Flying with a toddler can often feel like embarking on a high-stakes mission, complete with unpredictable challenges and potential meltdowns. As a parent, keeping your child entertained and happy during a flight is crucial for everyone’s sanity. Here are 10 tried-and-true toddler plane activities to keep your little one occupied while soaring through the skies.
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So you’ve booked the flight, prepared the passports and somehow managed to shove everything into your carry-on luggage. Now comes the not-so-glamorous part: entertaining your toddler on a multi-hour airplane ride. But fear not. With the right arsenal of engaging activities, you can transform your flight experience from a dreaded ordeal to an exciting and stress-free journey.
Tips for a stress-free flight with a toddler
Toddlers are bundles of boundless energy and curiosity, making them great companions on any adventure — including air travel. However, their unpredictable nature means that even the most meticulously planned flights can encounter unexpected twists and turns. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared and ready for any situation that may arise. Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing for airplane travel with a toddler.
- Pack essential items like diapers, wipes and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag to be prepared for any situation.
- Dress your toddler in comfortable and layered clothing suitable for the temperature onboard the plane.
- Bring along familiar comfort items like blankets or stuffed animals.
- Pack healthy snacks and drinks to keep your toddler nourished and hydrated throughout the flight.
- Arrive at the airport early to allow plenty of time for check-in, security screening and boarding to avoid the stress of rushing.
- Set clear boundaries and rules for behavior onboard, and praise your toddler for following instructions and being cooperative.
- Stay calm and positive even if things don’t go as planned. You don’t want your little one to feel any tension and get anxious.
10 engaging toddler plane activities
Every child is different. As a parent, you know your little one the best, so select activities you think will capture their interest the most. Plus, toddlers thrive on novelty. Introducing new or forgotten activities can ignite their excitement and keep them engaged for a while.
Exploring the travel busy bag
Before you even step foot on the plane, put together a special travel busy bag for your toddler. Fill it with small new or forgotten items like toys, board books, coloring pages, crayons, stickers and a few surprises to keep them entertained throughout the flight.
Decorating the window
Turn the airplane window into a canvas with some reusable window clings. Let your toddler get creative by sticking and re-sticking the clings to create their own unique designs. Not only will this activity keep them engaged, but it also adds a pop of color to their flying experience. Plus, it’s a great way to personalize their window seat and make it feel like their own special space.
“When flying with a toddler, bring a roll of painter’s tape. They can tear, peel and stick it all over the seat in front of them or window.”
— Susannah Brinkley Henry, Feast + West
Taking a stroll
When the seatbelt sign is off, and it’s safe to move around the cabin, take your toddler for a stroll up and down the aisle. This gives them a chance to stretch their legs, provides a change of scenery and an opportunity to interact with other passengers. Just be sure to avoid peak times like meal service.
Crafting with pipe cleaners
Pipe cleaners are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for travel. Pack a few colorful pipe cleaners in your carry-on bag and let your toddler shape them into simple shapes like circles and squares. Playing with pipe cleaners is one of the best mess-free toddler plane activities.
Water coloring
Another great toddler plane activity that is mess-free and is guaranteed to keep your child occupied is water coloring. Your child will love these Melissa & Doug water coloring books. The best part is that they quickly dry out, so they can be reused many times during your flight and later on.
Sensory guessing
Before the flight, pack a small bag with different textured objects — cotton balls, crinkly paper and smooth stones. Blindfold your toddler and have them reach in and guess the object based on touch. This is a great sensory activity they’ll love.
Putting on a puppet show
Pack a few finger puppets and put on a puppet show for your toddler. Use your child’s favorite characters and come up with amusing stories. Then, take turns and let your child get silly with their own stories.
Snacking
Let’s face it: snacking is a fun activity, especially when you’re stuck on a plane. Most airlines allow food for kids, so pack a variety of your toddler’s favorite snacks and use them as a distraction during the flight. Snack time can also double as a learning opportunity, with snacks like crackers or fruit slices serving as counting or sorting activities.
Snuggling and storytelling
If your child starts to get fussy, all they might need is a little extra love and attention. Take advantage of the downtime during the flight to snuggle up with your little one and share a special bonding moment. Whether it’s a favorite book from home or a made-up story, there’s something magical about sharing a story with your child in the cozy confines of an airplane cabin.
Playing on the tablet
When all else fails, turn to digital entertainment. Load up a tablet with your toddler’s favorite movies, TV shows or educational apps. Make sure to pack headphones to avoid disturbing other passengers. Digital entertainment can be a lifesaver during long flights or unexpected delays, especially when your child otherwise gets limited screen time.
One last thing
Flying with a toddler doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform your flight into a fun and memorable adventure for both you and your little one.
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things parenting.