Long flights with little ones can feel like an Olympic sport, right? You’ve packed the snacks, double-checked the tickets, and now comes the real challenge: keeping your kids entertained and happy for hours on end. Fear not, weary parent! Finding the best plane activities for kids can transform a stressful journey into a surprisingly smooth one.
Forget endless screen time battles or the dreaded “Are we there yet?” chorus. We’ve rounded up some fantastic, screen-free (mostly!) options that are perfect for keeping tiny travelers busy and engaged. From creative outlets to engaging games, these travel essentials will make flying with children a breeze. Let’s dive into our top picks for the best plane activities for kids that you’ll want to pack for your next family adventure.
Our Top Picks for Engaging Plane Activities
On The Plane Activity Book
This activity book is a true lifesaver for parents looking to keep their children occupied without resorting to screens. Packed with a variety of puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dots, and coloring pages, it offers a diverse range of engaging challenges designed specifically for the confined space of an airplane. It’s lightweight, requires minimal supplies (just a pencil or some crayons!), and provides hours of quiet, focused fun, making it one of the best plane activities for kids for those who love a good brain teaser.
Key Features:
- Includes a wide array of puzzles (mazes, word searches, spot the difference)
- Features coloring pages with travel-themed illustrations
- Designed specifically for travel, often with compact sizing
- Encourages quiet, independent play
Pros:
- Offers variety to prevent boredom
- Boosts problem-solving and fine motor skills
- No batteries or internet required
- Lightweight and easy to pack
Cons:
- Can be a single-use item if all pages are completed
- May require additional supplies like pens or crayons
User Impressions: Parents consistently praise this activity book for its ability to hold children’s attention for extended periods. They love that it’s a quiet alternative to electronic devices and helps to keep kids calm and focused during long stretches of travel. Many appreciate the diverse activities that cater to different interests.
- See it on Amazon here
Magnetic Travel Toys for Toddlers Kids 5PCS
Say hello to your new favorite travel companions! These adorable humanoid magnetic toys are a fantastic, screen-free solution for entertaining toddlers and young children on planes, in cars, or even at restaurants. Made from high-quality, bendable silicone with strong built-in magnets in their arms and legs, these colorful figures spark creativity as kids can pose them in endless shapes and stick them to various surfaces. They’re perfectly sized, quiet, and incredibly durable, making them ideal travel toys that encourage imaginative play.
Key Features:
- Set of 5 bendable humanoid magnetic figures
- Made from high-quality, durable, and fade-resistant silicone
- Four strong magnets in each toy’s arms and legs for versatile posing
- Small, silent, and easy to carry, ideal for travel
- Bright colors and comfortable feel make them sensory fidget toys
- Meets ASTM (USA) toy safety standards, 100% safe materials
- Comes in an exquisite plastic box, perfect for gifting
Pros:
- Encourages creativity and imaginative play
- Quiet and mess-free, perfect for public spaces
- Durable and long-lasting
- Great sensory and fidget toy for all ages
- Compact and easy to pack, reducing screen time
Cons:
- Small pieces could be a choking hazard for very young infants (always supervise)
- Can potentially be lost easily in tight spaces
User Impressions: Reviewers rave about how these magnetic toys keep their kids engaged and quiet for significant durations. Parents love their durability, portability, and the creative freedom they offer. They’re often hailed as a “must-have” for road trips and airplane journeys, successfully diverting children from electronic devices.
- See it on Amazon here
WELL BALANCED Airplane Games – Airplane Bingo Travel
Get ready for some in-flight fun with Airplane Bingo! This engaging game is designed to keep kids aged 3 to 8 entertained and observant throughout their journey. Featuring 11 unique dry-erase cards with visual images, it’s perfect for toddlers and early readers, eliminating the need for complex reading. From spotting different types of cars on the way to the airport to searching for airline logos and in-flight objects like flight attendants or fluffy clouds, this bingo set offers a variety of themes that make the entire travel experience an interactive adventure. It even comes with two dry-erase markers, so you’re ready to play right out of the box!
Key Features:
- 11 unique, reusable dry-erase bingo cards
- Designed for kids aged 3 to 8 years old
- Features visual images for easy participation by toddlers and early readers
- Variety of themes: airport objects, in-flight items, car types, airline logos
- Includes two dry-erase markers for immediate play
- Promotes observation skills and engagement with surroundings
Pros:
- Highly engaging and interactive, involving the environment
- Reusable cards provide long-term value
- Toddler-friendly; no reading required
- Promotes observation and keeps kids looking out the window
- Compact and travel-ready with included markers
Cons:
- Can become repetitive for older children after many uses
- Markers can dry out or get lost if not stored properly
User Impressions: Parents absolutely love this bingo game for making travel less stressful and more fun. They report that kids genuinely enjoy searching for items and checking off their cards, often asking to play multiple rounds. It’s frequently recommended as an excellent way to keep little ones entertained without screens, turning travel into a game.
- See it on Amazon here
Build Your Own Cupcake Sticker Activity Book (Dover Little)
For the creative little chefs in your life, the “Build Your Own Cupcake Sticker Activity Book” is a delightful distraction. This compact sticker book allows children to design their very own delicious-looking cupcakes by choosing from a variety of frosting, sprinkles, cherries, and other decorative elements. It’s a quiet, mess-free activity that encourages creativity and fine motor skills, all within the small confines of an airplane seat. Its small size makes it one of the most convenient and best plane activities for kids who love to customize and create.
Key Features:
- Includes multiple blank cupcake outlines
- Features a wide array of reusable stickers for decoration (frosting, toppings, etc.)
- Compact “Little Activity Book” size, perfect for travel
- Engages creativity and fine motor skills
Pros:
- Quiet and mess-free activity
- Encourages artistic expression and imaginative play
- Very lightweight and portable
- Relatively inexpensive for hours of entertainment
Cons:
- Stickers can sometimes be difficult for very small fingers to peel
- Limited replay value once all cupcakes are decorated
User Impressions: This sticker book is a hit with kids who enjoy designing and creating. Parents appreciate how it keeps their children quietly entertained and focused, especially during moments when they need a calm activity. Its small size is a major plus for packing light for flights.
- See it on Amazon here
Silliest Hidden Pictures Puzzles Ever: 144 Pages of Silly
Hidden pictures puzzles have been a beloved pastime for generations, and the “Silliest Hidden Pictures Puzzles Ever” book takes that classic fun to a whole new level! With 144 pages packed with hilarious and detailed illustrations, kids will spend hours searching for cleverly concealed objects. This book is fantastic for developing observation skills, patience, and concentration. It’s a wonderfully quiet and absorbing activity that can entertain children of various ages, making it a timeless choice among the best plane activities for kids that you can rely on for long journeys.
Key Features:
- 144 pages filled with engaging hidden picture puzzles
- Features “silly” and humorous illustrations
- Promotes observation, concentration, and attention to detail
- Suitable for a wide age range
Pros:
- Provides extended periods of quiet entertainment
- Boosts cognitive skills and patience
- No batteries or external power needed
- Excellent value for the number of pages
Cons:
- May require a pencil or pen (not included)
- Some puzzles might be too challenging for very young children without assistance
User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise this book for its high entertainment value and durability. Kids love the challenge and humor in the illustrations, often returning to puzzles multiple times. Parents find it an effective way to keep children focused and quiet, especially during travel or waiting times, highlighting its ability to span various age groups.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQs About Plane Activities for Kids
Q1: What kinds of activities are best for long flights with toddlers?
A1: For toddlers, look for quiet, engaging activities that don’t have too many small, loose pieces. Magnetic toys, reusable sticker books, simple chunky puzzles, and wipe-clean drawing pads are excellent choices. Snacks and favorite small comfort items are also key!
Q2: How can I keep my kids entertained on a plane without relying solely on screens?
A2: A mix of activities is best! Pack activity books (puzzles, mazes), sticker books, travel-sized games like bingo, small quiet toys (like the magnetic figures reviewed above), coloring supplies, and a few favorite picture books. Surprise them with a new small toy every hour or so to keep the novelty alive.
Q3: Are there any activities that promote quiet play on an airplane?
A3: Absolutely! Sticker books, hidden picture puzzles, magnetic drawing boards, activity books with pencils, and soft sensory toys are all fantastic for quiet, focused play that won’t disturb fellow passengers.
Q4: What should I avoid packing for plane activities?
A4: Try to avoid anything noisy (musical toys, loud electronics), messy (glitter, playdough that crumbles easily), or with too many tiny pieces that can roll away and get lost under seats. Also, strong-smelling items might bother others.
Q5: How many activities should I pack for a flight?
A5: It’s better to have a variety of options rather than just a few. Pack one new “surprise” item for every hour of the flight (or every couple of hours for older kids), plus some familiar favorites. Variety is key to combating boredom!
Q6: What’s a good strategy for introducing activities during the flight?
A6: Don’t bring everything out at once! Start with a familiar activity, then introduce a “new” toy or book every hour or so, keeping some things in reserve for when boredom truly sets in. This keeps things fresh and exciting throughout the journey.
Q7: How can I keep my child from losing small activity pieces on the plane?
A7: Use small travel bags, pencil cases, or clear plastic pouches for each activity. Consider products that have self-contained pieces (like magnetic boards or sticker books where stickers stick to pages). A small tray table lap desk can also help contain items.
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By thoughtfully packing the best plane activities for kids, you can turn those hours in the air into a time of discovery, creativity, and even some peace and quiet for everyone. Happy travels!