Flying Fun: 21 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained and Maintain Your Sanity

Traveling with kids can transform any flight into a challenging adventure. Keeping them entertained and quiet is crucial for their happiness and your sanity, as well as for the peace of mind of fellow passengers. Here are 21 effective strategies to make your next flight with kids a breeze.

1. Pack Surprise Snacks

shutterstock 632097335 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sharomka

Bring out a variety of snacks at different times. The novelty of the surprise treats can keep kids occupied and happy for a good while.

2. Load Up on New Apps

shutterstock 1357581836 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / rafapress

Download new educational games or apps specifically for the flight. The novelty will hold their attention longer than the familiar ones.

3. Bring Activity Books

shutterstock 1076577962 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Yaoinlove

Coloring books, sticker books, and activity puzzles tailored to their age can provide hours of quiet entertainment.

4. Invest in Kid-Friendly Headphones

shutterstock 2159336827 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alex Desanshe

Purchase comfortable, volume-limiting headphones for kids to enjoy movies or music without disturbing others.

5. Create a Travel Journal

shutterstock 1035041203 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TierneyMJ

Give them a notebook to document their journey, encouraging them to draw what they see or jot down thoughts.

6. Introduce Travel-Sized Board Games

shutterstock 249249319 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / d13

Many classic board games come in travel-sized versions perfect for tray tables, offering a fun break from digital screens.

7. Schedule Movie Time

shutterstock 1979033942 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / New Africa

Most flights offer in-flight entertainment; plan to watch a movie together as a special activity.

8. Wrap Small Toys

shutterstock 1617671647 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Bisual Photo

Wrap small, inexpensive toys and present them at intervals during the flight. The excitement of unwrapping will add to the entertainment value.

9. Engage in Quiet Play

shutterstock 1667506003 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / christopher babcock

Bring soft, quiet toys like plush animals or felt boards for imaginative play without the noise.

10. Practice Origami

shutterstock 673872472 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Enger

Teach your kids the art of paper folding. This quiet activity requires concentration and can be very absorbing.

11. Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts

shutterstock 1539466583 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Funstock

Download child-friendly audiobooks or podcasts. They’re great for storytelling without the eye strain of screens.

12. Bring a Tablet or Laptop with Movies

shutterstock 2164973855 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / slexp880

Preload a tablet or laptop with favorite films or shows. Don’t rely on WiFi being available to stream content.

13. Utilize the In-Flight Magazine

shutterstock 658011541 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cozine

Even if they can’t read, kids can enjoy flipping through the magazine to look at pictures or play a makeshift game of I Spy.

14. Play Card Games

shutterstock 1751005190 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / GaleanoStock

Card games like Go Fish or Old Maid can be fun and easy ways to pass time.

15. Encourage Nap Time

shutterstock 1211742715 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / A3pfamily

Bring a familiar blanket or pillow to help your child feel comfortable enough to nap.

16. Make Friends with Neighbors

shutterstock 1070977136 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture

If you have an understanding neighbor, encourage a brief interaction. Sometimes a new face can be interesting and engaging for a child.

17. Prepare for Ear Discomfort

shutterstock 2043363578 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / DenisMArt

Have gum or snacks ready for takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure. For babies, consider a bottle or pacifier.

18. Walk the Aisle

shutterstock 2292032849 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Thanakorn.P

When allowed, take short walks up and down the aisle to stretch legs and burn off some energy.

19. Portable LEGO Kits

shutterstock 1273057573 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Yavdat

Bring a small container of LEGOs for building. Consider a base plate that sticks to the tray table to prevent pieces from falling.

20. Magnetic Drawing Boards

shutterstock 519886498 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nadeene

These allow endless drawing and erasing without any mess or need for dozens of crayons.

21. Practice Meditation or Breathing Exercises

shutterstock 1570550380 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

Teach them simple breathing exercises or meditation to help them relax or fall asleep. It’s a useful skill for the flight and beyond.

Journey in Joy

shutterstock 643948042 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kaspars Grinvalds

With a little preparation and creativity, flying with kids can become a manageable and even enjoyable part of your travel adventures. These strategies not only help keep children entertained but also contribute to a more peaceful flight for everyone on board.

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post Flying Fun: 21 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained and Maintain Your Sanity republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Maria Sbytova.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.

03a9a9872ea4140f9e8c4d7fd9ee74b3?s=150&d=mp&r=g
+ posts