Whether you’re planning a trip to Disney World or a weekend beach getaway, there’s one thing that typically comes with travel: a long journey by plane, car or train. While it may be tempting to hand over the tablet and let the little ones busy themselves with Ms. Rachel videos or electronic games, it may be worth considering some screen-free options to keep them entertained.
When it comes to screen time, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidelines that are less about fixed time limits and more on the quality of the content and context of the situation. With that said, the AAP still recommends that children under the age of 2 have no screen time. Children ages 2-5 can have about one hour of screen time per day (with a focus on high-quality, educational content).
No matter your mode of transportation, we’ve gathered the best screen-free toys for travel that kids will love based on expert guidance and editor recommendations.
What kinds of screen-free toys are best for traveling?
When it comes to choosing the right toys, Maddie Michalik, toy trend expert at The Toy Association, says it’s all about matching play experiences to the way kids naturally learn, explore and regulate. “Younger children [ages 0-3] often benefit from sensory toys, soft textures, sounds and simple cause-and-effect activities that support fine motor development, comfort and curiosity while also helping soothe overstimulation during busy travel days,” she says. “Older kids [ages 3-5], on the other hand, tend to gravitate toward toys that encourage creativity, problem-solving, building, strategy or imaginative storytelling to keep their minds engaged for longer periods of time.”
You’ll also want to think about your child’s personality and play style. “Some kids love quiet, independent activities like drawing, puzzles or magnetic building sets, while others need more hands-on interaction to stay engaged,” says Michalik. “Choosing age-appropriate toys that align with what a child already enjoys can make a huge difference in how successful they are during a trip because a toy that feels exciting and familiar is much more likely to hold attention when routines are disrupted.”
“Toys, materials or activities that are small, lightweight and less likely to roll off of their lap or tray table are ideal,” adds Michelle Harris, LCSW, MA, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Parenting Pathfinders. “If possible, bringing a toy/material that is new to them or rarely used as novelty can naturally increase a child’s focus and interest during play.”
Screen-free toys for travel under $15
This fun, Bluey-themed ball can bounce, roll around the tray table or simply be held as a furry travel companion. At just four inches tall, it’s the perfect size for even the smallest of hands.
The original version of Guess Who? is a staple at family game nights everywhere. This card version helps take the fun on the road! Put their sleuthing skills to the test by asking “yes” or “no” questions to figure out each others’ mystery character.
You probably had an Etch A Sketch as a kid, and now’s your chance to introduce the new generation to the fun (and sometimes frustrating) toy! “The smaller size fits easily into my stroller and diaper bag,” says senior production manager Becca Delman. “The older two kids enjoy turning the knobs to create designs, then shaking it clean to start all over again.”
“Books and audiobooks are another relaxing and highly engaging choice for kids,” says Amy Dykstra, registered child psychologist and founder of Bluebird Psychology. This Eric Carle classic touches on the story of a hungry caterpillar who transforms into a magnificent butterfly.
Harris encourages parents to bring multiple options for toys when traveling so kids have some variety. Fidget spinners are perfect because they’re compact and kids can’t get enough of them. With three different light modes, they’ll be entertained for a while with these.
There’s not many things kids love more than stickers. This stamper will allow them to sticker everything until their hearts are content. Other characters for the stamper include a dinosaur, a shark and a friendly-looking ice cream cone.
These easy-to-pack sensory balls bring tactile fun and developmental play on the go, giving babies a soothing, engaging way to explore textures, sounds and movement wherever they are, says Michalik.
Instead of having to deal with dozens of crayons and markers and the potential of a mess on the tray table, this water-reveal kit presents a much cleaner option. Kids will love watching the colors magically appear as they glide the wet brush across the paper.
For nighttime flights where kids need to be quiet, these bubble popping fidgets should be on standby. They’re quiet enough to not disturb anyone else and will keep their hands and minds busy for a while. Plus, you can up the ante by making it a game and setting a timer to see how quickly the kids can pop all the bubbles.
For younger kiddos over 12 months, Michalik recommends this sensory board for screen-free travel. PlayTab puts a fresh twist on the classic activity board with mix-and-match, modular sensory tiles that keep little hands busy and encourage fine motor development.
Screen-free toys for travel under $25
This busy board is designed to help little ones develop their motor skills with and ability to identify different emotions. The brand describes it as having a “mix of sensory textures, sliders, flaps and interactive elements designed to encourage quiet, hands-on play.”
While there’s not usually much room to play with toy cars the way they normally would, the plane’s tray table is enough runway space for them to get off to the races. There’s enough in this pack to play solo or share with siblings.
Slime is popular among kids of all ages (even teens) and this Play-Doh scented cloud slime is sure to be a hit. Kids can engage their senses of smell, touch and sight while they pull, mold and mix the slime together. Slime is quiet, mess-free and can keep kids entertained anywhere.
Legos are the perfect screen-free toy for kids who love to create with their hands. Inside the yellow suitcase, they’ll have over 200 colorful bricks, shapes, wheels and eyes to build people, buildings and nearly anything else that comes to mind.
These portable versions of classic games may be a fraction of the size but they’re just as fun for the whole family. “Interactive toys, such as board games or card games, also provide a wonderful opportunity to bond with your child as you travel,” says Dykstra.
Kiddos who love Disney princesses will appreciate this set that features Belle, Ariel, Rapunzel, Tiana and Jasmine. The dolls come with removable clothes that can be mixed and matched and each princess has an accompanying side kick figurine.
Screen-free toys for travel under $100
Older kids looking for more novelty outside of a traditional fidget spinner or pop-it will love these mini magnet balls. They can be transformed into different shapes and pulled apart for extra sensory stimulation.
Customizable charm bracelets have been trending over the past few years and this DIY kit from BaubleBar is the way to go. It has enough materials to make more than 30 bracelets, according to the brand, neatly stored in a glossy box.
Traveling can be overstimulating for kids of any age and having stuffed animals on hand — like this award-winning orangutan — can be soothing. “Noise, pressure changes, fatigue, novel sensory stimuli, multiple transitions, schedule disruptions and unexpected changes are all par for the course, and it can be tricky to navigate,” says Harris. “Sensory or comfort toys like stuffed animals can be helpful for coping with that.”
Instead of listening to music on a tablet or phone, kids can enjoy music on this screen-free device. They can choose from over 1,000 cards filled with music, stories, podcasts and audiobooks. Just be sure to pair it with some kid-friendly headphones so as not to disturb anyone around them.
Frequently asked questions
According to Harris, screen-free toys provide a different type of learning opportunity for kids. “They offer a chance to practice social and emotional skills that screens don’t tend to cultivate as easily,” she explains.
“You can set kids up for success on a plane by offering them toys and materials that (in addition to being age-appropriate and of interest to them) are compact, quiet, open-ended, support their independence, can offer them a sense of control and an outlet for creativity,” says Harris.
“The most suitable types of airplane toys are ones that are easy to pack, compact, quiet and engaging,” says Dykstra. “You want to choose toys that won’t be disruptive to other passengers but are still exciting and fun for your little ones.”
How we chose screen-free toys for travel
Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best screen-free toys for travel based on the guidance provided by the experts we consulted. We also use our own personal experiences with products to make shopping easier for our readers.
Meet the experts
- Maddie Michalik is a toy trend expert at The Toy Association.
- Michelle Harris, LCSW, MA, is a psychotherapist, parenting coach and the founder of Parenting Pathfinders. She is also an adjunct lecturer at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work.
- Amy Dykstra is a registered child psychologist and the founder of Bluebird Psychology in Calgary.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect gift for every kid in your life, including toddlers, tweens, teens and more.
