Ah, summer. ‘Tis the season of beach days, ice pops, and family travel. And when it comes to road trips, Amtrak adventures, and airport jaunts, there is only one thing more important than good snacks and noise-canceling headphones: stuff to keep the kids busy.
We’ve rounded up the best travel toys for kids to keep kids of all ages entertained on the go, plus some fun options to enjoy as a family once you’ve reached your final destination, because no matter which super cool resort you spent hours researching, you’ll still suffer through countless complaints of “I’m bored” on even the best vacation. From mess-free fun to compact entertainment, these picks for the best travel toys for kids will help buy you just a few more precious moments of peace on your next kid-infused vacay.
LINKITY
In this word association game, families connect words, boost their vocabulary, and share lots of laughs! The first player says a word starting with a letter on one of their cards. Quickly, the other players play cards that begin a word associated with the original word, like "apple" and "core." The first person to use…
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FLIP 7 SECOND EDITION
Flip over cards one by one without flipping the same number twice. The catch is there’s only one 1 card, two 2 cards, three 3 cards, and so on. The first player to reach 200 points wins the game.
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KANOODLE SUDOQUBE
This colorful, cube-filled brainteaser combines Kanoodle with Sudoku. Players win by arranging pieces into a square without repeating any colors horizontally or vertically.
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TACO CAT GOAT CHEESE PIZZA
Race against other players to slap the pile first when the card matches the spoken word in the "Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza" sequence. It only takes a minute to learn before gameplay can get started, which lasts about 10-15 minutes.
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FIVE CROWNS TRAVEL CASE
This portable card game has everything you need to play Five Crowns, a unique spin on the classic game of rummy with rotating wild cards and a fifth suit of stars. Up to seven players can join in on the fun, and the game isn't over 'til the kings go wild!
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NUGLUG COMPLETE SET
This screen-free, portable educational system is designed to stimulate kids' curiosity. It comes with activities including a whiteboard for drawing; alphabet tiles; tangram puzzles; and 3D, magnetic building blocks.
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LITE-BRITE TOUCH MINI
This compact version of the classic toy features 25 light-up buttons in a variety of vibrant colors. Kids create custom works of art or play one of three games.
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WATER WOW! MULTI-ACTIVITY DRAWING SET
The take-along, zip-open case features a built-in drawing board with water-reveal rainbow swirls for free drawing. The set also includes four reusable double-sided activity cards, two stencils, two stamps, and a stamp pad.
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MERMAID GEM WATER BOTTLE CRAFT KIT
Decorate Your Own Mermaid Gem Water Bottle with trendy mermaid-themed gemstones, stickers, and accessories. Each kit comes with 1 aluminum water bottle (holds 20oz/591 mL), 4 mermaid-themed charms, 1 pompom charm, 3 mermaid-themed gemstone sticker sheets, 2 vinyl sticker sheets, and a sparkly wristlet for easy carrying. This is another redesigned version of the gemstone…
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SUNGEMMERS EMOJI POO & LOVE
Kids can DIY their own sparkly sun catchers with more than 1,000 gem stickers. This kit includes two Emoji SunGemmers (Poo and Love), stickers, double-sided mounting tape, and guides. These mess-free craft kits are rainy-day approved and build fine motor skills.
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COLOR WONDER ACTIVITY KITS
Each set includes 27 Color Wonder coloring pages, eight Color Wonder markers, sticker sheets, a storage box, and more. Kids can choose from Bluey (pictured), Gabby’s Dollhouse, and more styles.
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KIDS’ SCOOTER SUITCASE
Kids can push, pull, and scoot Roll Rider around the airport, train station, and more. The scooter folds with ease to fit inside an overhead bin. The two-in-one scooter/suitcase features light-up wheels, an adjustable handlebar, a spacious zippered back compartment, and a front compartment complete with a tablet pocket and carrying sleeve with additional pockets…
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RETRO MAGNADOODLE
This magnetic drawing toy lets kids create fun artwork that erases like magic. Kids can practice spelling, math, play games, and more. It includes two stamps for unique shapes.
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POLLY POCKET CARE BEARS COMPACT
The Care Bears are on the go with this Polly Pocket compact. The compact is a Care Bear head that winks when kids press the nose. Kids can open the compact to reveal Care-a-Lot, where Polly Pocket plays with Cheer Bear and Grumpy Bear.
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SQUISHPILLOW FIRM BED PILLOW
A pillow collection inspired by Squishmallows is here, and it is as comfy as can be. With six different Squishmallows patterns to choose from, this pillow and pillowcase line brings all of the snoozy snuggles.
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LEGO FRIENDS CREATIVE BEACH AND TRAVEL SUITCASE
Build and travel LEGO-style with Aliya, Olly, and Aira the dog. Construct beach fronts, a seaplane, and more, all on island time. The set also comes with stickers to customize the suitcase.
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WHIRLY SQUIGZ
Source: Fat Brain Toys
Source: Fat Brain Toys
Twirl and whirl into a delightful sensory experience! Made with food-grade silicone, this spinner toy suctions to hard surfaces, and feature, smooth, easy-to-hold contours. Keep little ones occupied in the kitchen, the bathroom, and develop their fine motor skills.
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TMNT BIG MOUTH PLAYSETS
The heads of these Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles open to reveal a skate park scene complete with a grind rail, a ramp, a skateboard, and exclusive mini-figures of Raphael and Michelangelo.
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BLOCKABLES
This collection of snap-and-play wooden blocks and felt accessories is easy to grip and ready for young ones to build, stack, and link in every direction.
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B. TOYS MUSICAL DRIVING WHEEL
Preschoolers can engage in imaginative play with this interactive steering wheel toy that features a siren, blinkers, a horn, music and sounds, and more.
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FISHER-PRICE SING & GO PURPLE MONKEY
This plush purple monkey sensory toy attaches to a stroller, baby gym, or diaper bag. Babies can pull and release the clackers to hear sound effects and music, including the “Purple Monkey” song from the Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym.
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STORY PALS
These two-in-one crinkle books offer storytelling fun and cozy cuddles. Each book is also a plush that relates to the story, so kids can engage in tactile and comforting play.
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PLIP KIT
Kids can create patterns, prisms, and sculptures by connecting the flexible arches, sticks, and X-shaped pieces. They can also pull the pieces apart to hear a satisfying popping sound.
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PLAYTAB
Build a unique sensory experience with this modular sensory toy. Grab a board and pop in six of 12 unique, magnetic tiles, which feature fine motor challenges, cause-and-effect discoveries, and more.
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MAGNA-TILES MICROMAGS 26-PIECE TRAVEL SET
MicroMAGS are smaller than normal Magna-Tiles and are perfect for on-the-go building. The metal tin packaging doubles as storage and a building-base.
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HYDROBURSTS
Bounce, squeeze, and hurl these reusable, magnetic, silicon water balloons for a sustainable soaker sensation! Available exclusively at Walmart, Hydrobursts come in three styles: Happy Face, Balloon, and Poop.
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FLAT 2 FAST CARD RACERS
These racers transform from cards to cars with the press of a button, no pull back needed. The vehicles are portable and fit in a pocket or backpack.
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BARREL OF MONKEYS (2024)
Kids can enjoy a refreshed take on the classic skill-linking game. Players take turns creating a link with the 15 redesigned monkeys. The player who makes the longest chain wins the game.
