These Are the Best Toys to Keep Your Kids Entertained for Hours While You’re Stuck at Home
From mess-free crafts to conveniently-packaged card games, toys that are specifically designed to be travel-friendly can also come in handy when you and your family are spending more time at home than usual. And since it might be a while before you can return to your favorite vacation destinations (although there are some that you can still visit virtually), we found several travel-themed toys that will keep your kids occupied and entertained in the meantime.
Related: More at-home entertainment
Keep reading for our picks of toys that will entertain your kids at home now — and on the road once your family is traveling again.
Crayola City Escapes Coloring Book
From road trips to plane rides to an afternoon on the couch, a coloring book will be sure to keep your kids entertained. This version from Crayola features cityscapes of New York, San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, and more, which will help your family look forward to future travel.
To buy: target.com, $7
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Fashion Angels Friendship Bracelet Craft Kit
For crafty kids, this kit includes everything you need to make more than 12 friendship bracelets. Plus, the container doubles as a water bottle that you can use long after you've completed the project.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $15
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Melissa & Doug Alphabet Wooden Lacing Cards
For kids ages three and up, this set of lacing cards, which comes with its own storage box, is ideal for practicing the alphabet and fine motor skills.
To buy: target.com, $25
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Crayola Color Wonder Stow & Go Studio
A mess-free coloring set is a helpful companion for long car rides, but it's also perfect for easy, at-home art projects.
To buy: target.com, $10
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Melissa & Doug Travel Memory Game
You don't have to worry about losing necessary pieces with this travel-friendly memory game from Melissa & Doug. The durable and easy-to-use game is perfect for throwing in your bag for entertainment on the go, but it's just as convenient to use at home.
To buy: target.com, $13
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Etch A Sketch Freestyle
This lightweight version of the classic Etch A Sketch will help your child create all kinds of art projects, since it allows for sketching or tracing in rainbow colors.
To buy: target.com, $18
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Brain Quest 1,000 Questions and Answers
Available in varieties for different ages and grade levels, Brain Quest provides fun and challenging trivia that will entertain your kids whether you're at home or on the road.
To buy: staples.com, $13
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Stephen Joseph Shaped Sketch Pad
An activity book that comes with crayons and stickers is an all-inclusive source of entertainment, especially for kids who love arts and crafts.
To buy: macys.com, from $20
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Tile Lock Scrabble
This Scrabble set has a special game board that allows you to lock tiles in place for less mess, making it perfect for travel (or game nights at home with easy clean up).
To buy: macys.com, $20
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Magformers Magnetic Power Magic Rainbow Set
The possibilities are endless with this set of magnetic shapes, which you can build and stack into various structures. Plus, the shapes are easy to disassemble, making them perfect for taking on future trips.
To buy: target.com, $40