25 Must-Have Travel Games and Toys for Entertaining Kids Anywhere
- Jess Barrera
- Aug 20
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Traveling with kids can be magical—new places, new foods, new adventures. But let’s be honest: long flights, road trips, and hotel downtime can test everyone’s patience. That’s why having the best travel games for kids and a few carefully chosen toys in your bag can make all the difference.
The key is finding screen-free activities for travel that are compact, lightweight, and engaging across different ages. Whether you’re trying to keep little ones busy on a plane, help older kids focus during long drives, or give everyone a quiet moment in a hotel, these 25 travel-friendly toys are our family’s go-to picks.
1. Seek-and-Find Books
Books like Where’s Waldo, Dinosaurs Seek and Find, and Richard Scarry’s Super Silly Seek and Find are classics for a reason. Kids love the challenge of spotting characters, and it keeps them engaged far longer than flipping through a regular picture book.
These are perfect for airplanes, airport downtime, or quiet moments in your hotel. Best of all, they’re slim and don’t take up much space in your bag, making them one of the easiest “must-pack” items.
👉 Shop Seek-and-Find Books: We love Where's Waldo, Dinosaurs, and Richard Scarry's Super Silly Seek and Find!
2. Magnetic Building Tiles
These colorful tiles are like Legos but flat, lightweight, and easy to pack in a pouch. They work perfectly on airplane tray tables, and kids can build towers, houses, or even little sculptures while traveling.
Since they’re magnetic, the pieces stick together, which means fewer lost bits under airplane seats. They’re also fun for siblings to share and can keep kids entertained for long stretches of time.
3. Small Dinosaurs + Foldable Play Mat
A handful of small toy dinos plus a foldable mat makes for instant imaginative play anywhere. We love the sets that come in metal tins (think lunch box size)—tiny but endlessly fun.
These are especially useful in restaurants or during layovers. While adults chat or handle logistics, kids can dive into their world of pretend play without needing much space.
4. Card Games for Families
Family card games like Sleeping Queens, Uno, and Kids’ Charades are perfect for ages 4 and up. They don’t take up much room, and the rules are simple enough that kids can jump right in.
Card games are great for airplanes, hotel nights, or even playing at a café while waiting for meals. Plus, they’re a fun way to sneak in learning—colors, numbers, and strategy all in one.
👉 Shop Travel Card Games: Our favorites are Sleeping Queens and Kids’ Charades!
5. Mini Puzzles and Coloring Kits
Pocket-sized puzzles or small coloring books are ideal quiet-time activities. For coloring, stick with crayons or colored pencils—no need to risk markers in small spaces.
These activities are especially helpful during downtime at hotels or vacation rentals. They’re also great for calming kids during transitions when they need a familiar, soothing activity.
👉 Shop Travel Kits such as Mini Puzzles and Coloring Books!
6. Travel-Sized Play-Doh
Yes, it’s possible to bring Play-Doh on the go! Mini tubs with a couple of small molds are perfect for travel. Just stick to a few colors to keep it simple.
Play-Doh is fantastic for sensory play, especially during long waits or rainy mornings at your destination. Since it’s soft and moldable, it helps kids burn off creative energy without needing much else.
👉 Shop Travel Play-Doh Sets
7. Stickers + Sticker Books
Sticker books are one of the easiest wins for travel days. They require no setup, make zero mess, and can entertain kids of all ages.
You can find themed sticker books (animals, trucks, princesses, or nature) to match your child’s interests. They’re especially handy for airplanes and restaurants when you need quiet, contained entertainment.
8. Comfort Essentials: Stuffed Animal + Blanket
Not exactly a toy, but absolutely essential. A familiar stuffed animal and a soft blanket help kids feel safe and cozy during travel.
Having these items can make naps on the plane easier and bedtime at your destination smoother. Don’t underestimate the power of comfort items to keep kids calm during big transitions.
9. Travel Etch A Sketch, Doodle Board, or Pixel Art
A reusable doodle board or magnetic drawing pad is a perfect alternative to paper and crayons. Kids can draw, erase, and start over again endlessly. Pixel art boards develop critical thinking skills and hand-eye coordination.
These boards are lightweight, mess-free, and ideal for creative kids who need something quiet during flights or long car rides. They’re also easy to slip into a backpack.
10. Fidget Toys + Sensory Kits
Pop-its, squishy balls, and tangle toys are tiny but mighty. They give restless hands something to do and are especially helpful for kids with lots of energy.
They’re quiet enough for airplanes and small enough to fit in a pocket. Clip a pop-it keychain to your child’s backpack for instant access during travel. We buy in bulk or multiples to ensure we have toys on hand in the car, camper, and my purse for traveling or while at restaurants.
👉 Shop Travel Fidget Toys & Our Favorite Sensory Fidget Toy!
11. Lego Travel Kit
Lego is always a hit, but lugging a whole set isn’t practical. Instead, pack a small tin with a few mini figures or pick up a Lego travel case designed for kids on the go.
This gives kids a creative outlet while keeping pieces contained. Perfect for hotel play or airport layovers when you have a little table to spread out on.
12. Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Books
These reusable “painting” books are genius. Kids fill the water pen and “paint” to reveal colors, then the pages dry and can be used again.
No mess, no spills, and hours of quiet fun—perfect for airplanes or quiet mornings on vacation. These are a must-pack item for preschool and elementary-aged kids.
13. Travel Bingo or Scavenger Hunt Cards
Make road trips or long waits more fun with travel bingo. Kids can mark off things like stop signs, animals, or license plates as they spot them.
This turns travel into a game and keeps kids engaged with their surroundings instead of zoning out. It’s educational and entertaining at the same time.
👉 Shop Travel Bingo Sets & Scavenger Hunt Cards
14. Story Cubes
These small dice have pictures instead of numbers. Roll them, and kids create a story based on the images.
It’s a fun way to spark creativity and imagination. Story cubes work well for family play on planes, trains, or at night before bed.
👉 Shop Story Cubes Classic or Adventure!
15. Magnetic Dress-Up Dolls or Animals
These flat, magnetic sets let kids swap outfits or accessories on a little board. They’re lightweight and contained in a slim tin or pouch.
Perfect for kids who love pretend play without needing bulky dolls or lots of accessories. Great for hotel rooms and flights alike.
16. Wikki Stix or Pipe Cleaners
These bendy sticks can be twisted into shapes, letters, or animals. They’re reusable and completely mess-free.
They’re great for restaurants, airplanes, and hotel play. Younger kids love the sensory aspect, while older kids enjoy crafting creations.
17. Mini Play Figures (Like Paw Patrol or Polly Pocket)
Compact sets of favorite characters come in their own little cases. Paw Patrol pups or Polly Pocket houses make great imaginative play options.
They’re portable, fun, and familiar—perfect when kids want to bring “friends” along without taking up too much space!
👉 Shop Paw Patrol & Polly Pocket Travel Play Figures
18. Travel-Sized Board Games
Magnetic mini versions of classic board games like Connect 4, Guess Who, or Battleship are fantastic for family play on the go, so the pieces don’t slide around during travel.
Older kids will love the challenge, and it’s a great way for parents to join in too. These are compact enough to slip into a backpack. They’re especially fun for rainy days or evenings in a hotel or rental house.
19. Puzzle Cubes (Rubik’s Cubes, Twist Puzzles)
Older kids love brain teasers like Rubik’s cubes, snake puzzles, or twist mazes. They’re small, durable, and endlessly replayable.
These are ideal for ages 7+ who like challenges and need something engaging without a screen.
20. Felt Play Sets
Felt boards with cutout pieces are great for storytelling and quiet play. The pieces stick without glue, so no mess.
These are lightweight and flat—easy to tuck into a backpack. They’re especially nice for younger kids who like hands-on activities.
21. Mini Marble Mazes or Labyrinth Games
Handheld mazes with a little ball to move through pathways are great for focus and fine motor skills.
They’re compact, inexpensive, and perfect for airplanes or restaurants. Kids love the challenge of trying to beat their own time.
22. Magnetic Blocks (Easy to Clean + Stackable)
Magnetic blocks are one of the most versatile best travel games for kids. They click together easily, come in compact sets, and can be wiped down quickly after a day of travel (good-bye, airport germs!).
Kids can create towers, animals, or shapes while developing STEM skills like spatial awareness and engineering. Plus, since they’re stackable and slim, they pack neatly into a small case or pouch.
23. Activity Pads
These fold-out pads combine mazes, dot-to-dots, word searches, and more into one compact book.
They’re ideal for elementary kids who need variety to stay engaged. Great for airplanes or long waits where you want lots of activities in one pack.
24. Art Sets on the Go
For creative kids, a compact art kit is a lifesaver on long flights or rainy afternoons in your hotel. Travel-friendly sets usually include colored pencils, crayons, markers, and a small pad of paper—all neatly packed into a case.
Some are even designed for kids to create their own travel journals or postcards to remember the trip. These sets are also fantastic for keeping siblings entertained at the same time since everyone gets their own supplies.
25. Busy Boards
Busy boards are a sensory play dream—packed with zippers, buttons, latches, and buckles to keep little hands engaged. Travel-sized versions are lightweight, soft, and easy to slip into a backpack.
They’re especially great for toddlers and preschoolers who love exploring how things work. Bonus: busy boards build fine motor skills and problem-solving while feeling like play!
Final Words of Advice
With this list of 25 must-have travel toys and activities, you’ll be ready for flights, road trips, and hotel downtime! The key is to mix it up: a couple of creative toys, one or two comfort items, and a few games the whole family can enjoy.
Remember—you don’t need to bring everything. Rotate 5–6 favorites, and your kids will feel like they have something new to discover each day of your trip.
Have fun on your next adventure!
Jess
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