Magnetic Travel Games for Kids: Are Tic Tac Toe Sets Worth It?

Quick answer

Yes, a magnetic travel game is worth it if you want a quiet, screen-free activity that survives car seats, restaurant tables, and waiting rooms. The pieces stay put, so kids can play independently without you crawling under the seat for lost checkers. Skip it if your child is under three, still mouthing small pieces, or already owns a similar set.

How a magnetic travel game actually works

A magnetic travel game uses a folding board with a magnetic surface and small magnetic pieces. The pieces cling to the board instead of sliding around, which is the whole point on a bumpy car trip or a wobbly restaurant table. Most sets, including the Magnetic Games/Tic Tac Toe & Checkers - Unicorn, pack two games into one dual-sided board, so you get tic-tac-toe on one side and checkers on the other. That doubles the play value without doubling the bag space.

When a tic tac toe magnetic game beats a screen

Tic-tac-toe is one of the few games a five-year-old can genuinely play alone or with a sibling. The rules take thirty seconds to explain, rounds end quickly, and there is no reading required. That makes a tic tac toe magnetic game a strong choice for short waits: a restaurant order, a doctor's waiting room, the last twenty minutes of a drive. A screen also works in those moments, but it tends to pull kids out of the room. A magnetic board keeps them present and gives them a natural stopping point.

What to check before you buy a checkers travel set

Not every travel set is built for real travel. Check three things: whether the pieces are magnetic rather than just small, whether the board folds into a self-contained case, and whether the piece count matches the game. A checkers travel set that only includes enough pieces for one game is fine for tic-tac-toe but frustrating for checkers. Also look at the piece size. Larger magnetic pieces are easier for small hands to move and less likely to disappear into a seat gap. If the listing does not state piece size or count, treat that as a missing detail and ask before buying.

Who should skip magnetic games

Magnetic travel games are not a good fit for every family. If your child is under three, the small pieces are a choking hazard, and the magnetic board adds no safety benefit. If your child prefers building, drawing, or moving their whole body, a quiet two-player game may sit unused. And if you already carry a tablet for long drives, adding another small game may just create clutter. In those cases, a coloring or craft kit often gets more use.

How to keep a magnetic game set usable for years

Magnetic pieces still go missing, just less often. Make one small pouch or zip bag the permanent home for the set, and keep it in the same spot in the car or diaper bag. Before the game goes back in, do a quick piece count with your child, which turns cleanup into part of the activity. Wipe the board with a dry cloth rather than a wet wipe, since moisture can weaken the magnetic surface over time. If a piece does disappear, contact the manufacturer for replacement options rather than buying a whole new set.

Magnetic travel game FAQ

Are magnetic pieces really secure enough for car trips?

Yes, on a flat or slightly tilted surface. The magnetic board holds the pieces in place through normal bumps and turns. They can still be knocked off by a direct swipe, so younger kids may need a quick reminder to move pieces rather than sweep them. Test the set at home on a couch cushion before relying on it in the car.

What age is a tic tac toe magnetic game best for?

Most kids can play tic-tac-toe by around five, once they understand taking turns and spotting three in a row. Checkers usually clicks a little later, around six or seven, because it involves more strategy and more pieces to track. A two-game set grows with your child instead of being outgrown in one season.

Do I need both tic tac toe and checkers, or just one?

If you are buying for one child and limited bag space, tic-tac-toe alone covers quick waits. If you have two kids close in age or want a game that lasts longer, a dual-sided set gives you a short game and a longer game in the same footprint. Match the game to your longest realistic wait, not the shortest.

How does a magnetic travel game compare to a coloring kit?

A magnetic game is better for two kids or a child who likes rules and turns. A coloring kit is better for one child who likes open-ended creating, and it needs a flat surface and light. Neither is universally better; they solve different kinds of waiting. Keep one of each if you regularly travel with kids of different ages.

Product facts

• Magnetic Games/Tic Tac Toe & Checkers - Unicorn: Double the fun with this portable magnetic game set featuring adorable unicorn characters! Perfect for road trips, restaurants, or quiet time at home, this compact game board offers two classic games that kids love. The magnetic pieces stay securely in place, making it ideal for play anywhere. Two games on one folding board means less to pack and more ways to keep a child occupied during a wait.