Airplane Toys and Activites for Toddlers and Kids
Flying with kids can seem daunting, but with a little preparation and the right airplane toys, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Whether you’re traveling with a baby, toddler, or older child, knowing what to bring on a flight with kids is key to keeping them entertained and comfortable. Here’s a guide to the best toys for toddlers on a plane and other essentials to make your next flight a breeze.
Under Age 1
Best Airplane Toys for Babies (Under 1 Year)
Flying with a baby is often easier than expected. Babies typically need minimal toys on a plane, focusing more on comfort and essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essentials First: Pack food (breastmilk, formula, or baby food), diapers, wipes, and an extra change of clothes.
Simple Toys: Soft toys or teething rings can be great for keeping a baby entertained during a flight.
Here is a comprehensive guide to all the most important things you need before flying with a baby!
Ages 1 -3
Best Airplane Toys for Toddlers
Flying with toddlers can be the most challenging age group, but with the right preparation, it can be manageable. Here are some must-haves when deciding what airplane toys and items to bring on a flight with kids-
Snacks are a lifesaver when flying with young children. Opt for snacks that are not only tasty but also entertaining. Cheerios, puffs, and yogurt melts are great options! These snacks can keep little hands busy and provide a distraction during takeoff and landing.
Toys that can be strapped to your child or their car seat are a great choice when looking for airplane toys for kids. Look for toys with clips or Velcro straps that prevent them from falling on the floor. Teething rings, soft books, and activity spirals are excellent options for younger toddlers and for older kids, check out
3. Busy Boards
Have you heard of busy boards?! I wish I had known about these sooner! These are the perfect toys for flying with toddlers and I highly recomend snagging one!
If possible, bring your child's car seat on the plane. Not only does it keep them safe, but it also provides a familiar and comfortable place for them to sit. Plus, having a designated seat can help them settle down and nap more easily. If you have a baby , check out why we love the Doona for this reason!
Mess free markers are always a huge hit for our kids at this age! It feels a little magical to them and even more magical to you since you don’t have to stress about them coloring on the plane!
For Ages 4-7
Best Airplane Toys for Kids (Ages 4-7)
Older children have a longer attention span and can engage in a variety of activities during a flight. On our most recent trip with our 4 and 6 year olds, we actually really enjoyed parts of flying with them! They are at ages now that they can do much more entertaining for themselves on flights and with the right activities and toys, I’m confident you can enjoy your next flight with kids, too! Here are some suggestions for airplane toys to keep kids ages 4-7 entertained:
A travel-sized Lego set are a perfect toy to bring when flying with kids. Look for sets that come in a small, portable container. Building with Legos can spark creativity and keep their hands busy during the flight. This is a huge hit for our kids for layovers!
Stickers are a fantastic and cheap way to keep children busy on an airplane. They can spend a long time creating sticker scenes or decorating paper. Window stickers are especially fun, allowing kids to decorate the plane window and enjoy the view outside. Best of all, they’re easy to clean up! This pack is under $10 and will keep your kids entertained!
These audio players are perfect for young kids. They can listen to stories, music, and educational content, all without the need for screens. Before we go on a big trip, we usually buy a couple of new Tonies for our kids to listen to. I love the option of them listening to audio books or stories rather than just watching shows the entire flight. An added bonus is that they then have their Tonies players wherever we’re going which is perfect for rest time or bedtime when we’re in new places! In our opinion, Tonies are one of the best airplane toys for kids.
Surprise your child with a new coloring book and a set of special markers. Look for markers that are a bit fancier than what they’re used to, such as gel pens or scented markers. The novelty of new coloring supplies can keep them engaged for a long time. We got these markers on our last trip and the kids colored with them for hours!
Simple card games like Go Fish, Old Maid, or War are great for passing the time when flying with kids. These games are easy to pack and can be played on the tray table. Playing cards together can also be a fun way to bond during the flight! My daughter and I played GoFish on our last flight and it was the highlight of her day.
Conclusion: What to Bring on a Flight with Kids
With the right airplane toys and activities, flying with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. Bringing the best toys for toddlers on a plane, along with snacks and comfort items, can transform a potentially challenging situation into a smooth and enjoyable journey. Remember, adaptability is your best tool—enjoy the adventure and happy travels!