Family trips can be magical—new places, new foods, and plenty of bonding time. But let’s be honest: traveling with young children isn’t always smooth sailing. One of the best ways to keep your little ones entertained during long journeys is to pack the right travel toys.

If you’re wondering what toys to take when traveling with kids, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore top-rated travel toys for 1–3-year-olds, break down what makes a toy travel-friendly, and suggest smart options like The Children’s Lab travel toys—especially their compact, sensory-rich play products.

Why Travel Toys Are a Parent’s Lifesaver

When kids are engaged, everyone enjoys the journey more. Whether it’s a road trip, train ride, or flight, boredom can lead to crankiness and stress for parents. The best travel toys for kids are designed to:

• Keep kids occupied for longer periods

• Be lightweight and mess-free

• Require minimal supervision

• Stimulate the senses and encourage learning

Let’s explore the options that check all these boxes.

1. Good Toys for Long Car Rides

If your child gets fussy in the back seat, it’s time to bring out the sensory reinforcements.

Top Picks for Car Travel:

• Playdough Jars: These are soft, safe, and perfect for car trays. Just one or two jars are enough to entertain toddlers for a long time.

• Mini Rainbow Pasta Kits: These textured pasta shapes can be sorted by color, shape, or used in pretend play.

• Travel-Sized Sensory Bins: Add rice or pasta to a small, sealable container with mini scoops or animals.

Pro tip: Avoid anything with tiny loose parts or items that need batteries. Instead, go for reusable toys that provide open-ended play.

2. Best Travel Toys for Flights

Flights can be especially challenging, given the confined space and pressure changes. You’ll want toys that are quiet, easy to pack, and don’t spill.

Our Favorite Flight-Friendly Toys:

• Playdough & Mat Combos: One jar of dough plus a themed laminated mat (like alphabets or animals) = hours of screen-free play.

• Sensory Starter Combo: A mix of mini rainbow rice, dough, and scoops—all compact and self-contained.

• Dough It Sets: Includes dough with shape cutters—perfect for airplane tray tables.

Choose materials that don’t stick, don’t stain, and can be packed away quickly before landing.

3. Travel Toys for Toddlers: What Works Best?

Toddlers need tactile, engaging toys that allow them to explore safely. They often enjoy repetitive actions like rolling, squeezing, scooping, or building.

Must-Have Travel Toys for Toddlers:

• Soft Playdough Jars: Ideal for hand strength and fine motor development.

• Rainbow Rice Mini Kit: Helps with sensory stimulation and hand-eye coordination.

• Mini Scoops or Tongs: Great for practicing grip and coordination using rice or pasta.

These travel toys for toddlers are easy to carry and require no screen, batteries, or elaborate setup—perfect for toddlers aged 1–3.

4. Toys to Take on Vacation

Once you reach your destination, you’ll want toys that can be used indoors and outdoors. Whether it’s a hotel, beach house, or grandparents’ home, sensory play remains a top choice.

Vacation Toy Ideas:

• Themed Dough Mats: Try ocean or nature themes to tie into your vacation location.

• Rainbow Pasta + Container: Pour, scoop, sort—hours of sensory fun.

• Nature Add-Ons: Encourage kids to collect shells, pebbles, or leaves and mix them into sensory bins for extra creativity.

These are excellent toys to take on vacation because they promote imaginative, quiet play that doesn't disrupt the setting.

5. Top-Rated Travel Toys for 1–3 Year Olds

If you’re looking for tried-and-tested favorites, here are the best travel toys for little ones on the move:

Every product above is lightweight, non-toxic, and designed for travel.

6. Are Sensory Toys Good for Travel?

Absolutely. In fact, sensory toys good for travel are some of the most effective tools for calming kids and keeping them focused.

Why Sensory Toys Work So Well:

• Engage touch, sight, and movement

• Help calm overactive minds

• Improve focus in noisy environments (like airports)

• Allow independent, imaginative play

From squishing dough to scooping rainbow rice, The Children’s Lab travel toys offer all the sensory benefits in compact packaging.

7. What Makes a Toy Travel-Friendly?

Before packing your child’s playthings, ask yourself:

✅ Is it compact and easy to carry?
✅ Is it mess-free or easy to clean up?
✅ Will it keep my child occupied for at least 20 minutes?
✅ Is it safe and durable for travel conditions?

All of The Children’s Lab’s sensory products—from playdough jars to mini rainbow kits—meet these criteria. That’s why they’ve become a go-to for parents on the move.

 8. Smart Packing Tips for Travel Play

Here’s how to prep your travel activity bag:

• Use a small ziplock or mesh bag for each toy set

• Label bags by activity (e.g., “car ride,” “plane,” “hotel”)

• Bring wet wipes for cleanups

• Only pack 3–4 compact toys—they’ll rotate through them naturally

• Don’t forget a mini play surface (placemat or tray)

This way, you’re prepared without overpacking.

 9. Why Parents Love The Children’s Lab Travel Toys

Busy parents need easy, mess-free solutions. The Children’s Lab offers:

• Non-toxic, handmade dough

• Educational and sensory-rich kits

• Compact packaging ideal for travel

• Products loved by 1–5-year-olds

• Budget-friendly options for return gifts or vacation bundles

They’re safe, imaginative, and totally toddler-approved.

Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Play Better

Traveling with toddlers doesn’t have to be chaotic. The secret is packing thoughtful travel toys that keep kids engaged, stimulated, and happy. Whether it’s a rainbow rice kit, playdough + mat combo, or a mini pasta bin, The Children’s Lab travel toys are practical, portable, and packed with play potential.

So the next time you’re prepping for a trip and wondering what toys to take when traveling with kids, ditch the screens and opt for sensory-powered solutions instead.

Ready to build your travel toy bag? Browse The Children’s Lab now and pick your child’s next favorite toy-on-the-go!