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
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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
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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
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Coloring books, sticker books, and activity puzzles tailored to their age can provide hours of quiet entertainment.
4. Invest in Kid-Friendly Headphones
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Purchase comfortable, volume-limiting headphones for kids to enjoy movies or music without disturbing others.
5. Create a Travel Journal
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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
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Many classic board games come in travel-sized versions perfect for tray tables, offering a fun break from digital screens.
7. Schedule Movie Time
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Most flights offer in-flight entertainment; plan to watch a movie together as a special activity.
8. Wrap Small Toys
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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
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Bring soft, quiet toys like plush animals or felt boards for imaginative play without the noise.
10. Practice Origami
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Teach your kids the art of paper folding. This quiet activity requires concentration and can be very absorbing.
11. Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts
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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
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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
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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
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Card games like Go Fish or Old Maid can be fun and easy ways to pass time.
15. Encourage Nap Time
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Bring a familiar blanket or pillow to help your child feel comfortable enough to nap.
16. Make Friends with Neighbors
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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
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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
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When allowed, take short walks up and down the aisle to stretch legs and burn off some energy.
19. Portable LEGO Kits
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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
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These allow endless drawing and erasing without any mess or need for dozens of crayons.
21. Practice Meditation or Breathing Exercises
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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
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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.
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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.
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