10 Airplane or Road Trip Toys & Activities Your Baby or Toddler Will Love

Travel… It used to be such a magical word for most of us, but now as moms it can conjure horrifying images of public meltdowns in TSA lines, screaming babies on planes, scary rest-top bathrooms and fifty billion “are we there yets” in the car. While all of these traumatic scenarios are not completely unavoidable, the right preparation can definitely help minimize them.

With my family scattered across the country, I’ve spent a decent amount of time on airplanes and in cars with babies and toddlers. Sophie’s first time on a plane was at about 8 months old. We were on a 4+ hour flight to Texas to see my brother and sis-in-law and I was definitely stressed. The idea of being “stuck” with a potentially cranky baby for hours, being surrounded by strangers is not fun!

Thankfully she was still breastfeeding which definitely helped her sleep for part of the flight and adjust to pressure changes during take off and landing. Aubree was only a month old the first time she flew with her sister and I. She was a total angel baby and slept the whole time.

Today I’m sharing ten fun, inexpensive and screen-free activities and toys that are sure to keep your toddler or baby happy for at least part of the flight or road trip. All of these are available on Amazon Prime which is such a lifesaver. This post contains affiliate links, so I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure here.

First up is this fun Magnetic Drawing Board. It is a new take on the other drawing boards I’ve seen in the past. It definitely would appeal more to older toddlers, but it would be entertaining to play with together and take turns drawing.

These Locking Cars would be fun for a wide range of ages but would especially entertain kids who have good fine motor skills and an attention to detail. They teach counting, matching and can be used as normal toy cars too. I like how they easily connect so you don’t lose one.

Up next is a cute Doodle Board. My daughter Sophie has the same one and loves it and we keep it in the car for longer trips, boring doctors appointments or any time I need her to be entertained but I don’t want to hand her my phone. It’s worth saying I have nothing against kids having screens but I try to both teach and model moderation when it comes to technology. I like drawing on this almost as much as Sophie does and would be great for learning letters and numbers.

These Suction Cup Window Spinners are a game changer! And I truly mean that. They stick easily on airplane windows and tray tables which keeps bored babies busy. I also use them at restaurants to keep little ones happy while waiting for food. We have a couple in our car to stick on the windows in the back seat and they work as a teething toy in a pinch. Seriously, you won’t regret buying these.

Up next is a toy that is more suited to babies. This Silicone Pull-Through Ball Toy can be a teething toy, teaches fine motor skills and cause and effect. My babies love anything like this that they can pull on and chew on too. I love when toys like this are made of silicone because it makes for easy cleaning and holds up well over time. Add a pacifier clip to keep it off the floor and your little one will be entertained for sure.

I rarely go anywhere without one of these Water Wow Coloring Books. They are a simple coloring book that uses water for no mess and the best part is they are completely reusable. Win, win! We have so many of them and Sophie absolutely loves them. If I’m honest I think they are pretty fun too. Just fill the pen with water and your little one can color away, completely mess free.

A random mom I met last year is credited with introducing me to this next toy. Reusable Wax Sculpting Sticks are fun for many different ages but your older toddlers will definitely have a blast building and shaping these. These are the kind of toy that’s perfect to keep in your purse or diaper bag for when you need an activity in a pinch. They take up very little room and are fun for young and old.

As a girl mom I love getting all the girly toys like these Magnetic Dress-Up Dolls. There are other options like astronauts too if that’s more your child’s interest. Yes this does have small parts but the metal tin definitely helps mitigate the potential for lost parts. These are fun both at home and traveling and I will definitely be packing these for Sophie before we fly next.

Similar to the last idea, these Reusable Sticker Books are perfect for kids who like detailed toys. These are the kinds of activities Sophie enjoys on planes and long car rides. Yes we do sometimes lose a few bits and pieces but for the most part she does a great job keeping everything together. There are so many themes and opinions available on Amazon you are sure to find one your toddler will love.

Last but definitely not least are these crazy fun Telescopic Suction Cup Giraffes. I can see both babies and toddlers having so much fun with these, plus they suction onto the airplane tray table so they don’t end up on the floor right away. Sophie and Aubree both love anything Telescoping like this so this toy is perfect for them.

What’s your attitude towards traveling with babies and toddlers? I know some parents throw themselves into it fully and are able to experience the world alongside their family. Although it doesn’t always go smoothly, I feel like when I am fully prepared, traveling with my girls is such a fun experience. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time traveling with your babies, I hope my list gives you some inspiration on what to pack.

Do you have a must-have item you can’t travel without?