Traveling with toddlers or even older kids on airplanes can be a nerve-wracking experience for parents. The thought of being reserved to a small space with limited movement opportunities might seem scary…
However, with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Packing a travel backpack filled with various activities can make a significant difference. Besides the staples like a tablet, consider adding new items such as stickers or mess-free crafts to keep things fresh. Wrapping these items as gifts can add excitement and occupy your child for a few more minutes. These small preparations can keep your child entertained and happily engaged throughout the flight.
Many parents feel anxious about keeping their kids occupied during flights, especially with the disruption of routines and potential behavioral impacts. However, flying with kids doesn’t need to be stressful or boring. By selecting age-appropriate airplane activities, you can keep your child grounded in their seat and engaged for the duration of the journey. Simple strategies like preparing a child-sized backpack with engaging items and managing snack times can help maintain a calm and enjoyable flight experience for everyone.
Useful activities during flight
Here are some useful airplane activities to keep your child happily entertained during your upcoming flight…!
1-Prepare a back pack of goodies
The best thing is to pack a bag with small gifts and treats for your child to enjoy during the flight by including items such as stickers, coloring books, small toys, and snacks by wrapping each one individually to create excitement and surprise. This strategy works particularly well if you can roll the gift opening throughout the journey. However, it is recommended to keep a couple of gifts in reserve to bring out when you need to diffuse a bad temper or settle sibling quarrels.
2-Magnetic Games
Consider packing some magnetic travel games for plane activities. The options may include bingo, tic tac toe, chess, and checkers. The magnetic pieces adhere to the board, making them less likely to get lost during the flight.
(Make sure to have a magnetic one, in another case it can be messy too).
Additionally, the compact game boards fit conveniently into your carry-on luggage.
3- Read books (audio/video)
Pack a mix of your child’s favorite books along with some new ones they haven’t explored yet. Choosing books that tie into your destination can help build excitement about the trip. Additionally, consider downloading audiobooks or read-aloud books to enjoy together along the way.
4-Help them to create a travel journal
Bring along a notebook and a set of colored pencils, pens, or crayons, and inspire your child to start their own travel journal. They can fill it with drawings, stories, quotes, and summaries about their adventures. Save tickets, postcards, and receipts to add a scrapbook touch. This activity is perfect for keeping them entertained during the flight and will serve as a wonderful memento to discuss when you return home.
5- Watch entertaining movies
Equip your kids with an easily handled laptop or tablet for a personalized viewing experience during the flight. Download a few of their favorite shows or movies, or surprise them with a new film they haven’t seen yet. Reveal the new content once you’re airborne for an exciting in-flight entertainment option. Bring along some popcorn to recreate the movie theater experience right in your seats.
6-Go for some learning activities
Transform the airplane into a classroom with a variety of learning activities, such as writing, math, colors, and sorting. You can ask your child to write a story, create an itinerary for your trip, or draw pictures of what they imagine you’ll see or do on vacation. These activities make the flight both fun and educational.
7-Play-Doh
Certainly! Play-Doh, despite its potential for messiness, transforms into a manageable activity as children enter elementary school. When confined to a tray table, it becomes a beloved pastime during plane journeys for families. The tray table serves as an ideal surface for children to sculpt and explore their creativity, whether through collaborative creations or engaging in Play-Doh Pictorial.
8-Dry-Erase Board
Children of all ages adore sketching and scribbling. Packing a lightweight LED doodle pad or dry erase board ensures endless hours of entertainment without the need for bulky sketch pads or an array of supplies like markers and erasers. Their slim design makes them effortlessly portable, fitting snugly into any bag or luggage!
9-Have some screen time
Ensure you reserve space in your carry-on for electronic gadgets. While it’s wise to limit screen time in daily routines, a kids’ tablet can be a savior during lengthy flights. Familiar entertainment like movies, TV shows, or games can comfort and entertain in new environments. Remember to download your child’s preferred content prior to departure. If multiple children are sharing a screen, don’t forget a headphone splitter.
10- Checkout what airlines offer to little travelers?
Airlines prioritize keeping kids entertained during flights. Check with your airline for their offerings; for instance, some provide small toys. Some airlines feature Disney or Nickelodeon content on video screens. Many pilots welcome kids into the cockpit before or after flights, and airline pins are often handed out as well.
We trust this post has equipped you with essential items for your packing list, enhancing your journey’s enjoyment for all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating engaging travel activities for kids during flights not only makes the journey smoother for both children and parents but also transforms what could be a routine experience into an opportunity for fun, learning, and cherished family memories. Whether through interactive games, educational materials, or simply embracing the adventure of travel, keeping children entertained and engaged enhances the overall travel experience, fostering excitement and anticipation for future adventures together.
Happy travels..!
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