This post contains affiliate links and I will earn a commission if a purchase is made through those links. I appreciate your support!
Traveling with young children can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to keeping them entertained during long flights. I have compiled a list of15 airplane activities that are compact, mess-free and perfect for kids aged 3 to 6 to take along on an airplane.
1. Coloring Books and Crayons: Compact coloring books and a set of twistable crayons can provide hours of entertainment for young children. Encourage your child to color inside the lines or let their creativity flow freely as they create vibrant masterpieces in the air. Bonus points if you create your own coloring pages out of family pictures.
2. Sticker Books: Sticker books offer endless opportunities for creativity and imaginative play. Opt for reusable sticker sets to minimize mess and waste. These sticker books also allow you to reuse them over and over, saving you money.
3. Activity Books: Activity books such as this color by sticker, Where's Waldo, Fun with Foam and On the Plane are perfect for entertaining little kids for long hours with minimal adult intervention. Kids can manage these on their own and the game element will keep them occupied for hours.
4. Miniature Board Games: Pack travel-sized versions of classic board games like Memory or Match the Pattern for some family-friendly fun in the air. This 4 in 1 travel game set is also amazing and can be fun for all ages.
5. Matchbox Cars: Pack this travel bag full of their favorite matchbox cars together with road tape for endless pretend play on the go. Let them map out a road and ride the cars around and around.
6. Storybooks: Bring along a selection of your child's favorite storybooks or new ones to explore together during the flight. It's very important to have at least one brand new book that they never saw before, to both pique their interest and keep them engaged for an extended period of time.
7. Interactive Apps or Games: Download age-appropriate games on a tablet or smartphone to keep kids entertained during the flight. My 4 year old enjoys playing Blockdoku for hours on end. You can download it for both IOS and Android. Tip: turn off all WiFi or cell service while playing, to avoid annoying ads.
8. Puzzle Books: Puzzle books are a great option to challenge your youngsters mind and pass the time. You can purchase one like this one here that has find the difference challenges, maze challenges, etc. or create your own using family pictures.
9. Pipe Cleaners: Pipe cleaners are versatile and can be twisted and shaped into various creations, from animals to jewelry. Let your child's imagination run wild as they bend and mold colorful pipe cleaners into unique shapes and designs. Wikki Sticks work in a similar way and is also a lot of fun for kids.
10. Flashcards: Use flashcards to practice letters, numbers, shapes, and colors while on the go. Engage your child in interactive learning activities, such as matching shapes or counting objects, to reinforce key concepts in a fun and engaging way.
11. Travel-sized Magna Doodle: The classic Magna Doodle offers mess-free drawing and erasing, perfect for on-the-go creativity. Your child can doodle to their heart's content, then simply slide the eraser to start anew, keeping the mess contained and the fun going.
12. Finger Puppets: Finger puppets are compact and provide endless opportunities for storytelling and imaginative play. Bring characters to life with whimsical finger puppet shows, encouraging your child to create their own narratives and explore the realms of make-believe.
13. Quiet Books: Fabric or felt quiet books with interactive elements like zippers, buttons, and Velcro are excellent for keeping little hands busy. Each page offers a new sensory experience, from buttoning up a shirt to zipping open a pocket, providing hours of tactile exploration and learning.
14. Origami Paper: Teach your child simple origami folding techniques and create fun shapes and animals together. Origami paper is lightweight and easy to pack, making it an ideal activity for creative expression on the go. This Origami Paper Kit includes everything you will need for a beginner origami creator.
15. Snack Packs: Pack a variety of healthy snacks in a handy snack box to keep hunger at bay and provide a tasty distraction. Choose portable snacks like dried fruit, granola bars, and cheese sticks to satisfy cravings and keep energy levels up throughout the flight.
Remember to pack these activities in a compact carry-on bag or backpack for easy access during the flight. Additionally, consider introducing new activities gradually to maintain your child's interest throughout the journey. With these mess-free and compact activities on hand, you'll be well-equipped to keep your little ones happily entertained during your next airplane adventure.
Happy travels!
Chavy
Comments