Car Activities for Toddlers: Fun Ideas to Keep Your Little Ones Entertained on the Road

Planning a family road trip can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to keeping younger kids entertained during long car rides. With limited space and time, it’s important to have a variety of engaging and mess-free activities on hand to keep them occupied and minimize meltdowns.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered with this epic list of the 50 best car activities for toddlers and kids to do on your next long drive. From favorite toys and interactive games to travel potties and backseat organizers, this comprehensive guide includes everything you need to make your family road trip a success. So, buckle up and get ready to hit the road with confidence!

1. Audio Books

Audio books are a great way to keep your family entertained on long car trips. You can choose to listen to audiobooks through your car’s stereo system or allow your child to listen to them through headphones on their own device. Consider choosing audiobooks that are appropriate for all ages and interests, including your child’s favorite songs. Here are some of the best audiobooks for families to enjoy together.

Audiobook Title	Author
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”	J.K. Rowling
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”	C.S. Lewis
“The Hobbit”	J.R.R. Tolkien
“Matilda”	Roald Dahl
“The Secret Garden”	Frances Hodgson Burnett
“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”	Mark Twain
“Charlotte’s Web”	E.B. White
“The Wind in the Willows”	Kenneth Grahame
“Little House in the Big Woods”	Laura Ingalls Wilder
“The Complete Chronicles of Narnia”	C.S. Lewis

Consider downloading these audiobooks before your next road trip to keep everyone entertained and engaged.

2. Road Trip Games

When traveling with toddlers, it’s important to keep them entertained and engaged. One way to do this is by playing road trip games. Here are some of the best road trip games for toddlers and the whole family:

• I Spy: This classic game is perfect for young children. One person says “I spy something that’s (insert color)” and everyone else tries to guess what it is. The first person to guess correctly gets to go next.

• What color is it?: In this game, someone says a list of things that are the same color, and the toddler has to guess what color it is. For example, “apple, barn, stop sign” would be red.

• Category ABC’s: Choose a category and name something in that category that starts with the letter A. The next person has to name something in that category that starts with B, and so on.

• Name That Tune: Play or sing a few seconds of your toddler’s favorite songs and see if they can guess what song it is.

• Story Starter: Begin a story with a sentence, but don’t finish the sentence. Have your toddler finish the sentence for you, and create a story together.

• License Plate Game: This game is perfect for older kids. Look for license plates from as many different states as you can. Set a goal together to find all 50 states.

• The Sign Alphabet Game: Work as a group to find a word on a sign that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Some words will be easy to spot on road signs, and others will take longer.

• Mad Libs: Find some mad libs online and work together to create a hilarious, unpredictable story! This is great for practicing parts of speech as well.

Consider bringing along some I Spy books or other activity books to keep your toddler entertained during the trip. These games are a great way to pass the time and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

3. Color Wonder Books

If you’re going on a long car trip with your toddler, mess-free coloring books like Color Wonder Books are a must-have. They come with 18 coloring pages and 5 “color wonder markers” that only appear on the pages provided, so you don’t have to worry about your child making a mess on the car seat or airplane. There are many great themes to choose from like Paw Patrol, Baby Shark, Peppa Pig, and more.

Scratch art papers are also great for toddlers because they’re tactile and any design they create will look impressive. The scratch art papers feature bright colors that hide beneath the matte coating. Toddlers can use the wooden stylus to reveal the colors with a simple scratch. It’s a very satisfying activity that will keep them entertained for hours.

Another great option is a dry erase book. It can be used over and over again by simply wiping off the dry erase markers. Kids can practice and learn things like letters and numbers, fine motor skills, counting, and more. Many of the books lie flat, and the pages are wipable so if your child makes a mistake they can simply wipe it away and try again. This is great for developing a growth mindset!

Overall, these activities are great for keeping your toddler entertained during long car trips without making a mess. They promote creativity, fine motor skills, and learning while having fun.

4. Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a fun way to pass the time during your road trip? Try a scavenger hunt! Scavenger hunts are a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged. You can find many road trip scavenger hunt ideas online, such as spotting a police car, traffic cone, cow, train, stop sign, and more. Here is an example scavenger hunt for kids ages 6-10. It’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy!

5. Reusable Stickers

If you’re looking for an activity that can keep your toddler entertained for a long time, reusable sticker books are a great option. These books come with stickers that can be peeled off and placed back on the pages multiple times, making them a fun and mess-free activity for your child. You can find reusable sticker books with a variety of themes, from animals to vehicles to popular characters. Your child can spend hours creating their own scenes and stories with these stickers.

6. Model Magic or Play Dough

If you’re traveling with your toddler, consider packing some Crayola Model Magic or play dough. These are great for keeping your child entertained during long car rides. With play dough tools, older toddlers can level up their formations. We recommend Model Magic for travel because it is less crumbly and messy than regular play dough.

7. Window Clings

Make traveling with your toddler more fun by bringing along some window clings. These removable and reusable stickers can be stuck to the car or airplane windows, providing entertainment for your little one. Choose from a variety of options like jungle animals, butterflies, and more.

8. Screen Time

Don’t feel guilty about allowing your child some screen time during a long road trip. It can help make the journey smoother. Be sure to download their favorite shows and charge the device ahead of time. This can also come in handy during downtime in the hotel room. A portable DVD player can also be a great option for longer trips.

9. Window Crayons

If you’re looking for a fun way to keep your toddler entertained during a long car ride, consider getting them some window crayons. These nontoxic crayons are specially designed to write on glass surfaces without damaging them. Your toddler will love being able to draw on the car windows, and you’ll love that the crayons are easy to wash off once you arrive at your destination. Plus, since they’re nontoxic, you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals.

10. Soft Silicone Darts

These soft silicone darts are perfect for keeping your toddler busy during long car rides. These darts can stick to any surface, and they help kids practice grasping and motor perception. They are also great for older kids.

11. Keep Your Toddler Entertained with Suction Cup Spinner Toys

Suction cup spinner toys are a great way to keep your toddler entertained during long car rides or bath time. These toys are colorful and have interactive buttons and sounds to keep your child engaged. They can be easily attached to a window or other smooth surface using the suction cups. With suction cup spinner toys, your child can have fun while learning and developing fine motor skills.

12. Writing Tablet

Looking for a toy that will keep your toddler entertained during long car rides? Look no further than the LCD Sketch doodle board. This drawing board is perfect for young children who love to scribble and doodle. With no mess and no fuss, it can be used more than 120,000 times just like an endless sheet of paper. Plus, there’s no glare, no radiation, and no blue light, making it a great option for parents who are concerned about their child’s screen time.

13. Fidget Toy Cube

Introducing your 1-2 year olds to a new toy, such as this fidget toy cube, can make all the difference during travel. This compact wooden toy is packed with fun features, including a Fingertip Gyroscope, Spring Bolt, Swutch, Wheel, Screw Cap, Water Tap, plus a Key and Lock.

14. Books

When traveling with toddlers, bringing along a few of their favorite books can be a great way to keep them entertained. Consider checking out some new books from the local library or purchasing a few new ones. Picture board books with texture, lift flap books, and I Spy books are all great options for car rides. For a list of the 100 best books for your baby’s nursery that are also great for your toddler, check out this resource.

15. Magnetic Wooden Blocks

Looking for a fun and engaging toy for your child to play with while on the go? Look no further than these magnetic wooden blocks! These blocks are perfect for airplane travel, as they are the perfect size and won’t topple over easily. Plus, they are high-quality and non-toxic, making them a safe choice for your child. With no small pieces in the set, you can rest easy knowing that your child is playing with a safe and fun toy.

16. Activity Book

Activity books are a great way to keep your toddler entertained during long car trips or flights. They often include puzzles, fun illustrations, and search-the-page activities. You can find a variety of options at the dollar store or online. Consider getting a coloring book too for added entertainment.

17. Magnetic Picture Scenes

Magnetic picture scenes are a great way to keep your toddler entertained on long car rides. These interactive books come with magnets that tell a story, allowing your child to place them on the exciting scene over and over again. We recommend the Funny Face Magnetic Tiles for a fun and engaging experience.

18. Chalk and Chalkboard

Looking for a fun and creative way to switch up your toddler’s drawing and doodling experience? Why not try providing them with a small chalkboard and colored chalk? This is a great way to add a new element to their artistic endeavors and keep them entertained for hours. Plus, it’s easy to clean up and doesn’t require any paper or other materials. Give it a try and see how much fun your toddler can have with just a few simple supplies!

19. Post It Notes

Post-it notes are a great non-toy option for toddlers during car rides or airplane trips. Toddlers can scribble on them and post them all around without damaging anything. They are perfect for keeping your little one entertained while on the go.

20. Painters Tape or Masking Tape

If you’re a veteran parent, you know that masking tape, painter’s tape, or decorative tape can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your toddler busy. Peeling, ripping, and sticking the tape all around them helps them practice their fine motor skills and it’s really fun. Instead of giving the tape directly to your toddler, take it out and pretend you are using it for something very important. You may get some strange looks from the flight attendants and fellow passengers, but then again, they’ve probably encountered stranger things.

21. Baby Wipes

When traveling with toddlers, it’s always a good idea to bring an extra pack of baby wipes. Not only are they useful for cleaning up messes, but they can also be used to play a fun game of “Let’s Clean This Plane!” with your little one. Use the wipes to wipe down the tray table, armrests, and other surfaces on the plane. Your child will love helping you clean and it’s a great way to keep them entertained during the flight. Plus, it’s always good to have extra wipes on hand for any unexpected spills or accidents.

22. Fun N’ Fly Travel Tray

If you’re planning a long road trip with your toddler, the Fun N’ Fly Travel Tray is a must-have. This travel tray features padded side walls to keep travel games and toys from falling off, large buckles to keep it in place, and a bottom base for stability. It’s perfect for snacks, toys, and even serves as an organizer with side pockets and a back pocket for a tablet. The clear top is erasable, making it easy to insert coloring pages and use dry erase markers. You can even erase and start over!

For a DIY version, you can use a magnetic cookie sheet as a hard surface and magnet to keep your toddler’s paper in place. With the Fun N’ Fly Travel Tray, your toddler will stay entertained and organized on long car rides.

23. Snack Spinner

When you’re on a long trip, having a Snack Spinner can be a lifesaver. This handy container has space for several different snacks, making it easy to keep your hunger at bay. The best snacks for a road trip are protein-packed, like string cheese, trail mix, and hard-boiled eggs. With a Snack Spinner, you can keep all your favorite snacks in one place and easily access them whenever you need a quick bite.

24. Kinetic Sand

Kinetic Sand is a moldable material that feels like sand, but without the mess. It is perfect for building and forming things easily, making it great for travel.

25. Erasable Doodle Book

An erasable doodle book is a perfect activity for kids during long car rides. It comes with several pages of drawing pads, color pens for painting and tracing, and blank pages for free drawing. The drawing pencils wipe off easily with a wet cloth, making it reusable. It’s lightweight and can easily fit in a travel backpack.

26. Toy Cars

If your child enjoys playing with toy cars, make sure to pack a few for your travels. They can be a great source of entertainment for your child during long flights or car rides. To make playing with toy cars easier, bring along a cookie sheet to provide a hard surface for your child to play on.

27. Lacing Cards

Lacing cards are a fun and effective way to improve your child’s fine motor skills. These cards come in different themes and designs, making them engaging for kids. The wooden animal cards are durable and come with laces, which allows your child to practice lacing and sewing skills. Using lacing cards can also help your child develop hand-eye coordination. Some parents even claim that this is the best way to teach kids to tie shoelaces sooner.

28. Figurine Toys

If your child loves dogs, dinosaurs, princesses, or superheroes, consider packing a few small figurine toys for them to play with. These toys can spark their imagination and provide endless entertainment during travel or downtime. Consider bringing a variety of figures to encourage creative play.

29. Small LEGO DUPLO Kit

When traveling with your toddler, consider packing a small LEGO DUPLO kit in a ziplock bag. This will allow your child to build and play with the colorful blocks during your trip. The LEGO DUPLO Classic Deluxe Brick Box is a great option to get started and comes with its own storage tub, car, and two people. Another option is the LEGO DUPLO Classic Heart Box, which contains a couple of eye bricks and a propeller. These kits are perfect for encouraging creativity and imagination while on the go.

30. Wikki Stix

Wikki Stix are a pliable fidget toy that is perfect for toddlers to play with during road trips. These sticks are made of waxed yarn that sticks to smooth surfaces with very light pressure and can be stuck together to create endless designs. Wikki Stix are safe, non-toxic, and made in the USA. They are a fun and creative way for your toddler to stay entertained during long car rides.

31. Koosh Ball

Remember playing with Koosh Balls when you were younger? These soft, colorful balls are part fidget toy and part ball, making them perfect for catching and squeezing. They’re a fun addition to any car ride and can keep both kids and adults entertained.

32. Quiet Book

If you’re looking for a toy that encourages quiet play and helps your child develop fine motor skills, consider a Montessori-inspired Quiet Book. This interactive cloth book has padded handles and a zipper, and it’s filled with activities that promote color recognition, counting, matching, telling time, and more. Your child can practice buttoning, buckling, and other skills without worrying about losing any parts.

33. Triangular Crayons

You know the frustration of regular crayons rolling off the tray table. Triangular crayons are a genius solution to this problem. They stay put and are easier for little hands to grip.

34. Pop-It

Pop-Its are small, handheld fidget toys that are perfect for keeping your toddler entertained during long car rides or flights. They are especially effective if your child has never seen one before. Pop-Its come in a variety of shapes and colors and are loved by children of all ages.

35. Water Wow Books

Water Wow Books are a great addition to your toddler’s travel bag. These books are mess-free and allow little kids to paint with water, revealing colors underneath. The best part is that they can be reused again and again! They are perfect for long car rides, flights, or even appointments. Just make sure you have a water source nearby.

36. Travel Journal

If you have older children, encourage them to keep a travel journal. They can record what your family does each day, funny things that happened, and other observations. They can even tape moments from the trip inside, creating a wonderful keepsake.

Best Apps for Travel with Toddler

When you’re traveling with a toddler, keeping them entertained can be a challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of apps available to help keep your little ones happy and engaged. From educational games to interactive stories, here are some of the best apps for travel with kids and toddlers:

36. PBS Kids

The PBS KIDS Game App is a great option for parents looking for an educational app for their child. With hundreds of games based on popular shows like “Daniel Tiger” and “Wild Kratts”, this app helps build STEM skills, social concepts like kindness, imagination, and encourages healthy habits. The interface is safe and kid-friendly, making it easy for your child to navigate. The best part? It’s totally free!

37. 123 Numbers

For younger children who are learning to count and trace numbers, the 123 Numbers – Counting and Tracing app is a great choice. This free app helps children learn the shape of numbers in a tracing game, practice number matching, and has a fill-in-the-blank activity for older kids. The app is bright and colorful, and there are no third-party ads or in-app purchases.

38. Nick Junior

The Nick Jr. App is home to popular shows like PAW Patrol, Shimmer and Shine, and Peppa Pig. Kids can watch full episodes, play educational and interactive games, and more. The audio and interface are easy for your child to navigate, making it a great choice for young children.

39. World of Peppa Pig

If your child is a fan of Peppa Pig, the World of Peppa Pig app is a must-have. This app has an easy-to-navigate menu with age-appropriate activities, puzzles, and videos that will keep your child entertained for hours.

40. Fun For Toddlers

Fun For Toddlers is a great app for parents looking for a variety of activities to keep their child entertained. This app includes 15 jigsaw puzzles, 15 games, and hundreds of fun animations and sound effects.

41. Lego Duplo World

For kids who love building and creating, the Lego Duplo World app is a great choice. This app lets toddlers explore Lego Duplo scenes, discover how everything works, and build structures using 3D bricks.

42. Breathe Think Do with Sesame

Breathe Think Do with Sesame is a resource app that helps teach skills like problem-solving, self-control, planning, and task persistence. This app is a great way to help your child learn important life skills while keeping them entertained.

43. Dr. Seuss Treasury

The Dr. Seuss Treasury app features 50 classic Dr. Seuss titles that will have your child laughing and reading along. This app is a great way to introduce your child to the world of Dr. Seuss and foster a love of reading.

44. My Town

The My Town app series lets kids build their own city, dollhouse, farm, and more with characters and dress-up games. This app is a great way to encourage creativity and imagination in your child.

45. ABC Animal Toddler

The ABC Animal Toddler app is an award-winning app that lets kids trace letters, count numbers, connect the dots, play with alphabet flashcards, and more. This app is a great way to help your child learn important early literacy and math skills.

46. Baby Games: Bubble Pop

Bubble Pop is a great game to pass the time on a long flight or car ride. This app will catch the attention span of kids of all ages and is a great way to keep your child entertained.

47. Disney Coloring World

The Disney Coloring World app lets kids meet all their favorite Disney characters and choose from brushes, crayons, markers, and magic tools to bring them to life. Once a character has been colored and decorated, it turns into a sticker that can be played with in magical 3D sticker books.

48. Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets

Kids will have a great time designing their own pet pals, bathing and feeding them, and taking them on adventures through fairy tale castles, jungles, and winter wonderlands with the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets app.

49. ABC Mouse

ABC Mouse is an award-winning learning program that covers reading, math, art, music, and more for kids ages 2 and up. Created by educators, it has thousands of learning activities, and it’s free for 30 days.

50. Starfall

Starfall is an app for preschoolers and up with phonics and math games, sing-alongs, an interactive calendar, nursery rhymes, and more. This app is a great way to introduce your child to important early

Best Tips for Family Travel

Traveling with kids can be a daunting task, but with some preparation and a positive attitude, it can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Here are some tips to help make your family travel smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Pack plenty of snacks.

One of the best ways to keep your kids happy during a trip is to pack plenty of snacks. Hunger can quickly turn into crankiness, so having a variety of healthy snacks and beverages on hand can help keep them satiated and hydrated. Some healthy snacks that travel well include string cheese, fruit, carrot and celery sticks, yogurt tubes, trail mix, and hard-boiled eggs. Make sure to also pack some special treats to make the trip extra special.

2. Set realistic expectations.

Travel days can be unpredictable, so it’s important to set realistic expectations. A meltdown is likely to happen, and things won’t go 100% smoothly. Jet lag can also be a factor. Knowing this ahead of time and expecting the unexpected can help you stay calm. Plan ahead and allow for extra time to deal with any unexpected situations.

3. Move around.

Being in a confined space for a long time can be tough for anyone, especially a busy toddler. Encourage your kids to move around a little bit by taking breaks every couple of hours. This could mean walking up and down the airplane aisle or stopping off at a gas station or rest stop. Getting energy out is key to avoiding emotional meltdowns.

4. Let them discover the toy.

Rather than presenting your kids with toy after toy, try to let them discover the toy on their own. Set the toy out somewhere casually for them to find it, or begin using it yourself until they try to steal it from you. This can make the toy more exciting and keep them entertained for longer.

5. Screens can be a lifesaver.

Long car trips or flights can be tough for everyone, but screen time like movies and video games can be a lifesaver. Don’t feel guilty if your child has a little more screen time than usual during the trip. Just make sure to take breaks and encourage other activities as well.

By following these tips, you can help make your family travel experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Remember to plan ahead, take breaks, and keep a positive attitude. Happy travels!

What are some of your favorite tips for traveling with kids? Share with us in the comments below.

Car Activities for Toddlers: Keeping Your Little Ones Entertained on the Go

Traveling with toddlers can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to long car rides. However, with a little bit of planning and creativity, you can keep your little ones entertained and happy during your next road trip. Here are some fun and easy car activities for toddlers that you can try:

Coloring Books and Crayons

Coloring books and crayons are a classic way to keep toddlers entertained on the go. Pack a few coloring books and a box of crayons in your travel bag, and your little ones can spend hours coloring their favorite characters and scenes.

Water Wow Books

Water Wow Books are another great option for car activities for toddlers. These books come with a special pen that uses water to reveal hidden pictures and colors. They’re mess-free and reusable, making them a convenient choice for parents on the go.

Travel Trays

Travel trays are a must-have for parents traveling with toddlers. These trays provide a flat surface for your little ones to play, eat, and color on. They also come with raised sides to keep toys and snacks from falling off the tray.

Magnetic Drawing Pads

Magnetic drawing pads are a fun and mess-free way for toddlers to draw and create. These pads come with a magnetic pen that allows your little ones to draw and erase as many times as they want.

Snacks and Drinks

Snacks and drinks are a must-have for any road trip with toddlers. Pack some healthy snacks like fruit, crackers, and cheese, along with plenty of water and juice boxes to keep your little ones hydrated and happy.

Sing-Along Songs

Singing along to your little ones’ favorite songs is a great way to keep them entertained on the go. Pack a playlist of their favorite tunes, or sing some classic nursery rhymes to keep them engaged and happy.

Books on Tape

Books on tape are a great way to keep toddlers entertained and engaged during long car rides. Pack some of their favorite stories on tape or download them onto your phone or tablet for easy listening.

Conclusion

Traveling with toddlers doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With a little bit of planning and some creativity, you can keep your little ones entertained and happy during your next road trip. Try some of these fun and easy car activities for toddlers to make your next trip a success.