Travelling with toddlers can be both exciting and exhausting—but having the right activities on hand can make the journey smoother for everyone. Whether you're heading on a road trip, flying interstate, or simply going out for a meal, keeping your little one engaged (and tantrum-free) is all about preparation. Here are our favourite travel-friendly activities for toddlers that are fun, mess-free, and easy to pack.
1. Reusable Watercolour Painting Books
These no-mess books are a lifesaver on the go. Just add water to the pen and let your toddler reveal vibrant colours with each brushstroke. Once dry, the pages return to blank and can be used again and again. Compact, lightweight, and screen-free—perfect for travel!
2. Magnetic Building Tiles
Bring a small set of magnetic building tiles to encourage creativity during downtime. Kids can build mini towers, shapes, or patterns on tray tables or the car seat. They're quiet, engaging, and great for open-ended play.
3. Sticker Activity Books
Stickers are magic for toddlers. Choose reusable vinyl sticker books or puffy sticker sets so your child can reposition them and play again and again. Bonus: they help build fine motor skills!
4. Busy Boards or Fidget Toys
Interactive busy boards with zippers, buttons, and latches are tactile and engaging. They're especially handy for plane rides and long car trips. Small fidget spinners, poppers, or squishy toys also work wonders.
5. Mini Puzzles or Matching Cards
Compact puzzles or matching card games can be stored in zip bags and pulled out anytime. Choose themes your toddler loves—animals, vehicles, or food—to keep their interest.
6. Audio Stories or Music
Load up a playlist of toddler-friendly stories or songs and use kid-safe headphones. Audiobooks are a great way to keep little minds engaged without needing a screen.
7. Snack Necklace or Snack Box
Turn snack time into an activity! Use cereal loops to make a wearable snack necklace or pack a variety of textures in a divided snack box to keep little hands and mouths busy.
8. Books with Flaps or Textures
Choose travel-sized board books with lift-the-flap features or touch-and-feel elements. These books keep toddlers curious and entertained with every page.
Travelling with toddlers doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools and toys, you can turn any journey into an opportunity for quiet, creative fun. Check out our top picks for Travel-Friendly Toys to pack in your bag and make every trip smoother!
