Family vacation! The plane tickets are booked, the kids are excited, and everything is in order- well, except for the nagging feeling of anxiety regarding rangling your toddler while 30,000 feet in the air. You are not alone in this! There are plenty of parents who have gone through this at least once in their lives. This guide offers a comprehensive list of fun, simple, and effective ways to entertain your toddler on a plane, along with must-have travel items and helpful tips for your next family flight.
Fun and Easy Activities for Toddlers on a Plane
Finding the right balance between screen-free fun and easy-to-pack activities is essential. Here are some tried-and-true ways to keep your toddler occupied:
- Blue Painter’s Tape: To the window, to the wall, this little roll is easy to stick and peel without leaving residue. From smiley faces on the window, to a DIY car track along the tray tables, a roll of blue painter’s tape can be a great source of entertainment.
- Magnetic Puzzles: Compact and mess-free, magnetic puzzles help develop fine motor skills while keeping little hands busy.
- Q-Tips in a Spice Jar: This homemade activity where toddlers place Q-tips into the holes of an empty spice jar is simple but surprisingly engaging!
- Yoto Player: Who doesn’t love a good book on the plane? Don’t let your toddler miss out. This screen-free audio player lets your child listen to stories and music, providing hours of entertainment.
- Stickers: A must have! Let your toddler go wild sticking colorful dots on blank paper or an old magazine. It’s creative fun that’s easy to clean up. Worried about defacing the plane? Be on the look out for removable stickers/window clings!
- Beading: Bring along large beads and string for a fun threading activity. It’s great for fine motor skills and can keep them focused for a while.
- Activity Mats: Reusable and mess-free, these mats offer coloring, drawing, and tracing activities that can be wiped clean and used again.
- Travel-Sized Etch A Sketch: Classic and timeless, Etch A Sketch offers hours of doodling fun without the need for paper or markers.
Essential Travel Items for Toddlers
Aside from the activities, there are a few essential items you’ll want to pack to ensure a stress-free flight with your toddler:
- A Backpack They Can Carry: Say it with me, toddlers. crave. control. Having a small backpack lets your toddler feel independent and keeps their favorite items within reach.
- Sticker and Activity Books: Lightweight and versatile, these books keep kids entertained and help pass the time.
- LCD Drawing Tablet: A mess-free alternative to paper, these tablets let your toddler draw and erase endlessly. Another option are these mess free coloring books.
- Snack Containers: Pack a variety of snacks in small containers to keep hunger at bay and keep your toddler entertained. We love this plastic free version, busy benny!
- Changes of Clothes: Accidents happen. Make sure to pack a change of clothes to keep your little one comfortable (and a plastic bag to put the dirty clothes in!)
- Comfort Items: Flying can be scary! Bring along a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or any comfort item that helps soothe your toddler.
- Refillable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, and having their own bottle makes it more fun for your toddler.
- Spray Hand Sanitizer: Easy to pack, this is essential for keeping your toddler’s hands clean after all their activities. On that same note, sanitizing wipes are great for wiping down tray tables!
- Healthy, Convenient Snacks: FoodNerd Mega Puffs are loaded with healthy fats, fiber and protein to keep little on full during the flight.
Tips for Keeping Toddlers Engaged During Flights
Planning ahead can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help keep your toddler engaged during the flight:
- Plan Activities in Advance: Rotate through different activities to keep them engaged for longer periods.
- Involve Them in Packing: Let your toddler choose a few items to pack in their backpack. It gives them a sense of control and excitement.
- Keep a Routine: Try to maintain parts of your regular routine, whether it’s snack time, nap time, or reading time.
- Use Headphones for Age-Appropriate Entertainment: Introduce your toddler to a new audio story or quiet entertainment using kid-friendly headphones.
- Schedule Breaks and Stretching: Is your toddler super social? Have little one draw pictures for each of the flight attendants, and walk up and down the aisle to “deliver” their letters!
- Engage in Simple On-Flight Games: Create simple games like “I Spy” or storytelling based on the view outside the window to stimulate their curiosity.’
- Play with Food: FoodNerd Puffs are great for this one, can they stack their puffs? Make shapes or letters with them, the list goes on and on!
Preparing for the Flight Experience
Preparation is key to a smooth flight. Here are a few ways to ensure a positive flight experience for you and your toddler:
- Pre-Flight Preparation Tips: Talk about the flight experience with your toddler, so they (and you!) know what to expect. Consider doing a “practice run” with a car ride or a pretend flight.
- Handling Ear Pressure and Discomfort: Bring chewy snacks or a bottle to help relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
- Managing Meal Times and Snacks: Plan meal times around the flight schedule, and offer healthy snacks, like FoodNerd Puffs, at regular intervals to avoid hunger-fueled meltdowns.
Conclusion: Fly with Confidence
With the right activities, items, and preparation, flying with toddlers doesn’t have to be stressful. Use this guide to keep your toddler entertained and engaged for the duration of the flight. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and you’ll be at your destination before you know it!
Discover more fun activities and tips to help make parenting a breeze!
