10 Fun and Creative Ways to Entertain Your Child on a Plane

This ultimate guide shares 10 engaging and interactive ideas to keep your child on a plane happy and stress-free on any flight.

Elvine Assouline - Founder

Introduction: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Child Entertained on a Long Flight

Picture this: you’re on a plane, thousands of feet in the air, and your child won’t stop crying or complaining. The thought alone is enough to make any parent break into a cold sweat. But don’t worry, with a little creativity and planning, you can make sure your child has a fun and stress-free experience on the plane. In this article, we’ll share with you 10 fun and creative ways to entertain your child on a plane. Whether it’s a short flight or a long-haul journey, these tips will help keep your child happy and engaged throughout the trip. After all, a happy child means a happy parent, and that’s what we all want, right? So, let’s dive in and explore some exciting ways to keep your child entertained on a plane!

Pre-Flight Preparations

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Packing the carry-on bag

Pack a carry-on bag for your child with items that will keep them entertained throughout the flight. Some ideas include books, coloring books, small toys, puzzles, and a tablet with games or movies downloaded.

Snacks and drinks

Bring plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your child satisfied during the flight. Pack a mix of healthy snacks, like fruit and granola bars, and treats like cookies or candy.

Comfortable clothing

Dress your child in comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in and won’t cause them to overheat or become too cold. Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater for them to wear on the plane.

Creative Activities to Keep Kids Entertained

Portable games and electronics

Download educational games or apps onto tablets or phones
Bring handheld gaming devices like Nintendo Switch or PSP
Pack noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions

Coloring books and activity pads

Bring a variety of coloring books and markers or crayons
Choose activity books with puzzles and games like mazes and crossword puzzles
Consider getting reusable coloring books that can be colored and wiped clean with water

Storytelling and reading books

Bring your child’s favorite books or new ones they haven’t read yet
Consider getting a portable reading light to read in low light situations
Tell stories to your child to keep them engaged and entertained

Playing with stickers and magnetic toys

Stickers can be used to create pictures or decorate notebooks
Magnetic toys can be played on the tray table or seatback tray
Magnetic storybooks or dress-up dolls are great options

Learning a new language or playing educational games

Download language learning apps or games for kids
Bring flashcards to practice words and phrases in a new language
Educational games like Scrabble or math games can keep kids entertained while learning

Listening to music or podcasts

Create a playlist of your child’s favorite songs or audiobooks
Download kid-friendly podcasts like Story Pirates or Wow in the World
Bring noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions

Playing card or board games

Bring a deck of cards to play games like Go Fish or Old Maid
Choose portable board games like checkers or chess
Magnetic board games are also a good option

Remember to keep in mind the age of your child and their interests when choosing activities to keep them entertained.

Engaging and Interactive Games

Long flights can be tedious for children and parents alike. To break up the monotony, engaging and interactive games can provide hours of entertainment. Here are some ideas to get you started:

A. Scavenger Hunts and I-Spy – Create a list of items for your child to find on the plane or in their immediate surroundings. Encourage them to look for things like a certain color of luggage, a specific type of food or drink, or a particular landmark out the window. I-Spy is another classic game that can keep kids entertained for a while.

B. Guessing Games – There are plenty of guessing games that can be played with just two people. One person can think of a person, place, or thing, and the other person has to guess what it is by asking yes or no questions. Alternatively, you can play the alphabet game by finding words that start with each letter of the alphabet in order.

C. Charades and Pictionary – These classic games can be easily adapted for the plane. Charades can be played with just gestures, while Pictionary can be played using a small sketchpad or tablet. Use familiar themes, such as movies or TV shows, to make the games more accessible to younger children.

By playing these engaging games, your child will not only be entertained, but they’ll also be developing critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

Sensory Activities

A. Play-doh or kinetic sand
B. Sensory bags or busy boards
C. Sensory books or kits

If your child is a sensory seeker, then these activities are perfect for them. Play-doh or kinetic sand can keep them occupied for hours, while sensory bags or busy boards provide a fun and interactive way to engage their senses. Sensory books or kits are also great options to keep them entertained.

Sleep and Relaxation

A. Bring a cozy blanket and pillow
B. Use a noise-cancelling headset
C. Use a flight sock for better sleep

Long flights can be tiring and draining for adults, let alone children. It’s essential to ensure that your child is well-rested and relaxed during the flight. Bringing a cozy blanket and pillow can provide them with a comfortable place to sleep, while a noise-cancelling headset can help block out any disturbances. You can also use a flight sock to promote better sleep by increasing blood flow and reducing the risk of blood clots.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about entertaining kids on a plane:

How do you keep kids entertained on a plane?

Keeping kids entertained on a plane can be a challenge, but there are many creative ways to do it. Packing a carry-on bag with plenty of snacks, games, and activities is a good start. You can also engage your child in interactive games, sensory activities, and learning opportunities.

How do I keep my 3-year-old entertained on a plane?

Three-year-olds are often full of energy and curious about the world around them. Some great ways to keep them entertained on a plane include interactive games, such as I-Spy or guessing games, sensory activities, and age-appropriate electronics. You can also bring along their favorite books and toys to keep them engaged.

How do I keep my 2-year-old entertained on a plane?

Two-year-olds are still developing their motor and language skills, so sensory activities and interactive games are great ways to keep them entertained on a plane. Bringing along their favorite toys and books can also help keep them engaged. You may also want to consider investing in child-sized headphones to make it easier for them to enjoy electronic devices.

What helps with boredom on a plane?

Boredom on a plane can be alleviated by packing a variety of activities and snacks. Sensory activities and interactive games are great options, as are age-appropriate electronics and books. You can also take advantage of the time to teach your child a new skill, such as learning a new language or playing an educational game.

What is a flight sock?

A flight sock is a special compression sock designed to improve blood flow in the legs during long flights. It can help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and promote overall comfort during the flight. Flight socks come in a range of sizes and styles, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.

How can I make flying more fun

Making flying more fun for kids can be as simple as packing a carry-on bag with plenty of snacks, games, and activities. You can also engage your child in interactive games, sensory activities, and learning opportunities. Encouraging them to explore the airport and watch planes take off and land can also make the experience more exciting.

Conclusion: Child on a Plane - Fun and Creative Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained

Recap of the article: In this article, we have discussed 10 fun and creative ways to entertain your child on a plane. We have covered pre-flight preparations, creative activities, engaging and interactive games, sensory activities, and sleep and relaxation tips.

Final thoughts and recommendations: Remember that keeping your child entertained on a plane is essential for a stress-free and enjoyable flight for everyone. We recommend packing a carry-on bag with snacks, games, and activities that your child enjoys, as well as preparing for sleep and relaxation time.

Call-to-action to share tips and experiences: We would love to hear your tips and experiences on how you keep your child entertained on a plane. Please share them with us in the comments below.

Link to relevant resources: For more ideas on how to entertain your child at home, check out our articles on 60 activities for bored kids at home and 10 jokes and riddles to entertain your children.