March Break is almost here, which means road trips, flights, ferry rides, cottage weekends, hotel stays, and plenty of “are we there yet?” moments. The key to smooth travel with kids is simple. Bring toys that are compact, engaging, and easy to pack.
At The Rocking Horse, we’ve rounded up our top eight favourite travel toys that actually keep kids busy. These are tried and true picks that parents come back for year after year.
1. Magna-Tiles
Featured Picks:
Magna-Tiles microMAGS Travel Deluxe
Magna-Tiles microMAGS Travel Spring Garden Set
Magnetic building tiles designed for open ended construction play. The microMAGS travel sets come in compact cases that are perfect for packing in a backpack or carry on.
Magna-Tiles are one of those rare toys that truly grow with your child. Toddlers love stacking and clicking the tiles together. Older kids build towers, castles, animals, and creative 3D designs. The travel cases keep everything contained and organized, which makes them ideal for road trips and hotel rooms.
They are quiet, screen free, and endlessly creative. Whether you have a preschooler or a ten year old, these are always a win.
2. Where’s Waldo Books
Featured Picks:
Where’s Waldo? The Magnificent Mini Boxed Set
Where’s Waldo? Deluxe Edition
Classic search and find books that challenge kids to spot Waldo and dozens of hidden details in busy illustrated scenes.
Where’s Waldo is a true classic. Parents remember these from their own childhood and kids still love them today. They are perfect for ages five to ten and ideal for travel because each page can hold a child’s attention for a long time.
They encourage focus, observation skills, and patience. They are also great for siblings to do together. Long car ride ahead? Hand them a Waldo book and enjoy the quiet.
3. Brainteaser Puzzle Games
Featured Picks:
Educational Insights Kanoodle
SmartGames IQ Stars
Compact logic games where players solve challenges by fitting pieces into specific patterns.
These are all over TikTok right now and kids are obsessed. From age six right up to adults, brainteaser puzzles are addictive in the best way. Kids can follow the puzzle books included or create their own designs for an extra challenge.
They are small enough to toss in a backpack and sturdy enough for travel. Kids can even time themselves to beat their best score. It is hands on problem solving without a screen.
4. Highlights Activity Books
Featured Picks:
Jumbo Book of Amazing Mazes
Space Code Crackers
Travel Games and more
Activity books filled with mazes, puzzles, hidden pictures, word games, and brain challenges.
Highlights has been a favourite for generations. Their activity books are ideal for kids ages six to ten and offer the flexibility parents love. Kids can complete one page at a time or work through several in a row.
They are lightweight, easy to pack, and perfect for airport waits or restaurant stops. A simple pencil and a great activity book can go a long way during March Break travel.
5. Tiger Tribe Colouring Sets
Featured Picks:
Tiger Tribe Scented Colouring Set Fruitie Cutie
Tiger Tribe Neon Colouring Set Outer Space
All in one colouring activity sets packed into a sturdy magnetic box.
Everything is included and contained. High quality markers, stickers, colouring pages, and themed activities all fit neatly inside. The magnetic flap keeps everything secure so nothing spills into your bag.
They are compact, mess friendly, and packed with creative fun. Parents love how organized they are. Kids love the bright colours and fun themes.
6. Brio Take Along Labyrinth
The Brio Take Along Labyrinth is a sealed wooden maze game where players guide a marble through the board by tilting and turning it.
The Brio Labyrinth is a timeless classic and this travel version makes it even better. The board is fully enclosed so there are no lost marbles rolling under car seats. It offers a gentler start for younger players while still challenging coordination and focus.
It is durable, quiet, and endlessly replayable. Perfect for travel because it is self contained and does not require any extra pieces.
7. Mad Libs
Featured Picks:
Super Silly Mad Libs Junior
Mad Libs For the Fans Taylor Swift Edition
Mad Libs are one of the best travel games for families. The Junior version is great for ages five and up. The Taylor Swift edition is perfect for ages eight and up and is a huge hit with fans.
They encourage reading, vocabulary, and lots of laughter. They are interactive and great for group play in the car. It is a simple book that creates unforgettable family moments.
8. MierEdu LCD Doodle Boards
Themes Available:
Bunny
Unicorn
Dinosaur
Thin, lightweight LCD drawing boards with colourful writing and an included stylus. These are one of our favourite low mess travel toys. Kids can draw, write, and doodle, then erase with the press of a button and start again. The screen is bright and fun, and the boards are slim enough to slide into any bag.
Less paper means less clutter in the car. They are perfect for quiet drawing time on the go and ideal for younger children who love to create over and over again.
Planning Your March Break Travel?
The best travel toys are compact, creative, and engaging without being complicated. Whether you are heading out for a long road trip or just spending more time out and about this March Break, these picks are designed to make travel smoother and more fun.
If you are not sure which toy is right for your child, we are always happy to help you choose in store or online. Safe travels and happy playing.