Skip to Content

20 Travel Toys For Toddlers in the Car

Sharing is caring!

Long car journeys can be off putting with a toddler in the back – especially if you are the driver with no other adult passenger. Whereas on a plane, you can easily get up and walk about to distract, it’s just that little bit harder when you can’t just pull over for a break. With that in mind, I’ve compiled some of the best travel toys for toddlers in the car. The criteria which helped me decide which ones to try on a family road trip were:

  • Can the toy be reached easily if dropped?
  • Has it got lots of parts to it, which could get lost?
  • How big is it versus how much space I have for travel toys in the car for this trip?
  • Can it be done independently?
  • Is it educational or teach new skills?
  • What age / developmental stage is the activity suitable for?
  • Can I easily have a few spare (eg crayons) in the front if some do get dropped?
  • Is it noisy or will it distract me when driving?
Travel Toys For Toddlers in the Car

AD/Affiliate link. This article may contain affiliate links. Please read more in our disclosure policy here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This guide is full of age appropriate car toys for toddlers, reviewed by either myself on our travels or fellow parents – no matter whether they are just entering the toddler age or an older toddler. From fine motor travel toys to quiet ones to screen free travel toys – we have you covered! Having a range of car activities for toddlers is important as their attention span is limited.

Long road trips with toddlers will still mean several pit stops, but will give you plenty of opportunities to swap over toys, refill any snacks and stretch everyones legs. Car travel with toddlers can be more fun for you too, as they can engage in singalongs or simple I-spy games and have more dexterity for the following road trip activities and toddler toys for the car.

A great tip with toddler travel toys is attach them (whenever possible) to some ring links and attach them to your child’s car seat – that way they can’t be dropped or lost and your toddler can retrieve them by themselves without you needing to pull over on the road.

If you are in a hurry and just want our top picks, below are our favorites. Further on are our detailed guides with reviews and more suggestions to keep toddlers busy on a long road trip!

toddler in a carseat in car
Someone’s excited to be in the car!

Our Favorite Car Toys for Toddlers

Travel Toys For Toddlers in the Car

This guide is full of age appropriate car toys for toddlers, reviewed by either myself on our travels or fellow parents - no matter whether they are just entering the toddler age or an older toddler. From fine motor travel toys to quiet ones to screen free travel toys - we have you covered! Having a range of car activities for toddlers is important as their attention span is limited.

18. Lacing Cards & Boards

Lacing boards provide a compact and educational car trip toy for toddlers to take on the road; they especially help with fine motor skills. car trip toys for toddlers

19. Reading books like Fox’s Socks, Hide and Seek Pig

You may well have an older sibling road trip who will read to your toddler or flap books such as Julia Donaldson ‘Lift the Flap’ series. Fox’s Socks, Hide and Seek Pig etc.  or books with texture can help to make this a quiet, solo activity for your little one too. An audio book could also be great if all passengers don’t mind listening to toddler-friendly stories.

20. Reusable Puffy Sticker Play Set Travel Toy

These reusable puffy stickers sets are great to include as part of your collection of travel activities for toddlers in the car – especially as they can be used again and again. Let kids create transportation adventures again and again! The sturdy background board (with built-in handle!) folds to neatly store it all away.  For prices in an alternative USA store see here and to compare on Amazon see here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my 2 year old entertained in the car?

  • Try some of the above activities and toys
  • Bring plenty of road trip snacks which they are unlikely to choke on. ( Have a responsible person sit next to them if possible.)
  • Plan stops so they can stretch legs

How else can I entertain my 18 month old in the car?

  • Sing
  • Play i-spy/spot the red car etc

What should I bring my toddler on a long car ride?

Don’t forget:

If you have enjoyed this post and found it useful, here are some ways to get further useful helps and tips!

1. Join our friendly TRAVEL WITH BABIES and TODDLERS Facebook Group herewhich includes lots of ideas & tips for travel with little one, no matter where you live in the world!

2. Click here to sign up for the latest family travel tips, guides and competitions. 

3. FOLLOW Flying With A Baby on the following platforms for EXCLUSIVE content :

4. If you loved the content and want to say thank you, please click here to buy me a virtual coffee

5. Please SHARE this post with your friends. 

 Thank you for your support as always. 

Sharing is caring!

5 + 4 =

5 Secrets to
Flying with a Baby

FREE EMAIL BONUS

Tips to make travel with your child easy and stress-free