Traveling with kids can be an adventure, but let’s be honest, it often comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles? Keeping those little ones fed, entertained, and happy in a confined space like an airplane! That’s where having the best airplane snacks for kids – and the right tools to serve them – becomes an absolute game-changer.
Long flights, layovers, and even short hops can turn into a battle against boredom and hunger if you’re not prepared. While packing delicious, healthy options is key, having smart snack containers and activity trays can elevate your travel experience from stressful to surprisingly smooth. We’re not just talking about food; we’re talking about distraction, hygiene, and convenience rolled into one.
To help you conquer your next family adventure in the sky, we’ve rounded up five fantastic products that make serving airplane snacks for kids a breeze. From interactive snack trays to all-in-one entertainment solutions, these items are designed to keep your little travelers content and your sanity intact.
Product Reviews
1. Genuine Fred MATCH UP Memory Snack Tray, Fun Interactive
Say goodbye to boring snack times and hello to a playful munching experience! The Genuine Fred MATCH UP Memory Snack Tray isn’t just a container for your kiddo’s treats; it’s an interactive game that doubles as a fun way to eat. This clever tray turns snack time into a memory challenge, encouraging kids to “match” their snacks by popping open mystery doors. It’s a brilliant solution for picky eaters or simply to keep your child engaged during long periods of travel, transforming their air travel experience into something more exciting.
- Key Features:
- Interactive memory game design with 18 snack compartments.
- BPA-free, food-safe plastic construction.
- Pop-up doors provide a tight, travel-friendly close.
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Measures 10” x 8.75”, ideal for tiny hands.
- Pros:
- Combines entertainment with healthy eating.
- Encourages portion control and trying new foods.
- Durable and made from safe materials.
- Easy to clean, a huge plus for busy parents.
- Cons:
- Only suitable for smaller, dry snacks.
- Might be a bit bulky for very small carry-on bags.
- Not recommended for children under 3 years.
- User Impressions: Parents absolutely love how this tray keeps their kids entertained and focused on their snacks, especially on planes or during road trips. Many note it’s a lifesaver for picky eaters, making mealtime feel like a game rather than a chore. The secure lids are a common highlight for mess-free travel.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Lusso Gear Kids Airplane Tray Table Cover with Pockets – Mermaids
Transform that often-germy airplane tray table into a clean, personalized activity and dining hub with the Lusso Gear Kids Airplane Tray Table Cover. This isn’t just a cover; it’s an all-in-one essential for flying with a toddler, featuring a built-in tablet holder to keep movies rolling and handy pockets for small toys or extra airplane snacks for kids. The fun Mermaids pattern adds a touch of cheer, making your little one’s space feel a bit more like home, no matter how high in the sky you are.
- Key Features:
- Transforms airplane trays into a clean, personal space.
- Built-in tablet holder for entertainment.
- Snack catcher design to minimize messes.
- Five chic patterns available, including Mermaids.
- Durable, machine washable fabric.
- Pros:
- Keeps your child’s eating and play area hygienic.
- Provides easy access to entertainment with the tablet holder.
- Catches crumbs and spills, saving you cleanup hassle.
- Easy to clean and pack for future trips.
- Cons:
- May not fit all airline tray tables perfectly.
- Doesn’t replace the need for separate snack containers.
- The tablet holder might not accommodate all tablet sizes with bulky cases.
- User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the cleanliness aspect, feeling much better about their kids eating off a covered tray. The tablet holder is frequently praised for keeping little ones engaged, and parents appreciate the pockets for keeping small items organized and within reach. It’s considered a must-have for stress-free flights.
- See it on Amazon here
3. MENZOKE Kids Travel Tray, Travel Tray for Kids Car Seat
While primarily designed as a car seat travel tray, the MENZOKE Kids Travel Tray is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic companion for airplane journeys too. This sturdy activity tray provides a stable surface for drawing, playing, or enjoying airplane snacks for kids, complete with a dry erase board and bonus educational papers. Its smart design ensures everything stays put, with raised edges to prevent items from rolling off and plenty of pockets to keep crayons, books, and small toys organized. It’s truly a life saver for keeping boredom at bay on any long trip.
- Key Features:
- Large 16.5″ x 13″ dry erase board with educational drawing papers.
- Cooler cup holder and multiple zipper pockets for storage.
- Raised soft edge design to prevent items from falling.
- Detachable adjustable strap for secure placement and easy carrying.
- Made for children 12 and under.
- Pros:
- Provides a stable surface for various activities and meals.
- Excellent organization with multiple storage compartments.
- Dry erase feature adds an extra layer of entertainment.
- Portable and easy to secure on laps or car seats.
- Cons:
- Can be a bit bulky for smaller airplane seats or budgets.
- Mainly designed for car seats, so fitting on an airplane tray might require adjustment.
- The strap might get in the way on some planes.
- User Impressions: This tray gets high marks from parents for its ability to keep kids entertained and organized during travel. The dry erase board is a particular hit, and the ample storage pockets are a godsend for keeping messes away. It’s often called a “road trip essential” that easily translates to air travel.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Fun N Fly Foldable Travel Tray – Blue Red Portable
When space is at a premium but entertainment is non-negotiable, the Fun N Fly Foldable Travel Tray swoops in to save the day. This child-safe, multi-purpose play space is specifically designed for airplane travel, folding and unfolding in seconds for quick setup and pack-up. It fits most standard airline tray tables and comes equipped with mesh pockets, a cup holder, and an adjustable strap to keep toys and airplane snacks for kids secure. No more crawling on the airplane floor trying to retrieve fallen items – this tray has you covered!
- Key Features:
- Folds and unfolds in seconds for easy use.
- Fits most standard airline tray tables.
- Durable and machine washable material.
- Mesh pockets, cup holder, and adjustable straps for organization.
- Child-safe design.
- Pros:
- Extremely portable and space-saving.
- Helps prevent items from falling on the floor.
- Easy to clean spills and messes.
- Keeps everything organized and accessible for your child.
- Cons:
- Limited surface area compared to larger trays.
- May not be as rigid as some other options.
- Cup holder might not fit all drink sizes.
- User Impressions: Parents appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of this foldable tray. Its ability to keep toys and snacks contained on an airplane is a big win, and the machine-washable feature is highly praised for quick cleanups. It’s seen as a practical, no-fuss solution for keeping little hands busy.
- See it on Amazon here
5. GoBe Kids Small Snack Spinner Flip Bundle with Hand Strap
Make snacking interactive and mess-free with the GoBe Kids Small Snack Spinner Flip Bundle. This isn’t just a snack container; it’s an engaging experience with five separate compartments that kids can spin to reveal their next treat. It’s fantastic for portion control, encouraging variety, and even enticing picky eaters to try new foods in a fun, no-pressure way. The transparent, airtight, and leakproof lid ensures your carefully packed best airplane snacks for kids stay fresh and contained, making it ideal for travel.
- Key Features:
- Five interactive spinning snack compartments.
- Each compartment holds 1/4 cup of solid food for portion control.
- BPA and PVC-free, made from durable polypropylene.
- Top rack dishwasher safe.
- Transparent, airtight, and leakproof lid.
- Pros:
- Engages kids and makes snacking fun.
- Excellent for portioning different snacks.
- Portable, compact, and stress-free for travel.
- Easy to clean and safe for food.
- Cons:
- Only suitable for solid, non-liquid snacks.
- Contents in each compartment are not fully sealed from each other, only from the outside.
- The spinning mechanism might be a distraction for some kids in quiet environments.
- User Impressions: This snack spinner is a huge hit with both kids and parents. Children love the interactive spinning, and parents appreciate the portion control and the way it encourages trying different foods. It’s often highlighted as a mess-free and entertaining way to serve snacks on planes, in cars, or at home.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions about Airplane Snacks for Kids
Q: What kind of snacks are best to pack for a plane ride with kids?
A: Focus on mess-free, non-perishable, and easy-to-eat options. Think pretzels, crackers, dried fruit, fruit pouches, cheese sticks (if you have a cooler pack), snap peas, grapes, blueberries, cereal, mini muffins, and small sandwiches. Avoid anything too sticky, crumbly, or smelly to be considerate of other passengers.
Q: Are there any restrictions on bringing food through airport security for kids?
A: For solid foods, generally no restrictions apply. You can bring most solid items through security. For liquids, gels, and aerosols, the TSA 3-1-1 rule applies (3.4 ounces or less per item, in a 1-quart bag). However, child-specific liquid foods like baby formula, breast milk, and juice are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule and can be carried in larger quantities, but you should inform a TSA officer at the checkpoint.
Q: How do I keep my child’s snacks fresh during a long flight?
A: Use airtight containers to keep snacks fresh. For items like cheese sticks or yogurt pouches, a small insulated bag with a frozen gel pack can keep them cool for several hours. Just remember to check if the gel pack needs to be frozen solid when going through security.
Q: What are good strategies for managing mess when kids eat on a plane?
A: Pack wet wipes, paper towels, and small trash bags. Opt for snacks that are less prone to crumbling or dripping. Using a tray table cover or an activity tray with raised edges (like the Lusso Gear or MENZOKE options) can significantly contain messes. Encourage your child to eat slowly and carefully.
Q: Beyond snacks, how can I keep my kids entertained on a flight?
A: Snacks are a great start, but also pack small toys, coloring books, sticker books, tablets pre-loaded with movies or games, and quiet activities. Interactive snack trays like the Genuine Fred Match Up can double as entertainment. Don’t forget their favorite stuffed animal or blanket for comfort!
Q: Is it okay to give my child sugary snacks on an airplane?
A: While a treat can be a good distraction, it’s generally best to limit sugary snacks. Too much sugar can lead to a sugar rush, making it harder for your child to settle down and potentially causing discomfort during the flight. Focus on a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Q: How many different types of snacks should I pack?
A: Variety is key! Pack a few different options to keep things interesting and cater to changing preferences. Having a mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy can help combat boredom and satisfy different cravings throughout the journey. Consider a snack spinner for easy variety.
Happy Travels!
Finding the best airplane snacks for kids is only half the battle; having the right tools to serve and organize them truly makes all the difference. These five innovative products offer fantastic solutions for keeping little tummies full and little minds engaged, transforming your family’s travel experience. So, pack smart, stay organized, and enjoy the journey!