Top Toys to Pack for a Fun Cruise with Toddlers
Wondering what to bring? Here’s my list of the top toys to pack for a fun cruise with toddlers that will keep your little ones entertained and happy the whole trip!
Packing for a cruise with toddlers doesn’t have to be stressful — in fact, it can be downright fun!
From our experience cruising with a 2-year-old and 3-year-old, we’ve learned that with the right toy selection, you can keep your little ones entertained, learning, and smiling the whole trip.
We’ve chosen toys that not only offer fun but also provide learning opportunities, keeping our kids engaged longer and connecting what they see on the cruise with what they play.
Whether you’re spotting sea life with binoculars or easing impatient moments during dinner with a scavenger hunt, this list is packed with go-to options for a smoother, happier vacation!
Top Toys to Pack for a Fun Cruise with Toddlers
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1. Engaging Toys for Learning and Fun
Binoculars
One of the best toys to bring on a cruise with toddlers, binoculars offer a fun, hands-on way to connect your little ones with their surroundings.
Whether it’s spotting birds on deck or searching for sea life while the ship is sailing, these binoculars will keep your kids entertained while fostering curiosity about the world around them.
A favorite activity on our cruises is the “Spot the Land” game, where we challenge our kids to find the next port as the ship approaches. It’s exciting and gives them a sense of adventure, all while learning about nature and geography.
Pro Tip: Binoculars are also great for watching other boats or enjoying the ocean views. Bringing a pair for each child can avoid sibling rivalry and keep both kids busy during quiet moments.
Travel Journal
A travel journal is more than just a keepsake; it’s a fantastic tool for encouraging toddlers to reflect on their day.
I love sitting down with my kids at the end of the day to talk about their favorite moments—what they saw, what surprised them, and what they loved the most.
This not only helps them develop a sense of gratitude but also strengthens their memory and gives them the vocabulary to express their feelings. It’s an early introduction to journaling that makes reflection a fun and meaningful part of our travels.
Personal Tip: I help guide my kids by asking simple questions like, “What made you laugh today?” or “What was the most colorful thing you saw?” This encourages them to think about their experiences and puts them in a positive, mindful state.
MathLink Cubes
For a toy that’s both educational and engaging, MathLink Cubes are a fantastic choice.
They allow for creative play, while also introducing early math skills like counting and sorting. On a cruise, these cubes double as entertainment during long waits or quiet times in the cabin. My kids can build towers, count their creations, and even compare the number of cubes they each have.
It’s fun that lasts longer because it’s hands-on and keeps them thinking.
Bonus: These cubes are perfect for keeping toddlers occupied during restaurant meals or waiting for shows, providing both entertainment and learning.
2. Handy Toys for Moments of Impatience
Scavenger Hunt Game
Toddlers love exploring, and a scavenger hunt game is the perfect way to channel that energy during times when they might feel impatient, like waiting for meals in the main dining room or during down moments on the ship.
This simple game encourages observation skills and curiosity as they search for various items around them, whether it’s a seagull flying by or a colorful napkin.
Personal Tip: I like to pull out the scavenger hunt game during longer meals in the dining room when service might be slow. It keeps the kids busy while my husband and I can enjoy some much-needed relaxation over dinner.
Sticker Books and DIY Sticker Bracelets
If you’re looking for a mess-free way to keep toddlers busy, sticker books and DIY sticker bracelets are the answer.
Both are great for quiet play in the cabin or while waiting for dinner. My kids love the creative freedom these offer, and the best part is, they can do it all on their own!
Plus, the DIY bracelet activity adds a fun, wearable element that lets them show off their creations after they’re done.
Why It Works: I find these to be lifesavers when I need some time to get ready and need the kids to stay occupied without constant supervision. They can sit quietly, creating their own masterpieces, and it buys me those precious few minutes of peace.
Water Wow Coloring Books
Another fantastic option for mess-free entertainment, these reusable water coloring pads are perfect for toddlers. All they need is water, and they can paint over and over again.
We use them during dinner or even while waiting for an excursion to start. They’re easy to pack, lightweight, and provide creative fun without the risk of markers or crayons ending up all over the cabin walls!
Personal Experience: Water Wow coloring books have been my go-to for quiet times, like when one child wakes up from a nap before the other. They’re reusable, so they last through the whole cruise and keep the kids entertained without any hassle.
3. Versatile Toys for Exploration and Creativity
Magnetic Tiles
These tiles are a big hit with my toddlers because they’re so versatile.
Magnetic tiles allow for open-ended creative play, whether they’re building towers, making shapes, or just figuring out how the magnets work.
These are perfect for moments when we’re in the cabin, giving the kids something engaging and stimulating to do. They also work great on the ship’s metal surfaces, which adds an extra layer of fun as they discover new ways to play.
Personal Tip: Magnetic tiles are particularly useful for when the kids need to entertain themselves for longer stretches, like when I’m unpacking or organizing in the stateroom. The best part? They’re compact and easy to pack, making them ideal for travel.
Pipe Cleaners
These lightweight, easy-to-pack pipe cleaners are a creative toy that provides endless possibilities for imaginative play.
My kids love twisting them into different shapes, animals, or objects. They’re perfect for quiet, calming activities and are especially great for travel because they don’t take up much room.
Why It’s Great: Pipe cleaners are fantastic for road trips too, since they’re soft, safe, and can keep little hands busy while in the car. They also double as a quiet-time activity, perfect for when you need a break or when the kids need to sit quietly in a public space.
Sea Creatures Coloring Book
This ocean-themed coloring book is the perfect way to keep toddlers entertained while tying in with the cruise’s sea life and exploration theme.
My kids love coloring in the different sea creatures they see while cruising, which helps them feel connected to their surroundings.
Personal Tip: I often bring this out during meal times or when the kids need some quiet time. It’s easy to pack and brings a sense of adventure to their creative play.
4. Beach and Pool Toys for Onshore Fun
All-in-One Collapsible Beach Bucket Set
If your cruise includes beach stops or pool time, a collapsible beach bucket set is a must.
This compact set is perfect for playing in the sand and water without taking up much luggage space. My kids absolutely love using the bucket to build sandcastles and gather shells, and because it folds up, it’s incredibly easy to pack and carry.
Personal Tip: I find this bucket set particularly useful for beach excursions. It’s lightweight, but provides hours of fun, keeping the kids engaged and entertained while we enjoy the beach. Plus, since it’s collapsible, it doesn’t take up much room in our beach bag!
Ocean-Themed Busy Book
Keeping with the theme of the cruise, this busy book filled with sea creatures is a great way to tie in the trip’s environment with learning and play.
Whether on the ship or at the beach, the ocean-themed activities inside help the kids feel connected to what they’re seeing during the cruise.
Personal Experience: I love how this book helps the kids get excited about the sea life around them. It makes learning fun while reinforcing the environment we’re exploring, and it’s something we can bring to dinner or use for quiet play in the stateroom.
5. Travel-Friendly and Tech-Savvy Options
Toddler Camera
Giving your toddlers a camera allows them to capture the cruise from their perspective, and it adds a new layer of excitement to the trip.
My kids love taking pictures of everything they find interesting — from the view off the ship to the meals we’re enjoying. It’s a fantastic way to engage them with their surroundings and encourages creativity while we’re traveling.
Personal Tip: I’ve found that having a toddler-friendly camera makes them feel like they’re part of the adventure. Plus, it’s fun to review the pictures later and see the cruise through their eyes. It’s also a great way to keep them entertained during moments when they might feel bored.
Writing Tablet
For tech-savvy toddlers, a lightweight, electronic drawing pad is perfect for keeping them occupied on the go.
Whether we’re waiting for an excursion to start, driving to the port, or relaxing in the cabin, the writing tablet offers endless drawing and doodling opportunities without the mess of paper or crayons. Plus, it’s reusable, which means the fun never stops!
Personal Experience: My kids love drawing on these tablets, and I love how easy they are to pack. They’re perfect for road trips, quiet time in the cabin, or even waiting in line for activities on the ship. It keeps the kids entertained without the need for extra supplies.
6. Handy Extras for Organization
Mesh Zipper Pouches
Keeping toys, games, and small items organized is a must when traveling with toddlers.
These mesh zipper pouches are perfect for storing smaller toys, art supplies, or even snack packs. I like using these pouches to separate different activities, so when we need something quick, I can easily grab the right pouch without rummaging through a big bag of toys.
Pro Tip: Use different-sized pouches to organize everything from sticker books to crayons or pipe cleaners. These are especially useful in the stateroom to keep things tidy and accessible, and they take up virtually no space in your luggage.
Mesh Zipper Pouches
These mesh zipper pouches are perfect for storing smaller toys, art supplies, or even snack packs.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the top toys to pack for a fun cruise with toddlers, you’re all set for smooth sailing and endless fun with your kiddos!
Save this post so you’ll have an easy, go-to packing list for your next cruise!
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