Flying with kids can be challenging, especially on long-haul flights where boredom and restlessness are inevitable. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or older children, keeping them engaged and entertained during the flight is key to a stress-free journey. With a little preparation and creativity, you can turn long flights into an exciting part of your travel adventure. Here are 12 fun activities that will help keep your kids entertained, engaged, and happy throughout the flight.
1. Bring Along Coloring Books and Crayons
Coloring books and crayons are timeless distractions that work for kids of all ages. Pack a variety of coloring books or print out some coloring pages with their favorite characters. Crayons or washable markers are easy to transport, mess-free, and provide hours of quiet entertainment. Look for travel-sized coloring sets that don’t take up much space in your carry-on. You can also bring activity books with mazes, connect-the-dots, and simple puzzles for added fun.
2. Load Up on Kids’ Audiobooks or Podcasts
Audiobooks and podcasts designed for kids are a fantastic way to keep them entertained without needing screens. Download age-appropriate audiobooks, like classic fairy tales or adventure stories, that can capture their attention for hours. Kids’ podcasts, such as “Wow in the World” or “Story Pirates,” offer entertaining and educational content that can keep them engaged. Just be sure to bring a pair of comfortable, child-friendly headphones.
3. Engage with Travel-Themed Sticker Books
Sticker books are another excellent option for long flights. Travel-themed sticker books, where kids can match stickers to specific locations or create their own adventure scenes, will hold their attention while sparking their imagination. Reusable stickers are a great choice as they can be repositioned, allowing for endless creative play. Some brands offer stickers that can be applied to windows, adding a fun dimension to the experience.
4. Pack a Travel Game Kit
Mini travel games are compact and perfect for on-the-go entertainment. Games like magnetic chess, checkers, tic-tac-toe, and travel-sized card games are ideal for passing the time on a flight. Games that don’t have small pieces, like Uno or Go Fish, are also great for reducing the chance of losing parts mid-flight. Travel game kits are easy to carry and offer interactive fun that can be played alone or with family members.
5. Let Them Watch Pre-Downloaded Movies and Shows
Although it’s important to limit screen time, long flights are an exception where pre-downloaded movies and TV shows can be a lifesaver. Download their favorite movies or shows onto a tablet or phone before your trip, ensuring they have something familiar to watch. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime allow you to download content for offline viewing. Make sure to charge devices fully and bring a portable charger, so the fun lasts through the flight.
6. Create a “Surprise Bag” of Toys
A surprise bag filled with small toys can be a source of excitement and distraction for kids on long flights. Pack a few inexpensive toys or small surprises, such as action figures, mini dolls, or fidget toys. Let your child open one every hour or so to keep them interested. The novelty of a new toy will help break up the flight and give them something new to play with, keeping boredom at bay.
7. Introduce DIY Craft Projects
If your kids enjoy being creative, bring along a few simple craft projects that are easy to do in a confined space. Ideas include making friendship bracelets, origami, or even a small travel scrapbook where they can glue in photos or ticket stubs from the trip. You can also pack pipe cleaners, which are flexible and easy to mold into various shapes and creations. Craft activities can stimulate your child’s imagination while keeping them calm and focused.
8. Play Classic In-Flight Games Like “I Spy” or 20 Questions
Sometimes the best entertainment comes from classic verbal games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions.” These games don’t require any materials and can be played anywhere, making them perfect for flights. They engage kids’ thinking skills and creativity, while also being a great way for the family to bond during the journey. You can take turns playing different versions, such as “Guess the Animal” or “What’s in My Bag?”
9. Encourage Drawing with an Etch-A-Sketch or Doodle Pad
An Etch-A-Sketch or reusable doodle pad is a fantastic alternative to paper and crayons. These tools allow kids to draw and erase endlessly without needing extra supplies. They are lightweight, mess-free, and provide endless entertainment as children create different drawings or try new designs. Doodle pads often have styluses that make it easy for even the youngest travelers to use.
10. Let Them Explore a Kid-Friendly Travel Journal
A travel journal is an excellent way for kids to document their experiences during the trip. You can buy kid-friendly travel journals with prompts to encourage them to write about what they see, hear, and experience during the flight or at their destination. Younger children can use stickers, stamps, or draw pictures to fill out their journal. This activity not only keeps them entertained but also helps them engage with the trip in a meaningful way.
11. Engage Them with Puzzle Books
Puzzle books with word searches, crossword puzzles, or Sudoku can keep older kids entertained for hours. You can find travel-sized versions or download printable puzzles before the trip. These mental challenges help keep their minds active and focused. Another great option is “mad libs” books, which allow kids to create silly stories by filling in the blanks with random nouns, verbs, and adjectives—perfect for a good laugh on the plane.
12. Introduce Simple Science or Learning Kits
If you want to add an educational component to your trip, consider bringing along simple science or learning kits. Kits like magnetic building blocks or snap circuits are engaging and stimulate curiosity. You can also download educational apps that teach math, language, or geography in a fun, interactive way. These learning activities keep kids engaged while providing a meaningful and enriching experience during the flight.
Keep Kids Entertained and Enjoy the Journey
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By planning ahead and packing the right activities, you can ensure they stay entertained throughout the flight. From coloring books to engaging audiobooks, surprise toys to classic games, there are plenty of fun, creative ways to make the time fly by for both you and your children. With these 12 activities, you’ll be prepared for a smoother, more enjoyable flight that keeps your little travelers happy and occupied until you reach your destination. Safe travels!