The toys we always take with us, and the car must-haves that make life less whiny for parents.
We’ve taken a few longer road trips over the past year, most recently being a 9+ hour trip from San Jose to San Diego. I’ve slowly been refining the backpack that houses the toys and games we bring with us while traveling. I thought I’d share in case you’re traveling with little ones this summer.
Not only do all these toys work well in the car, but they are great for restaurants too. Now, most of these items live in a backpack and only come out when we are traveling, in the car, or at a restaurant. The girls stay entertained way longer because everything in here seems new.
The backpack is essential, but can we talk about the real MVP of the trip – these car window shades. Driving down California’s I-5 in the middle of summer, one kid is always going to be baking in the sun. These shades were incredible at cutting the harsh, hot sun while not blocking visibility. The other essential is a car potty which turns any highway off-ramp or country road turnout into a bathroom.
Toys
- Melissa and Doug On the Go ColorBlast, Water Wow, Magic Patterns
- Petit Collage
- Polly Pocket
- Pop fidget toy
- Magnetic drawing board – too big for a backpack but awesome for the car
- Daniel Tiger and Peppa Pig small figures
- Highlights hidden pictures
- 5-minute stories book – a dozen books in one, so you don’t have to haul multiple books to your destination
- Mini whiteboard and pen
- Coloring books and crayons
- Mini playdough
- Amazon Kids Fire, obviously. Everyone needs their fail-safe plan.
Car Essentials
I’d love to know, what are your kid travel essentials?
If anyone lives in the Santa Cruz area Hopes Closet is a resale children’s store in Soquel that has many of these items and more on hand for car or (as one mom shopped today) train travel essentials. Thanks throughaviatorsunglasses.com for the great ideas!! Happy summer trails!
I want to come to visit your store – I heard there is such great stuff!
We had the exact same concept only our backpack was hot pink because that’s what Julia wanted 😂