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Buckle up and get ready to make travelling with your little one a stress-free experience with our roundup of our top 10 travel toys.
Whether you're jetting off on a family holiday or embarking on a UK road trip, keeping your toddler entertained on the move is essential for a smooth journey.
In this blog, we've handpicked a selection of the best travel toys guaranteed to keep little ones entertained.
Say goodbye to restless hours and hello to hassle-free travels as we discuss the best toys to keep your toddler occupied on the move.
Why It's Good to Have Travel Toys for Your Trip
In today's world, it's easy to let our children spend extra time glued to a kid's tablet, especially during a long flight with the prospect of a cranky toddler.
However, it's essential to balance screen time with other activities.
Bringing along small screen-free travel toys and activities is a good idea for several reasons. Not only do they provide a break from screen stimulation, but they also encourage active engagement and enhance that sense of being on a family adventure.
So, while screens have their place, packing some screen-free fun ensures everyone stays happy and entertained on the journey!
Our 10 Favourite Toddler Travel Toys for Long Trips
Our carefully thought-out list includes some top travel toys like sticker books, lift-the-flap books, pocket-sized tractors, and card games.
Plus, some brilliant free printables from Freddie's Zones – all you need to do is make sure you have some pencils and pens.
#1 Farmyard Donkey Card Game
Suitable for ages: 3 years
During our family holidays, the Farmyard Donkey Card Game became an instant hit with my children when they were younger. Both the kids and us adults had a great time with this classic matching card game.
And the best part? It's small enough to toss in your handbag! Trust me, it's worth every penny for the endless giggles and good times it brings.
#2 Tractor Ted Farm Sticker Book
Suitable for ages: 2 years
Perfect for your next flight or car journey! This gem never fails to be a huge hit, even with youngest tot.
Sure, most of the stickers might end up anywhere, but who cares as long as they're entertained!
Any toddler who loves the farm, farm animals, tractors, and all things countryside will absolutely adore this sticker book. It's a guaranteed winner for keeping little ones engaged and happy on the go!
#3 Tractor Ted Diggers Magic Painting Book
Suitable for ages: 3 years
The Tractor Ted Diggers Magic Painting Book guarantees fun for long journeys – all that's needed is a little water.
It includes 4 pages of Digger fun; simply use the water pen to reveal the hidden colours. And the best part is it's reusable, so the fun continues on the way home, too!
#4 Mini Tractor and Trailer Gift Pack
Suitable for ages: 3 years
These pocket-sized versions of the real thing are excellent for playing with when on the go. Anything from airport floors to tray tables can become a field with a little imagination.
This brilliant set includes Fendt and Claas tractor, a Krampe trailer, a Krone big baler, and a hay loader wagon – and all the pieces are interchangeable.
Made from diecast metal with hard rubber tyres, these toys are durable and offer excellent value for money.
#5 Tractor Ted Big Machines Pairs Game
Suitable for ages: 3 years
This Tractor Ted Pairs Card Game offers plenty of ways to play while you travel, all while helping your little one improve visual recognition and memory. You can match pairs, play snap, test your memory, or find their favourite machine.
Its compact size makes it ideal for tossing in a backpack, and you can play it anywhere – perfect for long journeys.
#6 Ylvi Colouring Book With Pen Set
Suitable for ages: 4 years
What child doesn't get excited by a new colouring book and pens? This set comes with everything you need to while away a few hours: 30 colouring sheets, 7 colouring pens, and a magic pen to create even more colours.
Simply add it to your little travel backpack, and away you go!
#7 Tractor Ted Fun of the Farm Seasons Activity Book
Suitable for ages: 3 years
The perfect-sized, portable Activity Book is brilliant for keeping your little one quietly busy on the go, while also teaching them about all the seasons.
Spring features colouring Bunny Hops, Signs of Spring, and more.
There's matching and counting for Summer, while Autumn and Winter include dot-to-dots, leaf shadow matching, mazes, colouring, and more!
#8 Tray Puzzle Digger (24 Pieces)
Suitable for ages: 2 years
This is a brilliant, sturdy wooden puzzle that comes with a tray, perfect for travelling. It features big, colourful, chunky pieces that fit together easily, all the features needed to avoid frustration!
(The only minor problem is the lack of a lid, so the pieces have to be stored separately in a bag or box.)
#9 Tractor Ted On The Farm Lift The Flap Book
Suitable for ages: 2 years
Young children will love keeping busy lifting the flaps as they turn the pages and follow Tractor Ted around the farm.
It's an easy-to-follow story full of a whole host of favourite farm machines and farm animals to enjoy. Ideal for helping little ones to wind down during a long journey.
#10 Freddie's Zone
Suitable for ages: 2 years
Last but not least, do head to Freddie's Zone, a brilliant boredom-busting resource we created during lockdown, where there are lots of free printables you can add to your travel armoury, like colouring sheets and activity pages.
Just don't forget to pack some pencils.
Our Essentials & Tips for Travelling With a Toddler
From a variety of travel toys to strategies for keeping your toddler entertained, we've got you covered.
Whether you're planning a road trip or braving a flight, these tips will help you navigate the challenges of travelling with a toddler and help you to create unforgettable memories along the way.
Travelling With Your Toddler By Plane
Below, we share five top tips to help make travelling with your toddler by plane a smoother and more enjoyable journey for everyone involved.
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Above all else, take comfort in the knowledge that most of the people on the flight have been in a similar situation at one time or another and that it is only for a few hours.
Travelling With Your Toddler By Car
Below, we share five top tips to help make travelling with your toddler by car a smoother and more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
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By following these tips, you can help make travelling with your toddler by car a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
Travelling With Your Toddler By Train
A train journey with a toddler is very similar to a plane journey, with the exception of ear pressure or carry-on restrictions.
Therefore, similar tips for packing essential items like nappies and a change of clothes, bringing entertainment, and plenty of mess-free snacks and drinks apply to both modes of travel.
We would always recommend reserving your seats too.
Summary: Keeping Your Child Happy With Travel Toys
From classic card games to entertaining sticker books and free printables, we have the perfect travel toys to keep your little one happy while travelling.
Explore our selection of toys and say goodbye to restless hours, and hello to stress-free travels!
FAQs
Should Travel Toys for Toddlers be Stimulating or Calming?
Opting for a mix of both types of toys ensures that toddlers remain occupied while also providing them with opportunities to unwind as needed throughout the trip.
Are Kids' Tablet Games Good When Travelling?
Kids' tablet games can be beneficial when travelling, offering entertainment and educational value. They can keep children engaged during long journeys, helping to pass the time and reduce boredom. However, we believe it's important to also incorporate a mix of off-screen activities for a well-rounded experience.
What Do Toddlers Need for Airplane Travel?
For aeroplane travel, toddlers need essential items such as nappies, wipes, snacks, and drinks to keep them nourished, hydrated and comfortable throughout the flight. Bringing along a change of clothes is also advisable in case of any spills or accidents. To keep them entertained and occupied during the flight, we recommend packing favourite toys, books and an electronic device loaded with a favourite film.
How Do I Prepare My Toddler for a Plane Ride?
To prepare your toddler for a plane ride, involve them in the process by discussing the trip in a positive and reassuring manner. You could even practise aeroplane etiquette, like staying seated and using headphones to introduce them to expected behaviour once onboard.
Kelly-Anne Victor
Hi, I'm Kelly-Anne, proud mum to Henry and Carmen. I lead all things marketing at Farm Toys Online. Alongside Julia, I'm on a mission to rescue kids from screens, focusing on helping parents choose the perfect farm toys that spark imaginative play. My favourite tractor brand is Massey Ferguson, and when it comes to horses, I adore a Welsh Pony!