Travel Tables & Car Seat Travel Trays & Lap Desks for Kids to Eat, Play, Draw, Color, and Write on Road Trips
My family and I are planning to go on vacation to Florida this Summer. We live in Pennsylvania and we are going to be driving down to Florida with 4 kids aged 16 months old, 7 years old, 8 years old, and 9 years old. Since we are going to be driving for a few days (we are going to space the car trip out to make it easier on the baby) we are looking into kids’ car tables and trays so that the kids can draw and play while making the long trip down to Florida. We already have 3 Alex Car Valet Cases (listed below) for the older children that we purchased 3 years ago, however, we are looking to buy something a little different for the kids this time. In addition, we also want a tray for the baby / toddler so that we can maybe keep her occupied since lately she tends to cry when we are driving.
I have done some research on different car tables, trays, and travel organizers and I thought that I would share what I found with you. I am using Amazon affiliate links, but this didn’t sway my opinions on any of these items. As you can see, each items has my personal thoughts on each item. Please remember that I haven’t tried any of these items other than the Alex Car Valet Case. My opinions on each items are usually based on what other parents’ reviews are of the items and what my general feeling is about the item and how it would work for my own kids. Good Luck and please feel free to tell me about travel trays / tables/ organizers for kids that have worked for you. I am also going to contact these companies to see if they will allow my children to try out their products so that I can give you an accurate review. Enjoy this list.
Alex Car Valet
(Approx. $24) This is the Alex Car Valet storage and table tray case that opens and hangs on the back of the seat in front of the child. I actually have 3 of these that I purchased for my kids a few years back. These are adorable travel cases that are in bright primary colors so kids just love them. There is a strap that hangs on the neck rest of the car seat that is front of the child. Then when you unzip the bag, a table drops down. I thought that these cases were really neat, however, the tray isn’t strong enough to draw on comfortably. Plus the child has to lean forward in some cars to be able to reach it comfortably. However, my kids loved them and would carry them around everywhere so I guess it was a hit with them. Also, it was great to be able to just zip them back up when the car ride was over. Another plus is that these travel cases are also an award winning product that won the ASTRA Good Toy Award and Parenting Magazine Mom-Tested! Award so my kids weren’t the only ones who liked them. There are also 2 detachable cases that are attached to the case by velcro. My kids uses to love keeping their crayons and little toys in these cases. They would take them off and carry them around with them, which in a way was sort of a pain because then we would forget to bring the case back into the car. Overall, I loved these cases, but I think that I want something sturdier for our next long car trip coming up. We have had them for 3 years, but they are now being converted into inside art cases for the kids and we are going to get something else for the car.
High Road Kids Car Organizer XL
(approx. $34) This looks like a nice option for older kids if they don’t mind turning to the left or right side to play with their toys or to draw and color. However, it can hold a LOT of stuff so it is better than the other options that we are showing today. This High Road Kids Car Organizer can end back seat boredom by keeping toys, music, movies, and games handy. It can also eliminate back seat chaos by organizing your child’s snacks, toys,and gear in an easy to find place. Another benefit is that this car tray / organizer makes moving kids toys, food, and arts and crafts supplies easier to move to and from the car a LOT easier. This Child’s car table and organizer is also a Parenting Mom-Tested choice so you know that it has to be good. This is also tall enough for kids in booster seats to reach comfortably. Also, you all your child has to do to use the table is to flip up the sides of the reinforced lid for a fun play space where toys, crayons and even grapes won’t roll off. This children’s organizer table also secures to seat belts and releases quickly when you need to get up and leave the car. Personally, I love the side pockets because they are large enough to hold large cups and a LOT of little items such as crayons, colored pencils, markers, little matchbox cars, and other small items.
Star Kids Snack & Play Travel Tray
(Approx. $19) The Star Kids Snack and Play Travel Tray received great reviews from other parents who used this item. From the image online it also looks like it has a very sturdy tray / table. I also like that there seems to be a LOT of storage to hold the child’s toys, art supplies, books, and drinks. I also loved that this tray has a 2 inch ridge around the tray so that items didn’t fall of the tray continuously, which was a problem with the Alex valet tray case that I got for my kids last time. You can even give your child grapes and they won’t roll off the tray. This car seat tray provides flat, safe area to eat and play for kids in booster seats / car seats as it buckles around children that are in a car seat. The great part about that strap around is that it also works for kids who are in a stroller. How cool is that? It is a 100% nylon; soft foam, durable reinforcement tray that folds on impact and it is very easy to clean because of the nylon that it is made from. This is a highly recommended travel tray organizer for kids that live in families that are always on the go or vacationing. Every parent knows that when children can’t reach items, they become upset. You have to stop the car or reach behind to get the items your child wants. Fitting most booster seats, the Travel Tray goes wherever your car seat does, even on airplanes. Some drawbacks that parents spoke of online are that it iss hard to get unclipped from the side furthest from you, that it is awkward to store it or set it aside when the pockets are filled with things as they tend to fall out, and it is hard for children in booster seats to reach their drink/snack holder, there is a slight slope so crayons and pencils tend to roll towards the child (however this doesn’t seem to be much of a problem since there is a 2 inch ridge at the bottom of the tray), and one parent complained that there was a gap of about 8 or 10 inches from her child’s tummy to the beginning of the tray, which made it very difficult for her child to play with anything on it because items would drop in the space.
Taby Tray Activity Desk
(Approx. $19) The Taby Tray Activity Desk for kids looks like another great option as it is big enough to play with toys as well as large enough to color in a coloring book. And with a rim all around the tray, your child will be able to use crayons, markers, and pencils without them falling off of the tray. Also, you can feed them items such as grapes without worrying about them rolling off of the tray. Who wants to find a 3 month old grape rotting on the floor of your minivan or car, right?The Taby tray Activity desk for traveling children can also hold snacks, drinks, books, toys, crayons, and other kids items. There is an easy-to-reach cup/bottle holder and is recessed enough to help prevent messy spills. The tray can be washed easliy enough with soap and water which is always a good thing since little ones love to draw with their bottle and sippy cup drinks (at least my silly kids always did). Another great benefit is that this child’s travel tray and organizer also can fit most child car restraint seats and strollers. The way that this travel table and organizer attaches to your car is by using straps and buckles that are then hooked under the seat. This item is recommended for children ages 6 months to 4 years old, however, it can also be used for older children as a lap table alone. One grandmother said that her granddaughter was able to embroider in the car using this tray…that is pretty impressive when you consider that she was doing this in the car. The only complaint that I could find about this seat is that the tray cracked for one customer after only 9 months. However, that is only one complaint out of multiple parents. This childs’ travel table and organizer looks like a good buy to me.
Amuse-N-Me Back Seat Entertainment Desk
(Approx. $15) The Amuse-N-Me Back Seat Entertainment Desk reminds me a lot of the Alex Car Valet listed above, so I am a little concerned that the table / tray won’t be sturdy enough to draw or color on it. However, a neat feature of this tray is that it is adjustable depending on how far away your child is from the seat in front of him / her. This child’s entertainment desk / table hangs from the back of the car seat in front of the child and at the same time protects the fabric on that seat from drinks, food, and drawing tools such as markers. This is called an activity center for kids because the child can use the tray to color, draw, play with toys, eat, and drink. A cool feature of the Back seat entertainment desk is that the bottom storage pocket has cover to keep dirt out. Also, the built-in entertainment tray easily folds up when not in use and is easily cleaned when drinks or food items are spilled on it. I couldn’t find a review on this item so it must be a relatively new item. If you have used this car activity desk, please let us know what you and your child think about it. Thanks.
Alex Desk to Go
(Approx. $12) Alex Desk to Go is an adorable lap desk / table for older kids, age 3 and up. This travel desk holds a 9 x 12 inch pad with little triangle corner pockets to hold the pad in place. I think this is a very cute idea and I can definitely see how it got such good reviews from other parents. Unlike the Alex Car Valet Table Organizer that I bought for my kids 3 years ago, this one has a sturdy surface for coloring, drawing and writing as well. And of course it is also sturdy enough for pretend play such as playing with Matchbox cars, little people, Barbie dolls, and action figures. Another great feature is that there are 2 big pockets for holding stuff. The pockets have zippers to hold your child’s crayons, pencils, markers, and little toys, which makes it perfect for the plane, car or anywhere else. Also, the product is made with vinyl, so it is very easy too clean off spills, and sticky food stained surfaces, which is a must with my messy kids. With the price of $12.74 (at least when I looked), you can’t beat the price to value ratio, in my opinion.
Crayola Travel Turtle
(Approx. $21)
Another option is a pillow-type desk such as this Crayola Travel Turtle table. It is adorable, especially for kids who love turtles. This Travel table also comes with coloring books and Crayola crayons, which your children will love to use on your long journey. Another cool feature is that the fleece trutle pillow is detachable from the tray with a zipper pouch for storage. The plastic tray is very sturdy so it is easily used for a work surface for your children to color, draw, write, eat, play, and drink. When you open the packaging, have your kids around, because their is a surprise inside. The turtle pillow is stuffed with crayons and coloring books, which if your child didn’t know about, is going to be a fun surprise for them. This product got good reviews from parents but there are a few issues that you should be aware of before making this purchase. This product isn’t meant for children under 2 or 3 years old as they aren’t able to hold the turtle in place as well as an older child is. One mother claimed that she still liked it for her 1 year old because she held it in place for the child while he / she colored. One other complain was that the side pockets were too little to put items in or to take them out. Other than those 2 issues, this car lap desk received great reviews from parents who used them with their children on road trips and airplane trips.
Fisher-Price Rainforest Travel Tray
(Approx. $16) This Fisher-Price Rainforest Travel Tray is also a nice option even though the tray is a little bit smaller than some of the other travel desk options that we have mentioned. The listing says that it is a 2-in-1 travel tray, but I can’t find anywhere what is 2-in-1 about it. Maybe it is 2-in-1 because you can eat and drink on it and you can draw and color on it as well. Or maybe it is 2-in-1 because it unzippers and there is storage inside, but I have no idea why it is called 2-in-1. It might also be that the tray detaches from the pillow for kids who are sitting in a car seat so that they can clip it on the car seat to stay in place. If you know, please enlighten me. This item is recommended for kids ages 3-12 years of age, but I also read a review of a child who was 11 months old and his mother loved this tray.
You can see an adorable picture of the child as well here.
One of the parents mentioned that this travel tray is nice and soft so not only is it safe, but it can also easily be moved or even thrown around the car to get it out of the way when not using it. This family leaves one side clipped on and just flips it out of the way and it hangs onto the seat of the car next to the car seat when not in use. However, you can just unclip it and store it elsewhere if you want. A benefit of this tray is that it is very light so if you want to pack it in your suitcase, it is very light and easy to do so. Many parents mentioned that the tray wasn’t big enough to hold an 8 x 11 piece of paper, but since you buy this product acknowledging this problem, you already will know ahead of time to purchase smaller pieces of paper. Also, many parents mentioned that a sippy cup isn’t easily placed on the tray because it will just slide off of the tray. This won’t be a problem, however, if you have a car seat with a cup holder.
Case Logic Kids Activity Tray
(Approx. $19) This is a Case Logic Kids Activity Tray for kids to use on long trips. I like the look of this product as it looks sturdy and large enough for the child to do multiple activities such as draw, write, color on large paper, eat, drink, and play as well. However, I was surprise when the one review on Amazon wasn’t too good. So I looked around a bit on the net and found more so-so, slightly positive reviews on the Case Logic web site (which is the manufacturer of this item). This child’s Laptop tray provides hours of backseat entertainment with a hard surface that is perfect for drawing, coloring, or playing with favorite toys, but there is no rim around the tray so items might roll off. A great feature of this travel desk is that it is very easily transportable because it folds up into a “mini briefcase” that you can then bring with you. There are zippered pockets for toys, crayons, pencils, markers, and other items. There is also a slot pocket that holds coloring books, papers, and other items like this. The surface is very easily cleaned and wiped down when messes are made on the surface. One user claimed that items slipped off of the surface too easily, and yet another parent claimed that their 2 year old bent the tray surface already, and one parent was disappointed that the travel desk didn’t attach directly to the car seat because her child wasn’t able to balance it easily enough on her knees. However, most parents gave it a positive review, even though most users had slight complaints about issues they had with the product.
Laptop Auto Table Tray
(Approx. $18) This is a Laptop Auto Table Tray that isn’t specifically meant for children, however, depending on your needs, it may work for your kids. You can turn Your Car Into a computer work station for yourself or your kids, if you want to. You or your child can now easily access the laptop, portable DVD players, or toy laptops, Leapfrog type learning toys, and other electronic items. And just like other trays, it can also be used for coloring, writing, drawing, eating, drinking, playing board games, or pretend playing of course. The Auto Tray Table offers easy installation and adjustable angle to suit all heights and vehicle types. The installation is onto the back of the front car seat with easy height and angle adjustment. Believe it or not, you can also use it on the steering wheel (Obviously, when you are not using the car to drive). Another benefit of this portable car table is that it folds flat in seconds, only 1.5″ thick when in the closed position. Secure grip hooks tightly to ensure maximum stability. You can be sure that this car table won’t fly off of the chair in front of your child because there is a strong, secure grip that can hold up to 20lbs. This travel desk got mixed reviews, but mostly because the people who reviewed it weren’t being practical. One parent used it for her 11 month old baby to watch tv and the baby would kick the table, but this product wasn’t meant for babies. Another reviewer said that he hooked it onto his steering wheel and would play xBox while he was driving so this also, isn’t a reliable review because (hopefully) he was just being silly. So if you like the features, and you think it would be useful to you, then I would try it out, and if you do, please comment about it so other parents will know whether it is for them or their children to use on long trips.
(Approx. $19)
Travel Tikes Car Activity Center
The Travel Tikes Car Activity Center is a different type of Travel activity car desk than the previous products in that it is specifically for drawing. There are built in adjustable straps that attaches to back of seat in front of the child using the activity center. There is a built in drawing pad with an erasable art surface that allows the child to draw on the surface over and over again without paper. There is also some storage space for extra items that the child might want to use. The activity center is easy to remove when your child wants to bring it inside with them. This activity center includes car activity doodle center, 8 Crayons, & 3 Stencils. There was only one review and it wasn’t a good one. The parent of this one review said that it was almost impossible to erase the board after use. It looks like a very nice travel art set so if you think it is worth the risk, you should try it out. Maybe the item would erase better with wet wipes. Or maybe the reviewer didn’t use the drawing items that came with the product. If you have used this item, please let us know what YOU think about the item. Thanks.
Transportation Magnetic Travel Art Set Lap Desk by Pecoware
(Approx. $20) The Transportation Magnetic Travel Art Set Lap Desk is another alternative for your child to use as a desk in the car. It is a great option for children who love to draw as well as children who love magnetic sets as well as vehicles. This magnetic travel art set is definitely a great way to keep your children busy on long car rides. The traveling art set includes over 30 magnetic vehicle pieces, 3 markers, drawing papers, 7 crayons and dry erase marker with eraser. The magnetic cars, trucks, planes, motorcycles, train, boats and more stick to the exterior stage on the front of the lap desk. There is a comfortably soft cushion for setting the desk on your child’s lap and interior storage pockets to help hold all the goodies. Your child will love to express their artistic side for hours using this lap desk. So there are many alternative uses for this interesting travel children’s product. This Magnetic Traveling Art Desk is too new to have a review yet, but if you have tried it please enlighten us with your personal product review.
Butterfly Dragonfly Garden LAP DESK portable travel personal bed student girl’s children’s purple blue Bedroom Home Decor
(Approx. $19) This is just a simple student lap desk, but I think this would also be perfect for kids in the car. What do you think? This is for a little girl since there are flowers and a butterfly on it, but I don’t think that a little boy would know since it is blue and purple and there is a dragonfly on there as well. This pretty blue lap desk is made of sturdy wood with a cushy pillow under-side. Fun butterfly and dragonfly accents are surrounded by purple, pink, and white daisies. It has a handle for easy carrying and comes with it own zippered vinyl case for storage. Features zipper pockets for storing things like pencils, pens, crayons or stickers. Perfect for studying in bed or on the sofa, vacation trips in a car or on the plane. Since there is storage under the pillow and a handle to carry it, this is very easy for a child to take onto an airplane. This is a good option for parents looking for a simple traveling case / desk.
Dream Desk Portable Lap Desk For Kids
(Approx. $17) The Dream Desk Portable Lap Desk is also a great option for kids who are taking a long or short road trip. Perfect while traveling or on road trips. What I like best about this travel desk for kids is the sliding storage compartment for crayons, markers, rulers and other art supplies. The soft fleece and bead-filled bottom conforms to your child’s lap for maximum comfort and stability. The Dream Desk is ultra comfortable even for long periods of use and is great for keeping your kids occupied in a car, train, bus or on an airplane plane. It is also very easy to keep clean. This item is recommended for children ages 4 and up because children younger than this will have a hard time stabilizing it on their lap. One thing that I noticed from the picture is that the drawing area is very small, so you would need to provide your children with smaller-sized paper, activity books, and coloring books or they will have a hard time drawing on this desk and then you will just land up with cranky and complaining children. So just be aware of this before you buy it. The one review that I found online was a very positive review. The parent reviewer gave this item 5 stars because her children absolutely love this product. They used it on a long car trip and also use it to work on crafts on the floor when they are inside. So overall this looks like a great product that is worth its money, depending on who and what you want to use it for.
Children’s Creativity Kit & Lap Desk
(approx. $14) This one is called The Children’s Creativity Kit and Lap Desk and it is a travel set to encourage creativity, arts and crafts, coloring, drawing, and art in general. As a parent, you can help encourage your child’s creativity by getting this Creativity Kit Lap Desk. This set also provides storage for all their favorite drawing, coloring, and art tools which fit inside a comfy travel lap desk. The art kit has all the essentials your child needs to work on art and other creative projects while in the car, airplane, train, or sitting on the bed in the hotel. This portable children’s lap desk is constructed of durable plastic and has a soft micro-bead pillow that forms comfortably to your child’s lap. There is also a heavy duty nylon strap so that your child can take it with them when it is time leave the car. A nice feature of this portable plastic clip keeps the storage container closed and the supplies inside neat and organized. Two detachable storage trays allow your kids to keep the art tools and utensils they need most right at their finger tips when the lid of the portable desk is closed. This portable creativity kit includes 8 markers, 6 crayons & colored Pencils, 2 detachable storage trays, 1 ruler, pencil, eraser & sharpener as well. There are no reviews of this item yet, but it looks like a nice product. If you have any experience with this item, please write a comment to tell us more about it.
Alex LAP DOODLE BOARD
(Approx. $49) This is an expensive alternative to the other lap desks and trays. There really isn’t any storage available, except for the mesh marker holder on the top left of the doodle board. However, at second glance, this product has won multiple awards, including Toys “Best Vacation Products” Award, NAPPA’s “Silver Seal” Award, Nick Jr. Magazine’s “Best Toys” Award, and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio’s “Gold Sea;” Award. This dry erase board comes with 4 preprinted games, 6 dry erase markers, and an eraser. It is sure to keep your kids occupied on a short car, airplane, or train trip, I’m just not sure that it would keep a child busy for a long trip. One benefit that I love is that there is no mess since there is no paper involved. This dry erase game board features four pre-printed games, a secret code and a plain white drawing surface for children to express their own creativity. The dry-erase surface wipes clean with the included eraser and the dry-erase markers are easy to use and virtually mistake proof! The convenient snap-on storage pouch keeps the six dry erase markers and eraser within reach. Provides hours of fun and creativity while on the move. There was only one review of this item on Amazon, and it was a positive review. I couldn’t find other reviews online. The one problem mentioned is that it is hard for the reviewer’s 3 year old child to open and close the marker storage compartment by herself.
Laptop Art Desk by Mega Barands
Laptop Art Desk: Orange by Mega Brands
(Approx. $6)
Laptop Art Desk: Purple by Mega Brands
(Approx. $4.50)
I don’t know why the purple desk is cheaper than the orange desk. I think that it is because the purple desk received lower ratings from reviewers. This Laptop Art Desk receives awful reviews but it is so cheap that you might consider purchasing it for the art supplies included inside. It is a cool kit for budding writers and artists, young travelers or just about anyone with non-stop imagination. Here are a few project ideas for which the Laptop Art Desk would prove handy: keeping a bright and exciting travel journal; designing unique and very personalized postcards for friends and family. Plastering your entire room with your own art. The Laptop Art Desk can easily be carried everywhere thanks to its sturdy, contoured lap design and soft grip handle. Inside you will find 12 colored pencils, 7 broadline markers, 3 stamper markers, 2 dry erase markers, 8 crayons, 2 chalk, dry erase eraser, dry erase surface plus activities, an activity book and paper. In all, there are over 70 art supplies and activities and lots of room to store collectibles. Parents will appreciate how occupied it keeps children; children will love how fun it is to keep busy. The parents who reviewed this items complained about a few different things. One reviewer complained that this traveling case / desk broke on the same day that they received it. Another reviewer’s child had a hard time opening the case. One reviewer complained that there was chalk included but no chalkboard and that only the paper provided fits in the paper slots. However, since the price is so low, you might want to try it out. Either way, you are getting your money’s worth when you get the art supplies that are included.
After researching these items, and spending most of the day working on this blog, I think that I have decided to buy
Star Kids Snack & Play Travel Tray for all 3 of my children. However, I am going to see if some of these companies will let me review their products before I make up mind completely. I will post results of the review if I am able to do so.
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($23.19)
… Also Comes in Other Colors ($69.99)
($18.99)
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