Traveling with kids is never easy. If you're stumped on how to entertain your kids on a plane [1] long enough, or searching for travel toys for them in the car [2] so they don't ask you to pull over every 15 minutes, we're here to help. While a tablet preloaded with kid-friendly games and movies tends to be a go-to for many families, it's important to have nontablet toys at your disposal in the event that the battery dies, or you just want to round out their time with something a little more enriching. Here are our top picks.
A Super Cute Maze Puzzle
How adorable is this turtle-shaped Magnetic Wooden Bead Maze Puzzle [3] ($7)?!
This Water Activity Pad
There's no mess and no cleanup when you hand the kids a Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Reusable Color With Water Activity Pad [4] ($15).
These Colorful Magnetic Blocks
A purchase you can feel good about, Tegu Magnetic Blocks' 14-piece Set [5] ($26) is meant to withstand the test of time. Based in Honduras, the company's mission is to positively influence that country's economy while putting out an eco-friendly, beautifully constructed product.
An Easy-Use Camera
Kids aged 4-9 will enjoy staying busy and snapping photos using this VTech Kidzoom Camera [6] ($50). It offers all the tools budding photographers want to use so they can work on their skills throughout the flight.
An Old School Magnatab
The Kid O Free Play Magnatab [7] ($21) is all about imagination!
A Versatile Tablet
Instead of giving your kids your expensive iPad to use, pack their very own tablet [8] ($100), and fill it with their favorite movies, TV episodes, and even ebooks.