Travel Toys for 6 Year Olds - Compact Fun On the Go

Traveling with a 6-year-old can be a delightful adventure, but keeping them entertained along the way is essential. This page explores engaging, compact fun options designed specifically for young children, ensuring they remain occupied and happy during trips. From creative activities to imaginative play, discover how the right travel-friendly entertainment can make family journeys smoother and more enjoyable. Dive into our suggestions and find inspiration for your next road trip or flight!

Compact Magnetic Checkers for On-the-Go Fun

Our Rank:
Outside Inside Backpack Checkers brings classic gameplay to your travels with its compact, magnetic design. As parents and educators, we cherish tools that encourage strategic thinking and enhance cognitive skills, and this travel-sized set does just that! With its sturdy, magnetic pieces, children can engage in friendly competition while developing their focus and problem-solving abilities, no matter where they are. Perfect for camping trips, road trips, or even a day at the park, it's an exciting way to bond with family while fostering essential learning experiences. 6+ years
Develops skills:
strategic thinking, problem solving, focus, spatial reasoning, social skills, cognitive development
Why we love it:
Compact Magnetic Checkers features sturdy magnetic pieces that make on-the-go play a breeze, turning travel time into fun brain workouts for kids while bonding with family.

Spirograph Travel Art Kit

Our Rank:
Spirograph Travel is the ultimate arts and crafts kit for kids aged 5 and up, ready to inspire creativity wherever your adventures take you! This unique combination of art and mathematics offers endless opportunities for young artists to explore shapes, patterns, and colors. Not only does it foster fine motor skills and coordination, but it also enhances problem-solving abilities as children design their own mesmerizing creations. Compact and vibrant, it’s perfect for travel, making it easy to pack up and dive into artistic fun on the go! 5+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, spatial reasoning, creativity, coordination, pattern recognition
Why we love it:
Spirograph Travel Art Kit's compact design makes it perfect for inspiring creativity on the go, blending art and math for engaging artistic adventures everywhere we go!

Quoridor Mini: Compact Strategic Fun

Our Rank:
Quoridor Mini is the perfect travel-friendly strategy game that packs a punch in fun and learning! We can engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning as we navigate the grid while blocking opponents with clever fence placements. This compact edition is not just about reaching the finish line first; it teaches kids and adults alike how to adapt and strategize in real-time. With its beautiful wooden pieces, Quoridor Mini isn’t just a game; it’s a delightful addition to our family game nights that also encourages brain development and healthy competition. 8+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, problem solving, strategic planning, spatial reasoning, adaptability
Why we love it:
Quoridor Mini is a travel-friendly strategy game with beautiful wooden pieces that turns family game night into an engaging brain workout all while having fun together.

Magical Magnetic Dress Up Fun!

Our Rank:
Stephen Joseph Travel Tin Magnetic Dress Up brings creativity and imagination to life! Packed with 40 unique pieces and two delightful play scenes, this compact tin is perfect for adventure-filled travel days. Parents will love how it encourages fine motor skills, storytelling, and imaginative play, all while keeping the family organized with easy cleanup. Plus, it's an ideal companion for road trips or quiet afternoons at home – fostering creativity wherever you go! 3-8 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, storytelling, imaginative play, creativity, organization
Why we love it:
Magical Magnetic Dress Up Fun! includes 40 unique pieces that spark creativity and keep kids engaged while we revel in easy cleanup after their imaginative adventures.

Portable Electronic Travel Chess Set

Our Rank:
LEXiBOOK Electronic Travel Chess Set offers a fantastic blend of strategy and fun that families can enjoy together, no matter where they are! This compact chess set not only keeps your kids engaged but also helps them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills as they play. With 64 levels of difficulty, it caters to everyone from curious beginners to experienced players, providing a challenge that grows with them. Plus, it knows all the chess rules, helping kids master the game while lighting up their path to becoming more strategic thinkers! 7+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, problem solving, social skills, strategic thinking, patience, concentration
Why we love it:
Portable Electronic Travel Chess Set features 64 levels of difficulty that grow with your child, transforming family game night into a strategic adventure for everyone involved.

Rummikub Travel Tin: Fun Learning Awaits

Our Rank:
Rummikub in Travel Tin is not just a game; it’s a delightful way for our kids to enhance their critical thinking and strategic skills while having a blast! In this classic rummy tile game, players take turns forming numbered runs and groups, making every turn an exciting challenge. We love how easy it is to learn but how many layers of strategy emerge as our little ones develop their decision-making abilities. Perfect for family game nights, this compact set fits easily into our bags, enabling us to take the fun wherever we go! 8+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, strategic skills, decision making, problem solving, social skills, pattern recognition, numeracy
Why we love it:
Rummikub Travel Tin includes a compact design perfect for on-the-go fun, turning family game nights into exciting challenges that boost our kids’ strategic thinking without them even realizing it.

Engaging Road Trip Car Bingo Fun

Our Rank:
Stephen Joseph Car Bingo Around Town is the perfect travel companion for your family vacations! This lively and colorful Bingo game invites kids to spot different sights during road trips, igniting their observational skills and vocabulary as they search for familiar items and places. With easy cleanup and compact design, it’s an excellent way to turn travel time into a fun learning experience. Plus, it’s an ideal gift that fosters critical thinking and cooperative play, making memories that last long after the trip ends! 4-10 years
Develops skills:
observational skills, vocabulary building, critical thinking, cooperative play, problem solving
Why we love it:
Engaging Road Trip Car Bingo Fun is a colorful game that transforms travel time into an exciting learning adventure, sparking curiosity and friendly competition for the whole family.

I SPY Memory Game: Fun Learning Adventure

Our Rank:
I SPY Memory Game Travel Tin is the perfect blend of learning and play for our little ones! As parents, we love how this classic memory matching game draws children in with its vibrant illustrations and familiar I SPY theme. Not only does it keep our kids entertained, but it also sharpens their visual discrimination, memory, and concentration skills through engaging gameplay. Plus, the compact tin makes it a travel-friendly option, ensuring that educational fun is always within reach, whether we're at home or on-the-go! 4+ years
Develops skills:
visual discrimination, memory, concentration, critical thinking, pattern recognition
Why we love it:
I SPY Memory Game: Fun Learning Adventure comes in a compact tin, perfect for keeping our kids engaged while sharpening their memory skills on-the-go!

Scrabble To Go: Engage Young Minds

Our Rank:
Scrabble To Go USA is the ultimate travel companion for word lovers of all ages! Designed with travelers in mind, this compact version of the classic game supports literacy skills and vocabulary building while bringing fun to every road trip or vacation. With its secure tiles and folding gameboard, we can play without worrying about losing our place—even on bumpy rides. So whether we're lounging in a hotel or on a long journey, this game fosters friendly competition and cognitive development, making learning feel like a delight! 8+ years
Develops skills:
literacy skills, vocabulary building, problem solving, critical thinking, social interaction, creativity
Why we love it:
Scrabble To Go features secure tiles and a folding gameboard, making it the perfect way to sneak in learning and fun during our travels without losing our place (or minds).

Shapes Water Reveal Fun with Blue!

Our Rank:
Melissa & Doug Blues Clues & You! Water Wow!! Shapes Water Reveal Travel Book is a delightful way to combine play and learning. As our little ones engage with this water reveal activity pad, they're not just having fun with Blue and friends—they're also practicing essential skills like shape identification and fine motor development. The reusable, magical nature of the pages encourages creativity and exploration while offering a wonderful screen-free experience. Plus, it’s compact and travel-friendly, making it the perfect gift for curious preschoolers as they embark on their exciting learning journeys! 3-5 years
Develops skills:
shape identification, fine motor skills, creativity, exploration, problem solving
Why we love it:
Shapes Water Reveal Fun with Blue! features reusable water reveal pages that make learning shapes a colorful, mess-free adventure—perfect for curious little minds on the go.

Funny Faces Magnetic Play Set Fun!

Our Rank:
Stephen Joseph, Funny Faces 50 pc Magnetic Travel Play Set is a delightful way to spark creativity while having a blast! This game not only entertains but also fosters essential skills like problem-solving, fine motor skills, and imaginative play by allowing kids to mix and match goofy glasses, silly hats, and vibrant hair accessories. Whether we're at home or on a road trip, this compact travel tin makes it easy for families to enjoy endless fun together. We love how it encourages our little ones to express themselves and create silly characters that bring smiles all around! 3+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, imaginative play, problem solving, fine motor skills, spatial awareness, social interaction
Why we love it:
Funny Faces Magnetic Play Set includes 50 colorful pieces that let kids create endless silly characters, turning travel time into laughter-filled moments of imaginative expression.

TMNT Spin Flip Puzzle Challenge

Our Rank:
The TMNT Pizza Time Spin Flip Puzzle is an exciting 3D brain teaser that engages kids and adults alike. This interactive puzzle promotes critical thinking and creativity as players strategize their moves while exploring vibrant TMNT scenes on its double-sided design. Perfectly compact for travel or home entertainment, it’s the ideal gift for fans looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in a fun, immersive way. 6+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, spatial reasoning, strategy
Why we love it:
TMNT Spin Flip Puzzle Challenge features exciting double-sided designs that make puzzling a fun family affair while boosting problem-solving skills and creativity together.

Magnetic Tic Tac Toe for Fun Learning

Our Rank:
Goplay Magnetic Tic Tac Toe turns a classic game into an educational adventure! Not only does it provide endless fun, but it also helps kids develop critical thinking and strategy skills as they plan their moves. The magnetic pieces ensure that the game stays intact even during travel, making it a perfect companion for family road trips or playdates. As parents and educators, we appreciate how this compact set promotes logical reasoning and social interaction in a delightful way. 6 years and up
Develops skills:
critical thinking, strategic planning, social interaction, logical reasoning, travel-friendly learning
Why we love it:
Magnetic Tic Tac Toe features durable pieces that stay put during travel, making strategy and logic a fun family bonding experience wherever you go.

Adorable Learning with Meowchi Fun

Our Rank:
The Aurora® Enchanting Tasty Peach® Strawberry Meowchi Clip-On Stuffed Animal brings a vibrant splash of joy to children's worlds. This delightful plush encourages imaginative play and emotional development as little ones bond with their new furry friend, helping them practice empathy and caring skills. Ideal for busy parents, its compact size makes it a perfect travel companion, ensuring that learning and fun go wherever they go! 12 months and older
Develops skills:
imaginative play, empathy, emotional development, social skills, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Adorable Learning with Meowchi Fun features a vibrant clip-on design that turns every outing into an opportunity for kids to practice caring skills with their new plush companion.

Kanoodle Gravity: Unlock Fun & Learning!

Our Rank:
Kanoodle Gravity is the ultimate brain teaser that transforms puzzle-solving into a thrilling adventure! We love how it strengthens critical thinking and spatial reasoning skills while keeping our kids entertained for hours. With 40 gravity-defying puzzles to explore, it's perfect for solo play or a friendly competition with family and friends. Plus, it’s compact and travel-friendly—a must-have for road trips or family gatherings! 7+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, spatial reasoning, problem solving, patience, creativity, collaboration
Why we love it:
Kanoodle Gravity features 40 gravity-defying puzzles that turn problem-solving into a thrilling adventure, making brain workouts feel like playtime for kids and adults alike!

Farm Animal Fun with Reusable Stickers!

Our Rank:
Melissa & Doug On The Go Make-a-Face Reusable Sticker Pad Travel Toy Activity Book – Farm Animals is the perfect way for little ones to unleash their creativity while enhancing fine motor skills and improving their understanding of farm animals. With 10 playful farm scenes and 76 reusable cling stickers to mix and match, children can enjoy countless hours of imaginative fun as they design funny animal faces again and again! This compact and travel-friendly activity provides not only entertainment but also a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in conversations about animals, colors, and emotions, making it an ideal choice for families on the go. 4+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, creativity, animal recognition, emotional understanding, conversation skills
Why we love it:
Farm Animal Fun with Reusable Stickers! includes 76 reusable cling stickers, allowing kids to mix and match animal faces while sparking joyful conversations about emotions and colors.

Super Mario Hover Shell Strike Fun!

Our Rank:
Super Mario Hover Shell Strike is a fantastic way to combine play and learning for our little ones! This exciting multiplayer game encourages teamwork, coordination, and critical thinking as kids strategize how to outmaneuver their opponents. Watching our children develop their motor skills while having a blast gliding the Koopa Shell across various surfaces is truly a joy. Plus, it’s compact and travel-friendly, making it perfect for playdates or family gatherings! 4+ years
Develops skills:
teamwork, coordination, critical thinking, motor skills, strategy
Why we love it:
Super Mario Hover Shell Strike combines exciting multiplayer gameplay with the joy of gliding Koopa Shells, promoting teamwork and critical thinking while ensuring endless fun at playdates.

Polly Pocket Travel Sandcastle Adventure

Our Rank:
The Polly Pocket Surf ‘n’ Sandventure Playset is a charming compact that opens up to a vibrant beach paradise, inviting children into a world of imaginative play. With its engaging features—like a spinning dolphin, secret clam reveal, and even a shark surprise—this set encourages kids to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they navigate their make-believe beach escapades. Plus, the Polly Stick technology allows little ones to creatively position the dolls anywhere, enhancing fine motor skills and spatial awareness. It's not just fun; it's a gateway to learning through play in the most delightful way! 4+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, spatial awareness, imaginative play, critical thinking
Why we love it:
Polly Pocket Travel Sandcastle Adventure features charming beach elements like a spinning dolphin, transforming imaginative play into a brilliantly engaging learning experience filled with surprises.

Battle of The Boats Magnetic Fun

Our Rank:
The Bendon TS Shure Battle of The Boats Games Mini Magnetic Activity Tin is an exciting way for kids aged 3 and up to dive into playful learning. With illustrated foam magnets, this engaging game encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills as children strategize their moves against each other. Its compact tin makes it perfect for travel, ensuring that educational fun is always at hand, whether at home or on the go. 3+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, problem solving, strategy, social skills, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Battle of The Boats features illustrated foam magnets that turn learning into a strategic game, keeping kids engaged while developing their problem-solving prowess—perfect for travel adventures!

Kanoodle Genius: Ultimate Puzzle Challenge

Our Rank:
Kanoodle Genius is not just a game; it's a fantastic way to engage our minds while having fun! With over 200 brain-teasing challenges, this game helps sharpen critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills in kids and adults alike. Whether we’re enjoying family game night or traveling, this compact 3-D puzzle brings everyone together for hours of learning and laughter. Plus, who can resist that satisfaction of fitting those pieces just right? 8+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, problem solving, spatial reasoning, teamwork, logical reasoning, cognitive skills
Why we love it:
Kanoodle Genius includes over 200 brain-teasing challenges that keep our minds engaged, turning family game night into a riot of laughter and learning.

Creative Fun with Play-Doh Bakery Set

Our Rank:
Play-Doh Little Bakery Playset invites our little chefs to dive into the sweet world of imagination! With this delightful pretend kitchen, kids aged 3 and up build important skills like creativity, fine motor development, and social play as they craft their favorite cakes and cookies. The variety of accessories, including cookie cutters and cupcake molds, allows for endless creative possibilities. Plus, the compact design makes it an ideal travel toy, ensuring the fun can go anywhere! 3+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, fine motor skills, social play, imaginative thinking, problem solving
Why we love it:
Creative Fun with Play-Doh Bakery Set includes a delightful pretend kitchen that sparks imagination while little chefs whip up their favorite treats, making learning deliciously fun!

Spin Flip Puzzle: Barbie Glam Challenge

Our Rank:
Spin Flip Puzzle: Barbie Glam Girls is an interactive and challenging brain teaser that keeps both kids and adults engaged! We love how this puzzle encourages creativity and critical thinking as players strategize their moves while discovering vibrant Barbie scenes. Its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go entertainment, whether at home or during travel. With double-sided imagery offering double the fun, this officially licensed puzzle is a delightful gift for creative minds aged 8 and up! 8+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, spatial reasoning, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Spin Flip Puzzle: Barbie Glam Challenge features double-sided imagery for double the fun, making strategy and creativity come alive, whether at home or on the go.

Ignite Imagination with Chef Magnetic Set

Our Rank:
Mudpuppy I Can Be... A Chef! Magnetic Play Set is a delightful way to spark creativity in our little ones. With over 40 mix and match magnets and beautifully illustrated backgrounds, kids can dive into imaginative culinary adventures while developing fine motor skills and imaginative play. This fun play set not only encourages creativity but also enhances storytelling skills as children engage in pretend play. Plus, its compact storage tin makes it a fantastic travel companion for those busy family outings! 4+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, imaginative play, storytelling, creative expression, problem solving
Why we love it:
Ignite Imagination with Chef Magnetic Set comes with over 40 mix and match magnets, turning mealtime into an adventure where creativity and storytelling simmer together!

Portable Puzzle Fun with Dimension

Our Rank:
The Brain Game to Go is a captivating solo puzzling adventure perfect for curious minds aged 8 and up. As parents and educators, we understand the importance of fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in children, and this game does just that! With over 200 brain-teasers that gradually increase in difficulty, kids engage in hours of challenging fun while developing spatial reasoning and strategic thinking. Compact and travel-friendly, it's an easy choice for keeping young learners engaged on the go! 8+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, problem solving, spatial reasoning, strategic thinking, independent play
Why we love it:
Portable Puzzle Fun with Dimension features over 200 brain-teasers that make learning on the go a delightful challenge, turning travel time into a critical thinking adventure!

Magnetic Fun with Moduloform Magneti'Book

Our Rank:
Janod J02720 Moduloform Magneti'Book transforms playtime into an engaging educational adventure! This innovative tangram-themed magnetic game encourages young learners to develop vital skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and creativity. With 43 colorful magnets and 30 illustrated cards, children can replicate shapes or create their own unique designs. As parents and educators, we know how important it is to foster hands-on learning, and this compact, travel-friendly toy makes it easy to incorporate fun learning activities anywhere! 3+ years
Develops skills:
problem solving, spatial awareness, creativity, fine motor skills, critical thinking, imaginative play
Why we love it:
Magnetic Fun with Moduloform Magneti'Book includes 43 colorful magnets and 30 illustrated cards, making it a portable learning adventure that sparks creativity and sharpens essential skills on the go.

Hive Pocket: Strategic Fun for Two

Our Rank:
Smart Zone Games Hive Pocket Portable Strategic Board Game for 2 Players is a delightful way to engage young minds in critical thinking and strategy! This award-winning game encourages logical reasoning, problem-solving, and social interaction as players navigate their insect armies. With the added thrill of Ladybug and Mosquito expansions, every game feels fresh and exciting, making it perfect for family game nights or travel adventures. Choosing this compact version means fostering creativity and cognitive skills in a fun and interactive way! 8+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, problem solving, social interaction, strategy, logical reasoning, creativity
Why we love it:
Hive Pocket is a portable strategic board game for 2 players that transforms family game nights into thrilling battles of wits, fostering teamwork and cognitive skills in a fun way.

Sticker Wow!™ Fox Fun & Learning

Our Rank:
Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow!™ 24-Page Activity Pad and Sticker Stamper is a delightful way to ignite creativity in our little ones! Featuring Pepper the Fox and 300 woodland-themed stickers, this engaging pad provides countless opportunities for hands-on learning. As our kids stamp, match, count, and participate in search-and-find games, they not only enjoy endless fun but also develop essential fine motor skills and focus. Perfect for travel and quiet time, this compact toy is a must-have for enriching solo play experiences! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, creativity, focus, counting, matching, problem solving
Why we love it:
Sticker Wow!™ Fox Fun & Learning features 300 woodland-themed stickers that inspire creativity while helping kids develop essential motor skills during fun, engaging activities.

Dive Into Fun with Octopus Puzzle!

Our Rank:
Mudpuppy Pacific Octopus Mini Puzzle is the perfect way to engage your little ones in a hands-on learning experience! As they fit together the 48 vibrant pieces, children will not only enjoy the colorful seascape but also hone their fine motor skills and enhance their problem-solving abilities. The two-sided insert with fun facts about octopuses adds an educational twist, sparking curiosity about marine life. Ideal for travel, this compact puzzle is a fantastic boredom buster, making long trips feel like an adventure! 4+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, spatial reasoning, curiosity, hand-eye coordination
Why we love it:
Dive Into Fun with Octopus Puzzle! features 48 vibrant pieces and fun facts, transforming puzzle time into an educational underwater adventure that sparks curiosity and creativity.

Unicorn Magic Puzzle: Enchanting Learning Fun

Our Rank:
Mudpuppy Unicorn Magic is the perfect puzzle to transport our little ones to a dazzling world of unicorns and rainbows. This 36-piece adventure not only provides hours of engaging play but also helps develop vital skills like problem-solving, fine motor abilities, and spatial awareness. Plus, with its compact design, we can easily take the magic on trips, making it an ideal travel companion. Watching our children connect pieces while sparking their imaginations is a joy that we cherish every time we pull it out! 3+ years
Develops skills:
problem solving, fine motor skills, spatial awareness, critical thinking, creativity
Why we love it:
Unicorn Magic Puzzle features 36 enchanting pieces that turn problem-solving into a whimsical adventure, making family playtime both magical and developmental.

Festive Watercolor Painting Pad

Our Rank:
The Brea Reese Watercolor Painting Pad - Holiday Cheer is the perfect blend of fun and learning for artists of all ages! With 8 beautifully designed color-by-number sheets, children and adults alike can effortlessly explore their creativity and improve their color recognition and fine motor skills. Plus, the inclusion of 4 blank sheets encourages free expression, fostering confidence in artistic abilities while capturing the beauty of the winter season. Whether at home or during holiday travels, this compact paint palette makes unleashing imagination easy and enjoyable! 6+ years
Develops skills:
color recognition, fine motor skills, artistic expression, creativity, cognitive development, focus
Why we love it:
Festive Watercolor Painting Pad includes 8 beautifully designed color-by-number sheets that make unleashing creativity hassle-free while boosting essential skills—perfect for joyful holiday crafting!