Every tech or travel gadget for kids listed below has been reviewed and/or personally used by me or my East Coast editor. While we do accept product advertising on Pit Stops for Kids, editorial reviews are separate and distinct. We never accept “advertorial” or pay-for-positive consumer product reviews, so you can be assured of our honest and genuine endorsement.
Haier 7-Inch Handheld LCD TV
Largely used by sports enthusiasts for use during tailgate parties and to catch games on the go, the best use of a portable TV for family travelers is as a second screen in the car. Since our minivan has three rows of seats, the kid or kids stuck in the back have trouble viewing movies on our portable DVD screen. We can easily connect the Haier handheld TV to the DVD device, allowing the same movie to play on both screens. Having this handy has eliminated many backseat disputes!
Samsung Galaxy Tab (16GB, Wi-Fi)
I had the opportunity to give this alternative to the iPad a test drive, and even as a die-hard Apple fan, I had to acknowledge the Galaxy Tab as a traveler’s best friend. It does everything an iPad can do, while multitasking. Games and movies play beautifully on it, and the price point is slightly lower. If you don’t mind having an Android-built system (including needing to buy Android apps), the Tab may be the way to go!
Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case 
I’ve been protecting my iPhone with an Otterbox case for years, so it just seemed natural to use an Otterbox Defender for our iPad. We’ve tried the Apple Smart Covers and additional cases as well, but always come back to the Otterbox. Hands down, you won’t find better protection, which is especially important if you allow little travelers screen time while on the road or in the air. We love the included stand (that doubles as a cover) and how sturdy the iPad feels in our hands while encased in the Otterbox.
Apple iPad 2 Tablet (16GB, WiFi)
Though we were impressed by the Galaxy Tab, most of our electronic devices are Apple-based, so it just makes sense that we travel with our iPad 2. It’s replaced many of our previous travel aids and games, which has saved us room in our luggage, streamlined our packing, and freed up our hands while on the go. For a solid investment you won’t regret, we vote for Apple’s iPad 2. (By the way, we’ve never needed more than 16GB.)
GOgroove Panda Pal Portable Mini Speaker System
We grabbed this portable speaker on a whim to replace a forgotten one at home, and have never looked back. With three kids all wanting to listen to audio of the same movie or TV show in the car, using headphones can get tricky. This mini-speaker plugs right into our iPad (also works with iPods, iPhones, and other MP3 devices) for great sound. It’s durable, too.
Kidz Gear Wired Headphones For Kids
It’s official: my kids now have nicer headphones than I do. These deliver the quality sound you’d expect on adult models, but use KidsControl Volume Limit Technology, so they’re safe for little ears. They’re made to work with Apple devices: I love the inline volume tracking and voice input microphone that iPod, iPod Touch, iPad, and iPhone 4 and above will respond to.
Geopalz Kids Digital Motivational Pedometer 
This pedometer does more than monitor steps. It keeps kids moving by awarding prizes on the GeoPalz site, and the technology is advanced for such a great value. Read an entire review.
