’re so young, how do you survive a flight with them? Especially an international one?” If I had a dollar for every time someone asked how we manage flights with little ones, or what travel toys we bring to survive them, I’d have enough to book another trip. Kidding. But here’s the truth: flying with babies and toddlers isn’t as impossible as it sounds. The key? Preparation, and the right travel toys.
After dozens of flights with my little ones (Kai and Zyra), I’ve learned that travel toys can completely change the game. Whether you’re on a quick domestic flight or headed overseas, the right travel toys help keep kids entertained, calm, distracted, and content.
Travel toys have helped pass long hours in the air, or in the car, and has given us all a little peace to enjoy a cup of coffee. Over time, we’ve found the ones that actually work and help, not just look good online.
In this post, I’m sharing our most-loved travel toys ( perfect for babies and toddlers), the ones we never travel without, and always recommend to other parents preparing for a trip.
Pro Tip: Individually wrap these toys and let your kiddo open them one at a time. It’ll create some excitement and anticipation (and hopefully obedience haha).
We Tested Dozens of Travel Toys and These Were the Winners
1. Spinner Toy with Suction
Spinner toys with suction are super popular and now I know why. They will keep your kiddo entertained and busy on the plane, in the car, or on the train!
These travel toys are a must-have.
They’re colorful, easy to use, can be suctioned to the windows, and can be safely chewed on for those teething babies!
- Designed for use for ages 10 months to 4 years.
2. Montessori Quiet Book
A Montessori book is a fun way to keep your kiddo busy and help them learn new skills such as:
– how to brush their teeth
– tie shoelaces
– fasten zippers
– remember numbers, shapes, and more.
It also comes with a cute handle for easy carry and has 10 pages full of different activities. Light and small enough to bring in a diaper bag or carry-on.
- Designed for use for ages 2- 3 years and up.
3. An Engaging Book
“Peep inside how the plane works” is one of our favorite travel toys to bring on flights. Yes, books totally count! This picture book is packed with fun, easy-to-understand info about airplanes, from how they fly to what the crew does during the flight. But the best part? There are hidden flaps on every page that are super cool, and build up excitement as you read!
I’ve found that reading interactive books like this to my kids not only keeps them entertained but also helps ease their nerves and curiosity on travel days. It’s such a fun, screen-free way for them to learn about the journey ahead, and one of the few travel toys that holds their attention long enough for me to actually sip my coffee while it’s still hot. There are also similar books for road trips and train rides, which we love adding to our travel toys collection too.
4. Sensory Toys
Pull string sensory toy is a Montessori toy that makes for an even better travel toy! It helps your child’s tactile development, strengthens fine and gross motor skills, and improves hand-eye coordination.
Bright colors assist in stimulating your baby’s vision, captivate the baby’s attention, and promote color learning.
It is BPA free, nontoxic, and phthalate free.
5. Reusable Sticker Books
These reusable sticker books have always been a hit. They’re great as travel toys because they’re mess free, engaging, and kids can rearrange the stickers over and over.
This sparks imagination and keeps them engaged longer than a one-and-done activity. Kai and Z both love these as travel toys.
- Designed for use for ages 2 years and up.
6. Dimple Toys
This dimple toy is another awesome travel toy because it:
- encourages tactile learning
- encourages sensory exploration
- helps kids learn shapes and colors.
Designed for use for ages 1 – 2 years.
7. Baby Einstein Musical Toy
For babies, this baby Einstein take along musical toy is a great option. It has almost 50k 5-star ratings so my kiddos aren’t the only ones that love it. It has 10 melodies and an adjustable volume knob. I wouldn’t bring this on the plane since I try to be considerate of the other pasesngers, but for road trips it’s been great.
- Designed for use for ages 3 months- 36 months.
In Conclusion
I hope whatever toys you decide on will keep your little one entertained and happy during your travels!
For a full list of travel toys we’re loving click here.
My Top Resources for Traveling Like a Pro
As an experienced traveler with over 6 years of booking and planning trips for my family and over 10 years of exploring the world solo, I have curated a list of the most reliable and efficient websites for travel planning.
1. Best deals for Flights, Hotels, and Rental Cars: Expedia.
2. Excursions and Activities: Viator.
3. Free Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass through Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you access to over 1400 airport lounges around the world.
Amazon Storefront Travel Faves
Don’t forget to visit my Amazon storefront, where you’ll find thoughtfully curated selections of travel essentials.
1. Traveling with a Toddler
2. Travel Essentials
3. Airport Outfit Ideas
Read More
Traveling with Toddlers? You might also enjoy these posts.
1. 3 Best Toddler Travel Bed Options to Use After Pack and Play
2. Babyzen YoYo2 Stroller Review and Pros/Cons
3. Is Slumberpod Worth It? Honest Slumberpod Review
4. 10 Proven and Effective Ways to Pop Your Toddlers Ears on a Plane
5. Top 3 Easy Ways to Transport a Car Seat Through the Airport 🌴
Written by: Melanie Suggs
Updated July 30, 2025
Melanie is a nurse, a coffee-lovin’ mama of two, and a frequent flier who has visited 17+ countries, lived overseas in Asia, Europe, and the States, and has taken her toddlers on over 30 international flights and even more domestic ones .
With her extensive experience in flying and traveling with her family, she developed a passion for helping parents travel with ease through tips, suggestions, and reviews on her blogs.
