Keep Your Toddler Entertained on a Family Road Trip with Fun Toys + Helpful Tips
As the family member running this blog not currently living in Montana, but who visits a lot, I’ve become accustomed to 12-hour road trips from Seattle to Billings that started when my oldest was just entering her toddler years. Now my youngest is a toddler and we make the drive several times a year.
Sometimes we stop and spend the night along the way (usually in Missoula), but often we drive straight through. Either way, it’s a long time for my little ones to be sitting in the car. So I’ve become quite proficient at keeping them entertained, because there’s not much worse on a road trip (well, ok, as long as your car doesn’t break down or crash) than a little kid wailing or whining nonstop.
Here are my top tips for keeping your sanity on a road trip with toddlers, starting with the best toys for toddlers to bring on your road trip.
[amalinkspro_table id=”1673″ aff-id=”ondainaci-20″ new-window=”on” nofollow=”on” addtocart=”off” /]
Non-Toy Must-Have Toddler Product for Road Trips
Toys differ depending on your toddler’s personality, and I’m going to get into all of the reasons why I chose the above 15 toddler toys as being the best for a road trip below, but first I want to cover my other must-have item for road tripping with toddlers that’s not a toy.
And that would be a travel potty.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B07D569J73″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D569J73?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”7″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31EC8gYVXeL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4110cxDHHLL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41hG4ttBFDL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412evzfRDHL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Ix0JLmpyL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51z1uCAIlOL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Ix0JLmpyL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/310ccuzFzyL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/310ccuzFzyL.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Easily converts to a folding trainer seat. Contoured seat for your childs comfort~~~Non-slip, durable, and comfortable. Can be used on all toilet seats~~~Comes with 3 super absorbent, leak-proof and easy-to-use disposable liners~~~Suitable for ages 15 months and up to 50lbs when used as a traveling potty~~~Legs lock into place when opened~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on AmazonBuy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”undefined” hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ hide-button-bottom=”0″ hide-price-bottom=”0″ hide-prime-bottom=”0″ button-bottom-text=”Buy on AmazonBuy on Amazon”]Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty Trainer Seat Teal …[/amalinkspro]
I have this Potette and love it. This thing is a lifesaver (or at least a potty-accident saver!) if your kid is no longer in diapers. I’ve even used it before in a pinch! (TMI? haha)
A travel potty like the Potette saves time from having to stop at gas stations. It also can be easily put to use on the side of the road if you’re not near a gas station. Plus, those public restrooms can also be so gross, and if you’ve ever gone into a public restroom with a toddler you know they touch EVERYTHING.
So save your road trip anxiety for traffic jams, blown gaskets, and icy roads, and breath easier with a travel potty — perhaps literally if you avoid smelly accident in the car with the Potette!
And don’t forget to purchase extra liners for it here!
Top 15 Toddler Toys for a Road Trip: Why These Toys Were Picked as the Best
Now for a more in-depth look at why I chose each of the toys in the graph above. My kids have used all these toys, including on road trips. Here’s why they’re the best.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B078KGNGNS” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078KGNGNS?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”My kids love this! We got it as a gift and it has gone in the car with us on every road trip. At home they still play with it by using boxes to make pretend cars and using this as their steering wheel. The wheel really moves!~~~Encourages imaginative play with a traffic light, a signal lever that triggers fun sounds and music; gear shifter that pushes and pulls to introduce opposites.~~~Includes 3 play modes so your little toddler driver can learn in animal, driving, and music mode.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”1″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]VTech Turn and Learn Driver[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”1787000664″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/1787000664?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”Did you know felt sticks to other felt? This makes a felt book with play pieces perfect for a road trip. ~~~The farm animals theme of this one makes it easy to turn into a sing-along activity on your road trip: Sing Old McDonald as your child plays with this for more ways to pass the time on your road trip! ~~~This felt toy comes with 28 pieces and a handy compartment to store them. Inside youll find felt pages with words and 5 different play scenes for reading and imaginative fun.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Farm Animals Soft Felt Play Book[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B07X2TZ1SK” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X2TZ1SK?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”My toddlers love Little People. We have a couple of these fold-up Little People sets, and they are great for road trips. Your toddler can balance it on his or her lap and the pieces are big enough so if they fall, you can easily find them on the floor of the car. Its also great for restaurant and hotel stops. ~~~Comes with 2 baby figures and 3 removable play pieces. Everything stores inside for easy take-along play~~~Toddlers can change the babies diapers, feed them with the bottle, and free play on the soft play mat~~~Push the button to rock the babies in the cozy cradle (Shhh, they’re sleeping)” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy Here” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Fisher-Price Little People Cuddle & Play Nursery Play Set[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B08KY67831″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KY67831?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”1″ link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”I think quiet books like this one are so cool. We have one that my kids like trying to figure out — especially the button! ~~~This Montessori-style toy has 9 different activities that focus on fine motor skills like matching the Velcro colored shapes, practicing on buckle toys, telling time, and other interactive activities for toddlers.~~~Soft and easy to carry while exploring the world, making it great for car and plane activities to help keep children engaged on long journeys, and comes with a zippered bag to store it in. This sensory book is full of real challenges that toddlers can relate to in real life.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]deMoca Quiet Book Montessori Toy for Toddlers[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B01N4984OL” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4984OL?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”My kids LOVE these books and they are so great for toddlers and road trips since they are mess free. You just fill up the pen with water (which you can easily do from a water bottle and voila! Coloring fun is ready to be had. ~~~Each of these coloring with water books is a spiral bound pad that has 4 reusable pages and a refillable water pen that stores in the cover, making it a great take along activity for travel. ~~~The pages are void of color until your child begins scribbling on it with the water pen and then colors magically appear. When it dries, the color fades away again so you can use it over and over. ” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”BUY HERE” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”1″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Melissa & Doug Water Wow Bundle: Farm, Safari & Under The Sea[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00TF805DK” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TF805DK?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”Wikki Stix are so cool and great for road trips. My kids especially like using them to make eyeglasses. 🙂 This Wikki Stix playset has a convenient, bright red carrying case for imaginative play during travel.~~~This package includes 144 Wikki Stix for tons of fun.~~~Includes 12-page activity book of ideas and illustrations. Sure to spark creativity in any child! Also includes two mini play Paks with connect-the-dot activities.~~~Wikki Stix offer clean, quiet, hands-on and engaging play for any occasion — including road trips!~~~This product is made with non-toxic food grade wax and hand knitting yarn.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”1″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Wikki Stix Traveler Playset[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B01B1UTLES” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B1UTLES?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”We have the jungle version of this mat, but I think this one is fun, too, and can be tied in with singing Old McDonald. I especially like how it folds up to store the stuffed animals and can be used at a restaurant or while playing on a hotel room floor (which I always wonder how clean it is!). In the car you can give them the little stuffed animals to play with imaginatively if the mat is too cumbersome for car seats. ~~~Activity play mat/storage bag with farm scene and 9 soft farm friends~~~Mat features bright colors and non-skid backing~~~Durable and easy to clean fabric.~~~Plush figures make crinkling, squeaking, or rattle noises~~~Nurtures early vision, focus, and color awareness; promotes fine motor skills and animal recognition.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Click Here to Buy” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”1″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Melissa & Doug Take-Along Farm Play Mat[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”2764315430″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/2764315430?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”We have a few Magna Doodle toys, but this kind is my kids favorites. They love how the book is attached and shows how to draw different things so they can easily try it on the board.~~~The magnetic drawing board is erasable so toddlers can keep trying out new drawings and scribbles. ~~~A written story accompanies the pictures in the book. ” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”1″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Learning Series[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00LCUS3WY” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LCUS3WY?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”My 3-year-old loves playing with this wooden create-a-bear play set. All the pieces fit into the box and she has a lot of fun giving the bears different emotions. I think she might even like that more than the outfits! ~~~Includes 18 interchangeable pieces.~~~Change the outfit, shoes, and expression for hundreds of combinations!~~~Convenient wooden storage box features a recessed lid to position pieces during play.~~~Promotes hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and emotional awareness.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”1″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Melissa & Doug Bear Dress-Up[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B0038APD2E” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038APD2E?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”When I got my toddler a play laptop like this one, she was so excited! Her older sister also thought it was cool and kept trying to steal it away, haha. They both loved pretending to be mom and dad at work! Its been a hit on car rides and road trips, too. ~~~Tap away in 4 learning modes—ABCs, Messages, Games and Music—and bop along to 16 songs and melodies~~~Send and receive pretend emails, learn letters and animal names, and sing along with 16 songs and melodies” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy Here” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]LeapFrog My Own Leaptop[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”1368002641″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/1368002641?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”I always bring along a couple of these story and CD sets on road trips. Its usually a good way to begin the road trip, and they like looking along with the pictures while they listen to the story via the CD. And I can focus on driving! Or reading my own book in the passenger seat. 😉 ~~~The CD narrates the book word-for-word and also features character voices and sound effects. ~~~Add custom text here~~~Add custom text here~~~Add custom text here” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Disney*Pixar Read-Along Storybook and CD Box Set[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00DZETW52″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DZETW52?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”You might be thinking…wait, this is a baby toy, not a toddler toy. But Ive kept these around for the toddler years and they are great for road trips, especially if youre solo driving. You can clip them to the car seat so you dont lose them on the floor. But what makes it fun for toddler is trying to take pieces apart and put them back together. It keeps them quite entertained! ~~~Held together by a master S-Hook, the 12 colored links have different shapes and textures for extra fun. ” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Manhattan Toy Links-to-Go Car Seat and Stroller Travel Accessory Set[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B01MA68J0O” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA68J0O?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”This line from Crayola is great for road trips. It provides mess-free, colorful fun. Crayola Color Wonder Markers and Paints come out clear unless applied to the matching Color Wonder Paper. So no worries about your adorable little ones coloring all over the car seats and windows!~~~Keep the Color Wonder fun going with an Ocean or Jungle Coloring Set from Crayola (styles vary). Includes 1 Color Wonder Ink Stamp Pad, 4 Stamps, Stamp Holder, 24-Page Blank Color Wonder Book, 3 Sticker Sheets, and 5 Color Wonder Markers.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Activity Set[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00EYTM9IY” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYTM9IY?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”We had a shape sorter we brought along on trips and was great in the car and in hotels, but this one caught my eye as even better because of its soft exterior, which would make packing much easier. This one has a padded case with 2 activity sides, a take-along handle, and 9 textured blocks in 9 colors and various shapes.~~~This toddler shape-sorter toy includes crinkly flaps that have pictures of familiar items above and matching shapes beneath.~~~This toy bag for travel helps toddlers develop sensory, fine motor, and communication skills.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B07VVMKLPZ” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VVMKLPZ?tag=ondainaci-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ associate-id=”” new-window=”1″ addtocart=”0″ nofollow=”1″ sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” stack-imgs=”false” specs=”And of course…you cant go on a road trip without the toddler staple: Crayons! I always like to get some fun new ones for road trips, like these Pearl Crayons that write on both dark and light paper. Grab a pad of construction paper and let them scribble away in the back seat!~~~Pearl crayons combine shine and texture that changes under different light.~~~Draw and doodle on light or dark paper with these pearl-inspired coloring supplies!~~~Conveniently organized in a reusable tuck box.~~~The 24 crayons in pearl colors are double wrapped for extra durability.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″]Crayola Pearl Crayons, Pearlescent Colors, 24Count[/amalinkspro]
Keep Those Toys Organized on Road Trips
One more thing: keep these road trip toys organized! If you don’t want to be constantly reaching into the backseat to retrieve toys off the floor, get a carseat organizer. Here are a few to choose from:
[amalinkspro_table id=”1692″ aff-id=”undefined” new-window=”on” nofollow=”on” addtocart=”off” /]
Best Road Trip Games for Toddlers
If you need something other than toys to pass the time with your toddler on your road trip, here are some fun game ideas.
I Spy
We play this game even on short drives around town! It’s always a hit. “I spy with my little eye…something (say a color or other descriptive word like ‘shiny’).” And then everyone in the car takes turns guessing.
—> No supplies are needed for this, but you can make it more interactive with this I Spy book or card game.
Bingo
I bought some road trip bingo cards while at a gift shop on a road trip and they immediately came in handy and provided lots of entertainment. I would say they’re better for preschoolers and elementary-age kids, but even my toddler has fun sliding the covers back and forth and trying to find things. She just doesn’t quite get the “Bingo” aspect of it yet. 😉
—> Here are the car Bingo cards I have. They have an old-school vibe I remember from my childhood so they’re pretty fun for all ages! 🙂
—> These Melissa & Doug ones are also cute and look are well-suited for toddlers little hands.
Question Cards
If you have two adults in the car, the adult in the passenger seat (or an older kid who’s already reading), can read aloud a pack of question cards for children to spur fun conversations. It’s so fun to hear the answers your kids come up with, too!
—> My mom brought this set along one time and they were a hit.
More Tips for Your Toddler Road Trip
- Leave early in the morning, plan an early lunch break, and then cross your fingers your toddler will nap afterward!
- Look for a park, or if it’s rainy or cold, check if there are any Chuck E Cheeses or McDonalds with play areas along the way.
- Save the iPad or Kindle fire as long as possible. Watching shows on the tablet (or the car TV if you have one) is a great time-passer on road trips and I am all for them, but toddlers will very likely get bored with it — and probably sooner than you’d like! I’ve found if I start the road trip with a show, when they eventually get bored and restless they stay that way even if I then introduce toys or games to play with in the car. But if I wait until we are about to have a road trip toddler mutiny on our hands, then my kids may be already bored and restless, but will suddenly be drawn into the action of the screen since they haven’t watched anything on it yet.
Hopefully these road trip toys, games, and tips for traveling with toddlers will help you out on your next family adventure. Good luck! 😉
P.S. Not sure where to go on your next toddler road trip? Check out this Montana family-friendly road trip idea!
Pin to read again later!
