25 Best Fun & Easy Airplane Activities for Toddlers
25 Best Fun & Easy Airplane Activities for Toddlers
Traveling with toddlers can be both exhilarating and challenging. Exploring new destinations and creating memories with your little ones are worth it. However, the plane rides can often make them feel uneasy and bored.
I created a list of toddler airplane travel essentials to make it easier! Think of it like a traveler parents guide.
Keeping them engaged with a variety of activities is the key to making those long flights more bearable. I have a round-up of airplane activities that will keep your toddlers entertained and preoccupied for a smoother journey for everyone.
There's no gatekeeping here! I am sharing all of my airplane travel hacks with a toddler. This post contains affiliate links.
Activities for Long Flights
Flying with a toddler or going on a road trip? Be sure to check out my go-to travel car seat and pack a travel stroller!
1. Coloring Books and Triangular Crayons
Coloring books are a mess-free and great travel toy for toddlers on airplanes. Their fine motor skills get a workout as they fill in the pages with vibrant triangular crayons. It's an activity that can hold their attention span for an extended period, making it perfect for long haul flights.
Materials Needed: Coloring books, triangular crayons
2. Sticker Fun
Stickers are a fantastic way to entertain a toddler on a plane. Provide them with a variety of stickers and a blank notebook, and watch their creativity soar. They can stick them on the notebook or even on the tray table. Activity books are another way to keep little ones busy!
Materials Needed: Sticker sheets, blank notebook
3. Interactive Storybooks
Bring along interactive storybooks that have flaps to lift, textures to touch, and surprises on each page. These are engaging and can keep your little one captivated for hours during the flight.
Materials Needed: Interactive storybooks
4. Snacks for Kids
Don't forget to pack some healthy snacks for your toddler during the flight. Snacking not only keeps them nourished but also serves as a distraction. Check out our post on best clean snacks for kids for some great options. I have my go-to healthy snack list here.
5. Building with Mini Blocks
Mini building blocks are a wonderful choice for toddlers who love constructing things. They are a fantastic travel toy for toddlers on airplanes as they encourage creativity and concentration.
Materials Needed: Mini building blocks
6. Puzzle Play
Puzzles are classic airplane activities that can entertain toddlers and older kids alike. Opt for puzzles with large, chunky pieces that are easy for little hands to manipulate.
Materials Needed: Puzzles
7. Interactive Apps
Load up your tablet with interactive apps designed for toddlers. These apps offer a variety of games and activities that can be a lifesaver during long flights.
Materials Needed: Tablet with pre-installed toddler-friendly apps
8. Playdough Time
Playdough is a fantastic way to engage your toddler's senses. They can mold, squish, and create to their heart's content. Just be sure to pack it in a sealed container to avoid a mess.
Materials Needed: Playdough, sealed container
9. Finger Puppet Show
Bring along a set of finger puppets and put on a fun show right on your tray table. Encourage your toddler to create stories and characters for endless entertainment.
Materials Needed: Finger puppets
10. Travel-Sized Magna Doodle
A travel-sized Magna Doodle is a mess-free drawing tool that can keep toddlers occupied for an extended period. They can draw, erase, and repeat without any fuss.
Materials Needed: Travel-sized Magna Doodle
11. Snack Necklaces
Create snack necklaces using cereal or pretzel rings. Your toddler can thread them onto a string, making a tasty and entertaining treat.
Materials Needed: Cereal or pretzel rings, string
12. Storytelling Cards
Storytelling cards with colorful illustrations can spark your toddler's imagination. Use them to create impromptu stories together, fostering creativity and language development.
Materials Needed: Storytelling cards
13. Quiet Books
Quiet books are a collection of fabric pages with various interactive elements like zippers, buttons, and laces. They're excellent for fine motor skill development and keeping toddlers engaged.
Materials Needed: Quiet books
14. Paper Plate Puzzles
Craft paper plate puzzles before your trip. Let your toddler decorate them with markers, and then cut them into pieces for a personalized puzzle-solving adventure.
Materials Needed: Paper plates, markers, scissors
15. Sensory Bags
Create sensory bags filled with items like rice, beads, or buttons. Seal them tightly, and your toddler can squish and explore the textures during the flight.
Materials Needed: Sealable bags, rice, beads, buttons
16. Window Clings
Window clings are an entertaining way to let your toddler explore the world outside while on the plane. They can stick and reposition them on the window throughout the flight.
Materials Needed: Window clings
17. Travel-Sized Board Games
Many classic board games come in travel-sized versions. Consider games like "Connect 4" or "Checkers" for some family fun in the air.
Materials Needed: Travel-sized board games
18. Memory Games
Bring along a set of memory cards with pictures of animals, shapes, or objects. This game can help improve memory and concentration.
Materials Needed: Memory cards
19. Water Wow! Books
Water Wow! books are mess-free coloring books that use a water-filled pen to reveal hidden pictures. They're reusable, making them perfect for long flights.
Materials Needed: Water Wow! books
20. Playfoam
Playfoam is a lightweight modeling compound that doesn't dry out. Your toddler can sculpt and shape to their heart's content without any mess.
Materials Needed: Playfoam
21. Audio Stories
Download some audio stories or children's audiobooks before your flight. Your toddler can listen to their favorite tales through headphones, keeping them entertained and engaged.
Materials Needed: Headphones, pre-downloaded audio stories
22. Mini Etch-A-Sketch
The mini Etch-A-Sketch is a classic toy that's perfect for plane rides. It provides endless entertainment as your toddler draws and erases their creations.
Materials Needed: Mini Etch-A-Sketch
23. Window Decals
Similar to window clings, window decals can be stuck and restuck on the airplane window. Your toddler can have fun creating scenes with them.
Materials Needed: Window decals
24. Travel-Sized Jigsaw Puzzles
Travel-sized jigsaw puzzles with larger pieces are excellent for toddlers. They provide a sense of accomplishment as they complete the puzzle.
Materials Needed: Travel-sized jigsaw puzzles
25. Handheld Electronic Games
Consider handheld electronic games designed for toddlers. These devices often feature simple games that can captivate your little one's attention.
Materials Needed: Handheld electronic games
Ultimately, kids love random surprises. Whether it's a surprise pack of stickers or pipe cleaners, have an endless bag of tricks. Plus, make sure you have something for the way there and the way home!
Traveling with toddlers doesn't have to be a daunting experience. By packing an arsenal of engaging airplane activities, you can entertain your child, maintain their happiness, and ensure a smoother journey for everyone involved. Whether it's coloring books, interactive storybooks, or travel-sized games, these activities for toddlers on airplanes will make your next long flight a breeze.
Shop toddler travel ideas below
Screen Time Balance
While it's tempting to rely solely on electronic devices to keep toddlers entertained during air travel, striking a balance is key. Screen time can be a great way to provide a distraction, especially on long flights, but it's important to limit it and offer alternative activities for a well-rounded experience. Consider downloading a few episodes of their favorite show or a new movie as a special treat, but also incorporate screen-free options to encourage creativity and imaginative play.
Interactive Play Zones
Many airports now offer designated play areas where children can burn off some energy before boarding their flight. Utilize these play areas as a great way to let your toddler have some fun and tire themselves out before the flight. This can make them more likely to relax and engage in quieter activities during the journey. Additionally, some airports have play zones specifically designed for younger children, providing a safe and stimulating environment for them to explore.
Toddler Travel Survival Kit
Create a toddler travel survival kit filled with their favorite airplane activities and travel toys. This can include a mix of small activities like dot stickers, flash cards, and small toys purchased from the dollar store or online. Add in some reusable sticker books, magic painting books, and quiet time activities like busy books or buckle toys. Having a variety of options ensures that you're prepared for any situation, whether it's a short flight or a long-haul journey.
Traveling with toddlers can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By planning ahead and packing the best airplane activities for your little ones, you can make the journey more enjoyable for everyone involved. From screen time balance to interactive play zones and a well-stocked travel survival kit, there are plenty of options to keep toddlers entertained during air travel. Remember to be considerate of fellow passengers and always follow airline safety guidelines. With the right preparation and a positive attitude, traveling with young children can be a great opportunity to create lasting memories and enjoy quality family time together.
Ultimately, kids love random surprises like a busy board or card games. A busy toddler on long-haul flights is the dream! Older children seem easier to entertain. Whether it's a surprise pack of stickers or pipe cleaners, have an endless bag of tricks. Plus, make sure you have something for the way there and the way home!
Traveling with toddlers doesn't have to be a daunting experience. By packing an arsenal of engaging airplane activities, you can entertain your child, maintain their happiness, and ensure a smoother journey for everyone involved. Whether it's coloring books, interactive storybooks, or travel-sized games, these activities for toddlers on airplanes will make your next long flight a breeze.
Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
