Top 5 Travel Toys for Preschoolers

When traveling with preschoolers, no strategy is foolproof. However, parents can increase the chance of keeping their little tikes content if they keep them occupied, comfortable and well-fed.  Here’s our top 5 picks for toys when traveling with preschoolers:

1.    eeBoo Lacing Cards (Starting at $12, Age 3+)
This Oppenheim Best Toy Award Gold Seal toy contains 5 beautifully illustrated lacing cards help children develop fine motor skills and finger strength. Made with sturdy board and laminated on both sides for extra durability. Holes are cleanly drilled and faux silk threads won't ever unravel.

There are themes that fit the interest of any preschooler: Under the Sea, Things That Go, Musical Friends, More Things That Go, Friendly Bugs, More Friendly Bugs, Fairies of the Field and Children of the World.
               

2.    Magnetic Pattern Block Kit by Melissa & Doug ($16.42, Ages 3+):
Designed for hours of play and ideal for travel, this wooden magnetic board includes 120 colorful geometric magnets.  Younger children will enjoy using the shapes to replicate the 12 geometric pictures included, while older children will enjoy creating mosaic patterns and pictures directly on the magnetic board.  This set comes packaged in a convenient, snap-top, carry case with sturdy handles.


3.    Automoblox Mini 3-Pack T9, S9, C9 ($20.40, Ages 3+)
 
For the car lover in the family, Automoblox are a great car to pack into any toddler boy’s suitcase. Its new mini line, contains a set of 3 cars (Mini Green T9 Truck, Mini Blue S9 Sedan and Mini Red C9 Sports Car) that fits in the palm of your hand. And its universal connector system enables a rapid interchange of parts (let’s build those fine motor skills), further accentuating the fun factor of creating different car styles. The Automoblox Mini line is built to turbo-charge the imaginations of budding car designers and adventurers around the globe.


4.    Bendomino Jr. by Blue Orange Games ($14.99, Ages 3+): 

Are you traveling with more than one child? Here’s a game for 2 to 4 players. Bendomino Jr. is dominoes with a twist. This all wooden game from Blue Orange, recipient of the first Dr. Toy Green Toy Award in 2007, is easy to learn and fun to play. Brightly illustrated animals, flowers, plants and insects take the place of traditional dots. Watch a new pattern being created each time you play as pieces curve and twirl around the table. The curved pieces can also block your opponents if they don't have the bendomino that fits. Bendominoes' original design creates a fun and twisting game that is entertaining for the entire family! Play time: 10 minutes.

5.    Aquadoodle ($14.99, Ages 2+):

I'm always tired of having to deal with stray crayon marks after a long plane ride. The folks at Aquadoodle totally understand my pain and developed this amazing board which lets kids draw with water. No Mess! It's also nice because all the drawing disappear magically and become yet another blank canvas for your preschooler to create on. We never leave home with this.

What are your favorite travel toys for preschoolers? Let us know and we'll add it to the list.

Related Articles:

• 10 Fun Travel Activities for Kids
• Top 10 Toys for Elementary School Kids
• Top Travel Toys for Babies and Infants
• Games on the Go
• Preparing Kids for Travel
• Review of the Cares Safety Harness for Inflight Safety

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