Fun and Creative Car Activities for a 1 year old

Are you gearing up for a long road trip with your energetic 1-year-old? I know how challenging it can be to keep a 1-year-old entertained, especially during those long car rides. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back with a ton of car activities for a 1 year old.

In this blog post, I’m going to share some of my favorite car activities that have been a hit with my daughter. From simple DIY ideas to listening to books, I’ve got a whole bunch of ideas to make those drives more relaxing and fun!

Now, I know little kids have short attention spans, so I’ve focused on quick, easy-to-set-up activities that’ll keep your little one giggling and entertained during a car trip. No more crying or boredom on the road – just happy, content babies (and mamas!).

So, pack a big bag with helpful items, download the most popular toddler songs, and get ready to make those car rides fun again!

I gathered some great ideas for car activities for your 1 year old! From budget-friendly DIY ideas, you can find at the dollar store to the most fun toys!

Looking for travel essentials? You can find a lot of them in this post

If you purchase a product with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. View the disclosure for more information.

My favorite toys for long car rides with young kids

Some of my favorite sensory toys to stimulate your 1 year old while on the road.

I always make sure to pack a few toys that keep them busy for a while, so, sensory toys are a good idea, because those can capture their attention and keep them engaged for a longer period!

Musical doodle & sensory board

This is a fun and impressive toy. They can draw with different colors without spilling anything. Win Win!

Silicone pull string activity toy

Besides the fact that this sensory toy is good for development, there is also a lot to see and do, which will keep your toddler busy for a little while.

Steering wheel for toddlers

Your toddler will love this! their own steering wheel just like mom or dad.

Magnetic puzzles with travel theme

I Always have some magnetic puzzles in the glove department! These magnetic sets are just perfect for passing time in the car. And the travel-inspired designs are so cute. My daughter loves trying to put the different pieces together as we cruise down the road.

your little one can also use the magnets on a magnetic cookie tray when you use one as a table!

Don’t forget about board books

my daughter is obsessed with board books. She would sit happily in her car seat, turning the pages and babbling along.

To save extra costs, I highly recommend checking out your local library for some new books for your little one. They usually have a great selection of board books, from classic tales to interactive touch-and-feel books. My daughter’s favorites were the ones with bright, colorful illustrations and the touch-and-feel books.

So if you’re looking for an easy, mess-free way to keep your 1-year-old entertained in the car, definitely pack some small board books with you!

This fidget board book set is great with silicone pops.

DIY Car Activities for a 1 year old: Budget-Friendly Fun On-The-Go

When my daughter was just 1, we had a big family road trip coming up with the whole family, and I was dreading the hours cooped up in the car. I didn’t want her to get bored and fussy, but I also didn’t want to rely on screens the whole time or buy new toys again. So, I got creative and came up with some fun, hands-on activities for younger toddlers that will give them a great time during a long journey

Small cookie sheet

if your toddler is already sitting upright in a car seat, it is useful to bring a small cookie sheet and use it as a table! If you have a magnetic cookie sheet you can attach anything with some magnetic tape! It’s also nice to buy some large magnets that they can attach to the cookie sheet and play with.

Sensory bottles with glitter

These simple bottles filled with glitter and other fun mix-ins are a great way to provide some sensory stimulation and keep your kiddo engaged. Plus, they’re easy to make with just a few household items.

I made a bunch of these for my daughter, and she loved watching the glitter swirl around. It was the perfect way to pass the time on long drives.

All you need is a clean plastic bottle, some glitter, and a few other mix-ins like beads or small toys. Fill it up, seal it tight, and let your little one go to town shaking and swirling. The gentle movement and sparkly visuals are so impressive for them!

Choose toys with sealed compartments and secure lids to prevent leaks and spills in the car!

Window clings stickers

Window stickers are a fun way to keep your little one entertained during car rides. Stick them on the window before the trip, giving your toddler something fun to look at. But to keep the excitement going; switch them up during pit stops!

By changing the stickers, you keep the pictures fresh and interesting for your toddler throughout the ride.

If your toddler is a window-reach pro, let them stick the stickers themselves during the ride.

DIY Mirror Play

Mount a small, unbreakable mirror onto the back of a car seat using velcro strips or adhesive tape. Position it within your baby’s reach and watch as they delight in making funny faces, babbling, and interacting with their reflection. This simple setup encourages self-awareness and social play.

The dollar store unwrapping game

One of my favorite activities is wrapping up small dollar store finds and letting your little one unwrap them in the car. It’s like a mini present party on the go! I like to pick up things like stickers, small toys, or even snacks and wrap them up in colorful paper or tissue. It’s a great way to give your toddler a new toy and keep those little hands busy.

Pop pom dropbox

Repurpose an empty tissue box into a pom-pom drop box by cutting a hole in the lid large enough for pom-poms to fit through. Show your toddler how to drop the pom-poms into the box and watch as they experiment with cause and effect.

Sticker collage

Provide your baby with a sheet of large stickers and a piece of paper or cardboard. Let them peel off the stickers and stick them onto the paper, or on their face and car seat 😉 to create their own masterpiece. This simple activity promotes hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and creative expression. You can also use reusable stickers!

Sticky notes

A sticky notepad with different colors. They like the colors and can stick them anywhere. Simple as that! They are always impressed with sticky notes for a while!

Sing-along songs, nursery rhymes, and audiobooks as car activities for your 1 year old

And let’s not forget about the power of music and singing! Nursery rhymes and silly songs are sure to put a smile on your 1-year-old’s face. You can even turn it into an interactive experience by having them clap along or dance in their car seat. Trust me, the giggles are worth it.

One of the best ways to keep your little one engaged is with sing-along songs and nursery rhymes. Babies and toddlers love the repetitive melodies and rhythms, and it’s a great way to bond and have some musical fun together. Some of our go-to singalongs are “The Wheels on the Bus,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” I keep a running playlist on my phone so I’m always ready to burst into song at a moment’s notice.

Another lifesaver for us has been audiobooks. These interactive stories come to life with sound effects, character voices, and even music. My daughter is mesmerized by them! Her favorite at the moment is Winnie the Pooh! I make sure to download a few options before any long drive so we have variety.

A little screen time never hurt anyone.

Sometimes it’s the only thing that can buy us a few minutes of peace and quiet! And that’s important too!!

When it comes to screen time for my daughter, I try to keep it as the last resort. I’d much rather have her playing with her toys, reading books, or exploring the great outdoors. But let’s be honest, there are those moments when you just need to pop on a quick episode of her favorite show to get your little one entertained!

Don’t be too hard on yourself, A little screen time here and there isn’t going to ruin your child and you can also choose some educational content where they can teach something!

Safety first: simple measures for a smooth ride

These safety measures below are always important when driving, but especially when you are driving alone with your little one and there is no one sitting in the back seat next to your toddler.

Buckle up properly

Ensure your baby’s car seat is installed correctly and securely. Double-check those straps and make sure they’re snug but comfortable.

Keep distractions to a minimum

Stay focused on the road and avoid multitasking while driving. Safety comes first, so save the snacks and toys for rest stops.

Plan regular breaks

Schedule frequent pit stops to stretch those little legs, change diapers, and grab a quick snack. Planning ahead helps keep everyone happy and relaxed.

Pack essentials

Stock up on diapers, wipes, snacks, and drinks to avoid last-minute panics. A well-packed diaper bag is a parent’s best friend on the road.

Stay alert

Keep an eye out for signs of fatigue or restlessness in your baby. If they need attention, find a safe spot to pull over and attend to their needs.

No dangerous objects

When traveling alone with your toddler, make sure there are no small or dangerous objects within reach and check whether your DIY toys are safe enough to play with without supervision

First Aid Kit

Sometimes during a car ride, a bad thing will happen, like a bump, or even a tummy ache. having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference.

Make road trips a breeze with these fun car activities for your 1 year old

I know a long trip with a 1-year-old can feel daunting, but with a little preparation, they can actually be a lot of fun. With these (DIY) car activities in your arsenal, you’re ready to hit the road with your little explorer. Just remember to be patient, flexible, and most importantly, to enjoy the quality time with your little one. Before you know it, you’ll be pulling into your destination with content and entertained 1-year-old by your side.

It’s okay to take an extra rest stop! If your little one starts to get fussy, don’t hesitate to pull over and stretch your legs. A quick diaper change or a chance to run around can do wonders for their mood!

and don’t forget, there is always nap time where you can have some quiet time for a moment 🙂

So, gather your supplies, get creative, and get ready for a trip filled with laughter, and precious memories. Happy travels!