Flying with a toddler or young child can be daunting, especially when it’s a long-haul flight. In this post, I’m sharing the best toddler plane activities that have actually worked for us on long-haul flights. Plus, other tips on how to keep your child entertained throughout your flight.
We’ve taken many flights with our children, so these have been tried and tested! This guide covers everything from quiet toys to mess-free kids’ activities, plus the best screen for kids! These ideas will help you keep your little one calm, busy, and (mostly!) happy all the way from take-off to landing.
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SHOP: ALL OUR FAVORITE PLANE ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS ON AMAZON
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Tips for Keeping Your Toddler Entertained on a Long Flight
Put Together a Toddler Activity Pack
Recently, it has become a trend to pack kids’ massive activity packs, almost the size of a carry-on suitcase. I also did this once when we had a 6-hour flight. Honestly, they don’t do all of this stuff. Half of it won’t get used, and you just end up carting it all around with you. Going forward, I streamlined what I packed.
I will talk more about the toddler activities for a plane journey that have worked for us later in the post.
Make a Big Fuss of Their Seat
If you tell a toddler they can’t get out of their seat, they’ll immediately want to! Instead, make a big fuss of their seat and how amazing it is that they have their own window, etc. Put their things in the seat pocket, stick stickers on their belt buckle, anything to make it seem exciting!
If you’re toddler is still a lap infant – they’re so lucky to be sitting with you!
Screen Time
When we travel, any screen time rules go out the window. So, if your kid likes screen time, great, let them have it. We have an Amazon Fire HD Kids Pro tablet, and it has been really great. It works really well, has a cool protective case that kids love and is much cheaper than an iPad. Also, remember to pack kids’ headphones for them.
If you don’t usually allow screen time, you’d say it’s a very special vacation treat! Make sure to download some programmes before you fly in case the plane options aren’t very good.
Pack So Many Snacks!
I am always sure to take plenty of snacks, they are a toddler activity in themselves! There is nothing worse than a hangry toddler. On a long flight, I usually do a full picnic for him as plane food (if it’s included) can be very hit-and-miss!
Tips for Packing Your Toddler’s Plane Activities
In this section, I’m going to share the toddler activities for on a plane that have worked for us. Remember, tailor them to suit your children’s interests!
Here are some tips for putting together your toddler’s plane activities:
- My top tip when packing your toddler’s activities for the plane is to focus on what they enjoy. It’s not a one-size-fits-all type of thing! For example, my eldest has never been interested in colouring. So why did I pack him a colouring book? If he didnt like it at home, he’s not going to like it on vacation!
- He loved vehicles of all kinds, so a pack of tiny trucks and drawing a road was perfect for him. I have since seen road tape, which is really cool! He also loves to build; these lightweight magnetic tiles were the thing he played with most. He especially loved the wheels that came with them and would build transporters to move his mini trucks!
- New toys always keep them entertained the longest. This is an unfortunate but true fact! Although it doesn’t mean you have to spend a huge amount of money.
- Don’t forget books (the sift time I packed all sorts of activity books and look and find books, but forgot classic story books! Look for new/ lightweight versions of their favourites; these can also be used for bedtime stories. These little library book packs are great for young toddlers.
- I also like to get a new book about the destination we’re visiting. I find this really helps prepare them for the trip and gets them excited about the experience!
Our Favourite Toddler Plane Activities
A Toddler Camera
A toddler camera is fun for the plane but also for the whole trip. Let them capture their own memories of the trip! This is a great first camera for toddlers. It’s small, fun and comes in a fun, protective case. My eldest loved having a camera so much, we got him this instant print kids’ camera when he was 4. It thermal prints images (so no ink is needed) instantly, which he loved. The only downside, it only prints in black and white.
Magnetic Toys
I love magnetic toys for travel. I already mentioned these lightweight magnetic tiles with wheels being a favourite. These are a little bulkier than I would have liked, but they were worth it for how long they entertained him. This is a smaller magnetic tile set that is perfect for travel.
On a recent trip, I got my 5-year-old a magnetic puzzle. Turns out it was actually the best way to keep my 2-year-old entertained on the plane. He did it on repeat! This set of 3 magnetic puzzles is perfect to offer variety.
A Toddler Tablet
Our Amazon Fire HD Kids Pro tablet and kids’ headphones are probably (sadly) the most important things to pack for a flight with toddlers. On a plane, they can have as much screen time as they want.
When we get to our destination, it’s back to being limited!
Mess Free Colouring for Toddlers
Anything mess-free is always a win, even better if it’s reusable! My 2-year-old loves these Water Wow books. All they need is a little bit of water, and once the page has dried, they can be used again.
These LCD writing boards have been a favourite with both my kids.
If your child likes to colour, one of these Crayola Mess Free Colouring sets is perfect; they come in lots of designs such as Bluey and Disney Princesses, so choose your little one’s favourite.
Reuseable Stickers
Reusable stickers are a great toddler activity. This pack of three reusable sticker sets has toddler favourites. I would give one and save the new ones for our next trip.
Ask Yourself, What Would Your Toddler Like?!
I already mentioned my eldest used to be obsessed with vehicles of all kinds, so a pack of tiny trucks was perfect entertainment for him. When he was 3 (so technically a toddler but fast approaching preschooler), he also liked little LEGO Sets. I would pick one without too many accessories to avoid losing them on the plane. This was a fun father-son activity that would keep them entertained for a while!
He would probably also have liked mini dinosaurs or Toddler Thomas the Tank Engine trains.
Maybe you have a little girl who loves Barbie, and she would love a mini Barbie set, or a smaller version of her Barbie doll?
Use your judgment here, and of course, don’t give small parts to a toddler who might try to eat them!
SHOP: ALL OUR FAVORITE PLANE ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS ON AMAZON
Thank you so much for reading our guide on the best toddler plane activities. I hope this post has helped inspire you to believe that it is possible to keep your toddler entertained on a long flight!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
CABIN-APPROVED JOOLZ AER+ STROLLER REVIEW
THE BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT LONDON
Happy Travelling,
