Fun games for kids to play on an airplane or in the car

With holiday travel around the corner, what’s a parent to do when sitting with antsy kids on a flight, in the airport, or even during a car ride? We’ve all been there — it can be an uncomfortable experience to try and calm down your child.
Here are some great toys and games to keep your little one occupied during your trip so you can stay relaxed and stress-free. Some are better suited for hotel downtime, while others can be used as in-flight entertainment.
KidQuest Card Deck – $19.99
This game was invented by a 7 year old and is not only great for kids, but also engaging fun for all members of the family. The deck is separated into eight categories with color-coded questions so kids ages 5 to 12 can ask and answer, fostering learning and interaction.
UpRoar – $8.99
UpRoar requires at least two players and is played by selecting two cards, finding the matching pair of words and being the first to sound them out. The player with the most cards is the winner. Load up on laughs for kids ages 8 and up.
Ruko Smart Robot for Kids – $149.99
This smart robot stands almost 16 inches tall and is a great travel companion for kids, particularly during downtime in the airport (it may be too loud for other passengers on planes). Smart technologies include Bluetooth playback, emoji display and much more for hours of amusement for kids ages 4 to 9.
The Osmo Reading Adventure – $29.99
Keep kids occupied and learning with Osmo’s personalized reading tools. Through iPad-compatible interactive games, kids ages 5 to 7 embark on a reading journey with characters Oliver and Nebula — no WiFi required. The kit includes a wand, four books, the required Osmo base and reflector.
Merriam-Webster’s Word Puzzle Adventures – $12.99
Word puzzles aren’t just for adults! Build your kid’s vocabulary with 100 crosswords, word searches and much more. This 128-page book offers hours of fun for kids ages 6 to 10, while building their vocabulary and helping them learn new facts about the world.
Merriam-Webster’s Activity Mysteries: Follow The Stars! What Happened On Mars – $9.99
This playbook puts kids ages 5 to 9 into the detective role, where they get to solve mysteries and learn about the galaxy. Integrating puzzles, mazes and secret codes, this book asks children to solve a mystery while making space friends along the way. Best of all, a full page of colorful stickers is included.
BYJU’S Learning Kit – $39.97
More than 2,500 activities create a personalized learning experience for children ages 3 to 5, or pre-K. Each kit comes with two reusable workbooks, an Osmo base set for iPads, “Wizpens” and crayons. Users also get a special two-month access to BYJU’S Learning App featuring beloved Disney characters from “Frozen,” “Cars” and more.
Smart Teddy the Talking Bear – $199.95
This super soft and friendly teddy bear is the perfect companion for flight snuggles, and then can be turned back on when you’re on the road. (A “special mode” turns off Bluetooth and WiFi in the air, according to the website.) The bear provides hours of educational fun with lullabies, games and stories for kids ages 3 and up.