Few parenting challenges test your creativity quite like a long road trip with a toddler.
You can only play “Wheels on the Bus” so many times before everyone in the car is ready for a break. While tablets and movies can certainly help, many parents like to have a variety of screen-free activities on hand to keep little ones entertained between snack breaks and naps.
If you’re preparing for a summer road trip, here are some parent-approved toys, activities, and sanity-saving essentials that can help make the miles go by a little faster.
Reusable Sticker Books
Reusable sticker books are a fantastic travel activity for toddlers. Your little ones will have fun placing the stickers in the sticker book over and over again. They’re not too large so they’re easy to pack and there is no mess! You’ll find many brands that offer quite a variety of themes featuring animals, vehicles, princesses, and more.
Color Wonder Books
Coloring without the mess? Yes, please! Crayola’s Color Wonder products use special markers that only work on the designated paper, meaning no accidental artwork on car seats or siblings. Plus, they’re small so they’re easy to pack and transport.
Busy Books
Busy books are designed specifically to keep little hands occupied. They can hold a toddler’s attention surprisingly well during long stretches in the car. Some of them even come with a built-in carrying case, so they’re super easy to transport and keep all the items safely inside. Not only are busy books good for keeping toddlers occupied, they are great for sensory play and learning!
Travel Magna-Tiles
Magnetic toys are excellent travel companions because the pieces stick together rather than ending up all over the back seat of your car. Kids can reuse them and create unique creations over and over again for loads of fun!
Search-and-Find Activities
Toddlers love looking for hidden objects. That’s why search-and-find activities and books are the perfect road trip entertainment. These activities can help pass time while also encouraging observation skills. Books like I Spy, I Spy Dinosaurs, and Where’s Bluey? are sure to make time fly on that long road trip.
Audio Entertainment
Screen-free entertainment can be a lifesaver on long drives. Audiobooks and kids’ podcasts can go a long way with entertaining your kiddos. Pair them with toddler-friendly headphones and enjoy a little peace and quiet. And, who knows, maybe it will even lull your little ones to sleep.
Many libraries offer kids audiobooks on portable playaways you can bring in the car, so be sure to make a trip to your local library before heading out on your trip.
Pop-It Toys and Fidgets
Simple fidget toys often become road trip MVPs. These are especially useful during periods when toddlers simply need something to do with their hands. Fill a small bag with pop-its, fidget spinners, and/or sensory tubes, and you’re all set!
Books (Lots of Books)
Never underestimate the power of a stack of books! Books for toddlers are great because they are often interactive, giving your toddler fun pictures and sensory play at the same time. Look for books like lift-the-flap books, touch-and-feel, and books with pictures and sounds.
Even with the best planning, there will probably be moments when your toddler is bored or cranky. That’s normal. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s making the trip manageable and enjoyable. A mix of activities, snacks, naps, and flexibility will go a long way toward helping everyone arrive with their sanity intact.
