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Jennie Monness' Tried-and-True Travel Activities by Age (0-9)

A Childhood Play Expert's Picks for Keeping Kids Engaged on Planes, Trains, and Road Trips

By Jennie Monness

Updated April 13, 2026

When it comes to keeping kids entertained during travel, not all activities are created equal. Some require too many pieces. Some are too messy for tight spaces. Some sound great in theory but fall apart at 30,000 feet.

That's why we asked Jennie Monness—childhood play expert, mom of two, and co-founder of Charmspring and Union Square Play—to share her tried-and-true travel activities. These aren't just products she likes. They're the ones she actually packs, that have survived countless flights, car rides, and layovers with her own kids.

The secret? Choosing activities that match each developmental phase. Babies and toddlers need busy hands. Preschoolers crave imagination and independence. Elementary-aged kids want to create on the go.

Here are Jennie's top picks for each age group—tested, approved, and proven to make travel smoother for everyone.

BABY / TODDLER (0-2 YEARS)

The Busy Hands Phase

At this age, kids are all about sensory exploration and keeping those little hands occupied. The best travel toys are simple, tactile, and nearly indestructible.

Jennie's Top Picks:

Oball Skwish
Lightweight, easy to grip, and endlessly fascinating. Babies can shake it, squeeze it, and explore the colorful beads inside—perfect for tummy time on hotel floors or lap time on planes.

Indestructible Books
Chew-proof, rip-proof, and washable. These books survive drool, drops, and enthusiastic page-turning without falling apart.

Silicone Cupcake Liners
Yes, really. Stack them, nest them, pull them apart. Simple, cheap, and endlessly entertaining for little hands learning to manipulate objects.

Suction Toys
Stick them to airplane tray tables, car windows, or highchair trays. Babies love pulling them off and watching them pop back on.

Montessori Sorter
Sorting, stacking, and problem-solving in one compact toy. Great for developing fine motor skills during downtime.

Suction Spinners
Attach to any smooth surface and watch them spin. Visual stimulation meets tactile exploration.

AGES 3-5

The Imagination and Independence Phase

Preschoolers are ready for more complex play—activities that let them create, imagine, and do things "all by myself." The best travel toys for this age are open-ended and mess-contained.

Jennie's Top Picks:

Travel Magna Tile Set
Magnetic building tiles in a compact travel case. Kids can build towers, houses, and creations without losing pieces.

Aqua Puffs
Water-activated beads that stick together to create shapes and designs. No heat, no mess, just creativity.

Travel Buddha Board
Paint with water—watch the design appear, then disappear as it dries. Mess-free art that can be used over and over.

Monkey Foam
Moldable, reusable foam that never dries out. Squish it, shape it, start over. Perfect for sensory seekers.

Washi Tape
Low-mess, easy-to-tear decorative tape. Kids can create scenes on airplane tray tables, decorate paper, or make collages without glue or scissors.

AGES 6-9

The On-the-Go Creators

Elementary-aged kids want projects they can dive into—activities with a sense of accomplishment. They're ready for challenges, creativity, and making things they can keep.

Jennie's Top Picks:

Kanoodle
Puzzle game with escalating difficulty levels. Keeps kids engaged for long stretches and packs flat.

Bauble Bar Keychain Making Bead Set
Create custom keychains with beads and charms. Satisfying, creative, and results in something they'll actually use.

Jaq Jaq Bird Coloring Book
Reusable coloring book with zero-dust chalk markers. Color, wipe clean, repeat. No paper waste, no marker caps to lose.

Magnetic Memory Set
Classic memory game with magnetic pieces that won't slide around on tray tables or car seats.

Modeling Clay
Air-dry clay for sculpting creations. Kids can make animals, figures, or keepsakes from the trip.

Jennie's Final Tip:

The best travel activities aren't the most expensive or elaborate—they're the ones that match your child's developmental stage and can withstand the chaos of real travel. Pack one or two from each category, rotate them throughout the trip, and save one brand-new option for when things get really challenging.

Because the goal isn't perfection. It's making the journey a little smoother so you can focus on the magic of where you're going.

Jennie Monness

Jennie Monness is a parenting voice, podcast host, and content creator whose work reaches thousands of families through social media and her podcast We Didn’t Turn Out Ok. On her channels, Jennie shares honest reflections, tools, and research-backed practices that help parents reframe challenges, deepen connection, and support their children with more empathy and confidence. She is also the Co-Founder of Charmspring, a developmental children’s brand designed to bring more connection and fun to family life through visual routines, and Union Square Play, a playspace for children aged 0–5 focused on early childhood development, child-led play, and community. Jennie began her career in early childhood development and education 15 years ago after earning her master’s degree in Psychology and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She went on to teach in daycare and preschool settings, became a NY State Certified Early Childhood Teacher, and later served as Education and Center Director of several early learning programs. She is also an Associate in the RIE® Educaring Approach. Jennie lives in New York City with her husband, Matt, and their two daughters, Tess (8) and Nell (6).

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