As a new mom, it’s intimidating to plan for a vacation plus all the things that come with it. One of the things to consider is travel time to reach your destination, whether in a car with frequent stops or on an airplane. Last year, we flew with our one-year-old on a two-hour flight. But recently, we traveled in the car for 5+ hours with a 2-year-old! I researched all the ways to keep her entertained, maybe learning something new and enjoying our trip. Here are my recommendations for entertaining your toddler while traveling.
Tried and true ways to entertain your toddler while traveling this summer:
Melissa & Doug – On the Go Water Wow!
I love these books! We’ve had a couple on hand for quick trips and other necessary times she needs to be entertained. I picked up a new water one for this trip to keep it interesting and match her new interest in sea life. This 3 pack was also an awesome deal that I couldn’t pass up!
Pro Tip: Make sure you add water to the pen before leaving. Not the end of the world, but adding water in the car was much less fun.
Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Book
I almost didn’t get this because I was worried about the losing the tiny stickers and the details said it was geared to ages 4 to 8. However, after reading the reviews and remembering wise advice from my experienced mom friends, I decided it was worth a try. She loved it and had a blast placing the stickers and talking to her mermaids. I did monitor her while she played with this to make sure she didn’t try to eat any of the stickers.
Busy Board, 20 in 1 Montessori Toys for Toddler, Sensory Board
I scoured Amazon for the best busy board. I wanted one with lots of different options and room to grow with it. I did not give her the letters and numbers in the car but she enjoyed sticking on the shapes. I assumed this would be the winner out of everything, but one of the buckles snapped her and she was over it. Also, I wish that the removable zipper DIY page doubled as a pocket for the letters, numbers and shapes.
Books!
You can never go wrong with books! Rosie is learning her letters and lots of words so this was a good fit for her. I tried to only pack thin, paperback books for easy storing purposes. Plus, this book reminded me of my my favorite game to play in the car.
Writing Tablet Doodle Board
This is a different one than the one that I purchased. I couldn’t get the doodle board that we had to erase so this didn’t last long. I do this this would be perfect and I’d be willing to give it another try in the future. It’s a perfect size to pack in the car and offers creative play!
Travel Flash Cards
I purchased these for our flight last year when she was 16 months. The ring made them great for travel and she loved flipping them and showing me the pictures. I’d recommend these for sure!
Amazon Kids Tablet
During that last home stretch, I gave her some tablet time. I downloaded a couple of things on Disney+ and had a few games ready to go. I just read a post from Taking Cara Babies that I couldn’t agree with more… don’t stress about max screen time. A traveling day is not a normal day. Don’t guilt yourself about giving them a little extra screen time. It’s not a normal day and they will be okay!
Snack Cups
Last but not least, pack all the snacks! Not only does this help keep your toddler from getting hangry but also your driver. 😉 I added to these cups as we went but I found these that would help keep snacks fresh and fold for easy storing when they’re all done. Might have to grab these for the next trip.
Hopefully these tips help with planning for your own family vacation this summer! Let me know what has worked for you in the past or what else you’ll be packing for your summer trip.
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Rosie enjoying a few of the above mentioned travel approved toys!
