8 Best Travel Toys for a 2 Year Old That Parents Swear By

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Traveling with a toddler is not for the faint of heart. After my last plane ride with my little one, I told myself I wasn’t going to travel again until she was old enough to push her own suitcase. However, life sometimes has other plans and you find yourself traveling again with a toddler.

So here’s a few of my favorite toys to take with us when we’re traveling with my now-two-year-old. For best results, do not introduce these toys until it’s time to travel. Novelty goes a long way in a toddler’s eyes.

1. Water-Reveal Activity Pad

This is a great, mess-free option when you’re traveling with a toddler. Plus, it’s compact and easily fits in a travel bag and takes up the space of a notepad and pen. The concept is that the special “pen” fills with water and reveals colors as they draw on the special pad.

It’s a great travel tool because it is mess-free, has only two parts, and inspires creativity with your little one. I like the Melissa & Doug activity pad because it’s a great brand, and there are a lot of themes to choose from. My toddler does like to pull out the pen, which can create a small water spill. Still, it’s generally a low-mess and travel friendly option.

2. Mini Magnetic Tiles

Every toddler loves a good magnetic tile set. I like this set because it’s specifically designed with travel in mind with a travel case. Plus, the travel case is iron and serves as a building platform. The open-ended play is more likely to keep your little one engaged for longer.

The downside? Some of the tiles could get lost in transit, and a few of the pieces are a little too small for my comfort. I usually remove the smallest ones. But, it’s a fun toy that comes in a variety of colors. Officially, it’s recommended for ages 3 and up, so supervision may be required.

3. Magnetic Drawing Board

A magnetic drawing board offers a splash of creativity blended with convenience. The beauty, again, lies in its mess-free artistry. Portable and durable, magnetic boards easily slip into travel bags without the fear of spilled crayons.

Magnetic drawing toys were revolutionary when they first came on the market decades ago. For today’s toddlers, it strikes a wonderful balance between old-school charm and modern practicality.

4. Soft Plush Travel Buddy

A soft plush travel buddy is more than just a toy. It’s a comforting friend and emotional anchor for your little one amid the unfamiliar routien of travel. Their cozy embrace provides a tactile softness that reassures and soothes, grounding your toddler when fatigue kicks in.

In a pinch, these toys can also double as a travel pillow. On that note, I’d make sure to choose a plush that is lightweight, compact and machine washable.

5. Take Along Shape Sorter Toy

Shape sorter toys a great developmental toy for litlte ones. The downside? It has a lot of little pieces that have the potential to get lost.

The positives? This version from Melissa & Doug comes in a portable container with take-along handle ands well as crinkly flaps on the other side of the toy, which will keep your tot entertained for longer.

6. LeapFrog Touch

If you’re not afraid of a digital toy yet not ready to hand over your iPad to your toddler, the LeapFrog Touch may be a good solution. The full keyboard has letters A-Z in alphabetical order and has a screen that can be used to look like a laptop or touch screen.

This toy has five learning modes that use ABCs, numbers, music and messages. This interactive toy is recommended for ages 2-5 and comes in green and pink.

7. Busy Book

Busy books can be a great way to keep little ones entertained. They’re like books that have interactive elements, flaps, velcro, peak-a-boo flaps and more. Again, there may be little pieces that might get lost along the way, but for the most part, this travel toy takes up no more space than a traditional book.

8. Tonie Box

The Tonie Box is officially recommended for ages 3 and up, so supervision may be required. However, this toy kept my two-year-old entertained in the car for our entire road trip. Plus, if you’re traveling by air, it is compatable with headphones as well. There are plenty of varieties of “Tonies,” which play songs and tell stories. Your toddler will love being in control of the music for a change.

Overall, if you have a long trip ahead, I can’t promise that you won’t resort to letting them watch a show or two on your iPad. Traveling with a young toddler isn’t always a breeze, but it’s doable when you prepare.

What travel toys do you swear by? Let me know in the comments.

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