10 Screen-Free Travel Toys Under $20 on Amazon

From the memory-making karaoke moments to the never-ending “are we there yet?,” long trips with kids are fun but have their challenges. While phones and tablets are handy to occupy them along the way, I love finding screen-free travel toys to keep my kids entertained without them, too. 

My 9-year-old daughter and her 5-year-old cousin love their LCD writing tablets for mess-free drawing, while my oldest prefers reading and learning new facts to keep her mind busy on long rides. And one of my good friends always brings this Eric Carle sound book to entertain her toddler in the car. The best part? These 10 travel toys require zero charging, so there’s no fighting over the charging cord—and they’re all under $20. 

Skillmatics Scratch Art Book for Kids

When my youngest was 4, I bought a scratch art book and quickly discovered how well it kept her engaged for long periods. The 8.5 x 8.5-inch Skillmatics Scratch Art Book allows kids to reveal vibrant designs by scratching off the black surface. Five years later, my daughter still enjoys it and takes it on road trips, staying focused for an impressively long time. Choose from fun themes like animals, unicorns and princesses, and dinosaurs. 

PlayMonster Magnetic Personalities Original Wooly Willy

Wooly Willy is a classic that lets kids create silly faces using a magnetic wand to move iron filings. My husband and I feel nostalgic when we see our girls playing with this during road trips—we even get a turn when the other isn’t driving. It’s pocket-sized, mess-free, and an excellent toy for amusing kids during travel. Bonus: It’s only $3 right now.

Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Activity Pad

The Melissa and Doug Water Wow! allows kids to release their artistic side, all while keeping the car clean. Just fill the included pen with water to reveal hidden pictures on the pages, then watch them fade as they dry for endless reuse. Parents editor, Katrina Cossey shared, “My 4-year-old’s favorite travel toy! No mess, and it kept him occupied for hours.” 

With themes like vehicles, fairy tale, sports, and more, there’s a pad to match every child’s interest. Plus, some themes are over 30% off, making them as low as $5. 

World of Eric Carle Turn, Crank, Zoom! A STEM Gear Sound Book

My friends and I (and our kids!) adore everything Eric Carle, the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See, and more. Carle’s Turn, Crank, Zoom! A STEM Gear Sound Book brings his iconic illustrations to life with interactive gears that toddlers can twist and turn. 

“This is perfect for toddlers,” says Allie Lewis, mom of 2. “They love all the fun noises it makes! Cranking and turning the gears in this book is always a win with our littles on road trips.” You can grab this classic for over half-off. 

Coogam Travel Tangram Puzzle

The Coogam Travel Tangram Puzzle is one of my youngest daughter’s favorites. This magnetic puzzle captivates children with its colorful pieces and fun designs they can create on the go. Its small size makes it easy to pack and provides a great challenge for kids, helping them improve problem-solving skills. 

“This is a fun alternative for screens for travel!” one Amazon shopper said. “Smaller pieces so maybe more ideal for those who aren’t toddlers, but the pieces are bright and easy to pick up and place!!” 

V-Opitos Color-Matching Brain Teaser Puzzle 

I recently purchased two of these brain teaser puzzles, and they’ve been a blast for the whole family. We love battling one another to see who can finish the patterns first, and it’s a fun way to improve color recognition and fine motor skills. There are 12 double-sided cards to match the colorful pieces to their corresponding slots.

Tecjoe 2-Pack LCD Writing Tablet

My 9-year-old loves using her LCD writing tablet on long car rides, and I’ll admit, I sneak a turn on it occasionally, too. It was super handy on our most recent hours-long road trip. These 8.5-inch tablets are fantastic for drawing, doodling, or writing; kids can erase their creations at the press of a button to start something new. The set includes two tablets, so there’s no arguing over who uses them. 

Factopia!: Follow the Trail of 400 Facts

This engaging fact book has 400 fascinating tidbits about history, animals, and pop culture. For example, did you know that some butterflies drink turtle tears? (Neither did I.) The trail-style layout connects each fact to the next, keeping kids (and listening adults) interested as they read and learn. 

“It’s a great way to help kids understand the world around them and see the unique ways we are all connected,” shared one reviewer. “But it’s not just for little kids, facts are easy to follow, but diverse enough to be enjoyed by all ages.” 

Educational Insights Hot Dots Sight Words Card Set

I remember using Hot Dots with my girls when they were younger, and it was such a fun way to get them excited about learning. Now, my friends are using them with their littles, and it’s fantastic to see how this interactive tool still captures kids’ attention—even on the road. 

The Educational Insights Hot Dots Sight Words Card Set includes 26 double-sided cards with fun reading games that work with the Hot Dots pen for instant feedback. Allie Lewis, a mom of two, says, “A favorite for my 5-year-old; it’s interactive and tells you if you got the answer correct!”

Haba Busy Board for Toddlers

A toddler busy board is a must to occupy little minds on what feels like a never-ending trip. The Haba Busy Board for Toddlers keeps their hands busy matching the beads to their correct spots while strengthening fine motor skills and color recognition. Parents editor Katrina Cossey said, “We took this busy board on a 10-hour road trip and I was shocked at how busy it kept my 4-year-old.”

With all pieces enclosed under a sturdy acrylic cover, there’s no mess or lost parts. The durable design makes it suitable for travel, car rides, and restaurants.