Flying with young children can be challenging, especially when it’s a long-haul flight. Keeping them entertained and calm is key to a smooth journey for everyone involved. After countless flights with our little ones, here are the 15 best plane activities that are sure to keep children under 5 occupied and happy.
All of the items I have listed below in plane activities for children are things that I have personally used, I have added them all to my Amazon Storefront so you can shop directly from there, these are affiliate links which means for every purchase you make there I receive a small commission so thank you for your ongoing support!
1. Sticker Books
Sticker books are a fantastic way to pass time. They’re compact, lightweight, and mess-free. Opt for reusable sticker books so your child can rearrange stickers, making the fun last longer.
2. Magnetic Playsets
Magnetic playsets like magnetic puzzles or dress-up dolls are brilliant for travel. They stick to the board and don’t get lost easily, making them perfect for plane trays.
3. Water Wow! Colouring Pads
These magical pads use water-filled brushes to reveal vibrant colours. The best part? No mess! Once the pad dries, the colours disappear, allowing your child to paint again and again.
4. Crayons & Colouring Books
A simple and reliable classic! Make sure to pack some travel-sized crayons and a colouring book. There are even crayon sets designed to prevent rolling, which are great for confined spaces.
5. Busy Boards
Busy boards with zippers, buttons, and Velcro are brilliant for little hands. They’re compact and provide tactile stimulation, which helps develop fine motor skills while keeping your child entertained.
6. Soft Toys
A favourite soft toy can comfort your child during the flight. A small, lightweight cuddly toy can also spark imaginative play, creating endless possibilities.
7. Tablet with Pre-Downloaded Apps
Sometimes screen time is your best friend! Load your tablet with age-appropriate games, shows, or educational apps. Make sure to pack child-friendly headphones too.
8. Interactive Books
Books with flaps, textures, or sounds can keep little ones engaged for quite a while. Choose lightweight board books for younger toddlers or fun storybooks with simple narratives for preschoolers.
9. Snack Box
A variety of snacks will not only keep your child fed but also entertained. You can pack a snack box with small treats that take time to eat, like raisins, fruit slices, and crackers.
10. Reusable Sticker Mats
Similar to sticker books, reusable sticker mats allow kids to create scenes and stories over and over again. Plus, they’re easy to pack and don’t leave any mess behind.
11. Lacing Cards
Lacing cards are an educational and fun activity for little fingers. These cards usually come with colourful designs and a soft lace for children to thread through the holes, promoting hand-eye coordination.
12. Finger Puppets
Bring a handful of finger puppets to act out stories. Not only do they engage your child’s imagination, but you can also participate by narrating fun tales to keep your little one entertained.
13. Play-Doh
Although not ideal for all planes due to the mess potential, Play-Doh can be a fun, tactile activity on a tray table if carefully managed. Bring a small tub for simple creations.
14. Travel Puzzles
Small, simple puzzles with larger pieces work well on flights. Choose puzzles with 5-10 pieces that can be assembled on the tray table. Magnetic ones are even better for this purpose.
15. Small Surprise Toys
Pack a few small toys (like mini cars, figurines, or animals) as a surprise during the flight. Unwrapping a new toy can give them something to look forward to and keep them occupied for a good chunk of time.
15 Best Plane Activities for Children Under 5
Flying with children under 5 doesn’t have to be a stressful experience! With the right preparation and a variety of engaging activities, you can ensure a more peaceful journey. What are your go-to plane activities for kids? Let me know in the comments!
If you are planning your next family travels go and check out my travel guides for more inspiration and advice and why not head over to Instagram to follow along our travel journey!
If you have any questions or want more tips, feel free to drop a comment below. Safe travels!
