1. Older kids (age 12 and up) can try their hand at embroidery with the Kiriki Press starter kit. Perfect for beginners, the kit includes everything needed to get started. The scissors and needles in the kit are small enough to pass TSA restrictions, so kids will have something to keep them busy on the plane and during downtime at Grandma’s house. She might even be able to teach the kids a thing or two. $39
2. The ZoomKIT portable table and activity system is a must-have for traveling families. It fits easily in a car, train, or airplane seat and comes with a box to fit all your child’s favorite toys and activities. Additional inserts can also be purchased, which easily tuck into the lap table; ZoomART is a portable creativity kit perfect for entertaining kids while traveling and ZoomSNACK makes eating on-the-go a breeze. ZoomKIT base $50, inserts $20
3. Flying with kids is more enjoyable with the airplane box from The Idea Box Kids. The box is small enough to fit in any carry-on or purse, and includes 60 simple activities—printed on wood coins—to keep kids (ages three to 10) busy on the plane. Activities are fun for kids and parents alike, and use items that can be found on a plane such as a cup, in-flight magazine, snacks, or napkin. $11-$20
4. Looking for an interactive book to entertain the kids on the road? Labyrinth by Theo Guignard takes readers on a journey through 14 magical places. Using their finger, kids trace their way through intricately designed mazes, with obstacles and things to spot along the way. The mazes get more complex and challenging with every turn of the page, making it a good pick for all ages. $20
5. Kids can doodle the hours away on a long trip with Squiggle! by Kenzo Hayashi. The book features a sketch pad and more than 200 one-line animals to trace and replicate with free-hand drawing. It’s a fun way for young artists to pass the time. $13
6. Paper Punk paper toy figure kits are the perfect compact travel companion. The build-your-own dog kit is great for animal-loving kids and includes everything you need—punch-and-build shapes, stickers, and adhesive dots—to make an adorable paper pet. $10
