Airplane Activities for 1-Year-Olds
Babies and infants are often curious and easily distracted by new environments but can also become fussy if they feel confined or bored. Providing sensory and interactive activities helps keep them engaged and hopefully avoids any upset - but you need to do this without loading yourself with toys and bags, looking like a living, breathing version of Buckaroo as you struggle through the airport. Some simple things that you take with you on the plane that are easily packable are:
- Interactive Books: Pack books with textures, flaps, and bright pictures to capture their attention. If you’re not sure which to bring, we’ve got a range of board books and baby books that will help keep them occupied.
- Favourite Toys: Bring along a few small, lightweight toys that they love, such as a soft plush toy or a teething ring.
- Snacks: Bite-sized snacks can keep their hands busy and provide comfort, especially during take-off and landing to help with pressure changes and ear-popping.
- Sensory Toys: Idle hands are a parent's worst nightmare on a plane. The headrest, the seatback tray, your hair - all become playthings for them. So having some sensory toys or a cuddly toy is the perfect little diversion for their attention..
- Music and Videos: We all know how engrossing a phone can be, and it’s no different for little ones. For a failproof distraction, download a few episodes of their favourite shows or songs on a tablet or smartphone to keep them occupied.
Airplane Activities for 2-Year-Olds
Two-year-olds are more mobile and independent, requiring activities that allow for movement and creativity within the limited space. Obviously, movement and burning off the bundles and bundles of energy on a plane isn’t going to be doable. So you’re really relying on activities that will require them to concentrate while they do them and are small enough to fit in your hand luggage. Some really good options are:
- Sticker Books: Stickers can provide endless entertainment and are easy to clean up. We’ve got a range of kids’ stickers that they will love getting creative with.
- Colouring Books and Crayons: Compact and relatively mess-free, kids colouring books are perfect for encouraging creativity and will have them deep in focus as they create their next masterpiece.
- Puzzle Games: Simple puzzles or shape-sorting toys don’t just require deep concentration while they try and solve it, but they also develop problem solving skills. So, you’re not only giving yourself a hassle-free flight, but you’re also helping their development - a win-win for any parent.
- Interactive Apps: Age-appropriate educational apps on a tablet can be both fun and educational. They’ll keep the little one locked in and allow you a little time to get started on your next summer read.
- Storytelling: This one requires a little more effort and creativity, but it can make the perfect start to the holiday. You can make up a little story about a young explorer off to discover new lands, a kid with superpowers sent on a mission to another country, or anything else you can think of to make them giggle and unlock their imagination.
Airplane Activities for 3-Year-Olds
Three-year-olds like to play-pretend, so bringing some interactive games and engaging their imagination and cognitive skills is key to making it through the flight. Below are some of the things we’ve done to keep a 3-year-old entertained on a plane:
- Travel Games: Some great airplane games for toddlers are magnetic travel games like tic-tac-toe or matching card games. They can be both fun and challenging, plus you won’t lose the bits under the seat!
- Craft Kits: Portable craft kits with safe, simple materials for making bracelets, paper crafts, or other small projects will make the hours fly by and give them a cool little memento from their holiday.
- Interactive Learning: Bring along puzzle books or workbooks with activities that involve tracing, counting, and basic problem-solving or anything that will require them to concentrate, and most importantly, sit still.
- Audiobooks: If all else fails, there’s always one thing sure to calm a toddler down, and that’s their favourite story. An easy way to keep a threenager calm on the plane is to download the audiobook version of it. Headphones in, seat back and silent, there’s nothing better as a parent.
Airplane Activities for 4-Year-Olds
Four-year-olds have longer attention spans and can follow more complex instructions, and they enjoy activities that challenge their growing brain power! They also like to test boundaries as they try to assert their independence - a combination that can make a plane journey challenging, so you need to pick the right plane activities for a 4-year-old. Here are a few of our go-tos:
- Educational Activities: Load up on educational toys, activity packs, or apps that teach numbers, letters, and basic problem-solving.
- Audiobooks and Interactive Apps: Download a few fun apps or audiobooks and let them plug in and listen to their favourite stories during the flight.
- Colouring Books and Crayons: A classic choice for a reason. Bringing small, travel-sized colouring books and crayons can keep them busy and happy.
- Craft Kits: Simple craft kits that involve stickers, paper, and glue sticks can be very engaging. Have a look at our range of kids’ craft supplies for inspiration!
Travel Hacks: How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Flight
It’s natural to be concerned about how your child will cope with their first experience flying. For them, it is likely to be an exciting new adventure, but for you it can come with a whole host of worries. What if their ears hurt because of the pressure changes? What if they cry and annoy the people around you? What if you don’t have the right book, game, or snack to soothe them?
These travel hacks will turn any turbulence into a smooth journey for both you and your child. Making your toddler's first flight a more enjoyable experience means it will be less stressful for you both and hopefully makes life easier when travelling in the future.
Travel Hacks For Flying With Toddlers:
1. Talk About the Trip: Familiarising your toddler with the idea of flying can reduce anxiety and build excitement. Explaining the process in simple terms helps them know what to expect. Use books or videos about flying to help them understand.
2. Practice Patience: Flights require periods of waiting, whether during boarding or in the air. Helping your toddler develop patience can make these times more manageable. Play turn-taking games or practice waiting in a fun way at home.
3. Pack Comfort Items: Familiar items provide comfort and security, which can be crucial during the unfamiliar experience of flying. Bring their favourite blanket, stuffed animal, or toy to help them feel more at ease.
Introduce New Toys: New toys can hold your toddler’s attention and keep them engaged for longer periods. Pack a few new, small toys or activities to surprise them with during the flight.
4. Snack Preparation: Snacks can be a great way to keep your child occupied and satisfied. Familiar, healthy snacks can also prevent hunger-related fussiness. Bring a variety of snacks that your child enjoys, ensuring they’re easy to eat and mess-free.
5. Dress Comfortably: Comfortable clothing can make a significant difference in how your child feels during the flight. Dress your toddler in soft, layered clothing to adapt to the changing temperatures on the plane.
6. Plan for Sleep: Ensuring your toddler can nap on the plane can lead to a more pleasant flight for everyone. Bring items that help them sleep, like a pillow, blanket, or sleep mask, and try to schedule the flight around their nap time.
Happy Travels!
Entertaining a toddler on a plane requires a mix of creativity, preparation, and flexibility. By tailoring activities to their age and interests, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable flight for everyone. With these tips and airplane activities for toddlers, you’re well-equipped to turn potential travel stress into a fun adventure and start your holiday the right way. Happy travels!
If you’re looking for more activities for kids, check out our posts with free printable activity sheets and printable summer activities!
