These Gold Wings

Airplane Activities and Games for Kids: How to Entertain Your Kids on a Flight

airplane games for kids
Photo credit: nik.fagundes

You are dying to do more international travel with your kids, but you are not entirely convinced if you can make it and survive the trip.

Traveling with kids can be tough and tricky. However, if you’re well prepared, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by keeping the kids occupied on the airplane.

Here are some of my travel tips for keeping your kids entertained on a (long) flight.

Airplane Activities and Games for Toddlers/Ages 1-3under 3 years old in plane

Little ones under 3 have the attention span of a gnat, but the upshot is that they are entertained by the simplest of things.

Get creative and know that anything can be a toy if you make it seem fun.

Touch and Feel Books

There are dozens of touch and feel books you can find.

Think of things like books with flaps, folds, textures, and anything you can interact with.

My pro tip : get at least two new books that way they are more exciting and save the second one for the return flight home.

Lift the flap book: Toes, ears, and nose

Sale
Toes, Ears, & Nose! A Lift-the-Flap Book
3,644 Reviews
Toes, Ears, & Nose! A Lift-the-Flap Book
  • Marion Dane Bauer (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 16 Pages - 01/01/2003 (Publication Date) - Little Simon (Publisher)

Excellent learning book for toddlers, to teach them the body parts and clothing items.

 

Lift the flap book: Peek a who?

Sale
Peek-a Who? (Lift the Flap Books, Interactive Books for Kids, Interactive Read Aloud Books)
11,238 Reviews
Peek-a Who? (Lift the Flap Books, Interactive Books for Kids, Interactive Read Aloud Books)
  • Laden, Nina (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 10 Pages - 02/01/2000 (Publication Date) - Chronicle Books (Publisher)

A great and simple book with many cutouts and very few words that toddlers can easily learn to repeat back.

 

Touch and Feel book: Animals

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Baby Touch and Feel: Animals
11,122 Reviews
Baby Touch and Feel: Animals
  • DK (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 14 Pages - 01/21/2008 (Publication Date) - DK Children (Publisher)

A small book for little hands perfect for babies interested in touching and feeling objects.

Finger Puppets

These are great because they are small and easy to bring with on the flight.

They are cute, easy to do little stories with, and versatile so you can use them however your little one wants.

Animal finger puppets

20-Piece Story Time Finger Puppets Set - Cloth Velvet Puppets - 14 Animals and 6 People Family Members
1,928 Reviews
20-Piece Story Time Finger Puppets Set - Cloth Velvet Puppets - 14 Animals and 6 People Family Members
  • FUN FOR EVERY FINGER: Set includes 20 finger puppets, enough for two people to wear on every finger. Finger puppets for toddlers and adults
  • ADORABLE DESIGN: 14 animal and 6 human finger puppets make playtime fun for kids. They are cute and very portable. They make for an excellent small prize or Easter egg surprise. Animals include: pig, horse, monkey, mouse, tiger, panda, dog, blue hippo, pink elephant, rabbit, duck, frog, cow and white bear. People include: father, mother, son, daughter, grandfather and grandmother.
  • SPARK CHILDREN'S IMAGINATION: Kids can enjoy hours of creative play with these toys. Finger puppets provide a fun way to tell a story with many characters. Our puppets are also used in the daddy finger song and other finger songs.
  • EASY TO USE: Puppets have long sheaths on the bottom that allow them to stay secure on the fingers. The puppets are made for children, but enjoyed by adults too.
  • UNIQUE GIFT FOR CHILDREN: Any kid will love getting this fun finger puppet set! Also great for schools, day care and occupational therapy. Finger puppets are used by practitioners for literacy, language and social/behavioral development. Also great as a small Easter egg filler toy and Christmas tree ornament filler

Cute little puppets, great for creative play.

Play-Doh

It’s a fun way for your toddler to learn shapes and colors and an easy way to entertain them for hours.

They love it, and it will help them develop their creativity and fine motor skills through play.

Ask them to make a shape with the dough and compare big and small shapes, or make roads, use shape cutters to make animals…

There is so much you can do with Play-Doh!

Play-Doh starter set

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Play-Doh Starter Set
4,752 Reviews
Play-Doh Starter Set
  • Play-Doh play lets kids take the lid off their imaginations and explore their creativity
  • Can packs and basic tool sets offer all kinds of open-ended play
  • Play sets come in many different themes and offer lots of creative role play
  • Great for play dates

The set includes 4 jars of clay and a lot of tools to play as well. It doesn’t take too much space, so it’s a great set to bring when traveling.

It’s the perfect toy for helping toddlers to sharpen their motor skills.

Fidget Cubes

These little fidget toys are made to relieve stress or anxiety in kids and adults.

However, for a toddler, they are a nifty little toy.

There are buttons, spinners, switches, and clicky-clack sounds that can keep them mesmerized.

Be careful though, if your little one is still putting everything in their mouth, consider a larger fidget cube. Some of the fidget cubes out there are pretty small.

Fidget cube for adults and kids

Sale
Fidget Dodecagon –12-Side Fidget Cube Relieves Stress and Anxiety Anti Depression Cube for Children and Adults with ADHD ADD OCD Autism (B3 Blue Sky)
20,200 Reviews
Fidget Dodecagon –12-Side Fidget Cube Relieves Stress and Anxiety Anti Depression Cube for Children and Adults with ADHD ADD OCD Autism (B3 Blue Sky)
  • Fidget Dodecagon 12 Sides fidget cube to keeps minds and fingers occupied, help reduce stress and anxiety, preventing the mind from wandering off, allowing one to better focus.
  • 12 sided fidget cube has 12 sides guaranteed to keep your hand busy. It’s made with high-quality ABS plastic which has smooth surface, give you smooth click roll, perfect for clickers, flickers, rollers and spinners.
  • 12 Sides Includes Gears, Buttons, Joystick, Switch, Soothes, and Stress Balls, Disk, Silicone balls, Joystick ect. Release your body and mood and help you focus on your work or study.
  • Pocket Sized, Durable, Light Weight, Discrete, and Portable. The fidget cube is suitable for both kids and adults, great toy for Fidgeters, Anxiety, Focusing, ADD and ADHD, OCD, Autism, Quitting Bad Habits, Staying Awake
  • Note: Small Parts not for Children under 3 yeas. The figit cube comes with an protective case, great for birthday gift,Easter Basket Stuffers . The extremely portable and pocket size which is easy to carry, play anytime, anywhere. Perfect device for school, work, meetings, church, libraries and more

Not meant for little kids, but it will keep your restless kids busy for a while. Lots of things to fidget with.

Color Sorting

Babies between 12-18 months are starting to develop color sorting skills and can be entertained by color sorting by age 2 and into 3.

I would recommend bringing a zip lock bag full of colorful pom-poms and have them create color piles.

If you have a 3-year-old, make it a little more challenging and have a zip lock bag full of colorful paper clips. This way, they have to untangle the paper clips, and it will keep them occupied for longer.

Teethers

These have a two-fold use.

First, they are often great little toys. You can get them shaped like keys, bananas, giraffes, and sometimes they squeak which can be fun.

The second use is for teething relief which they will definitely need on the plane.

Take off, and landing can hurt their ears and sucking/teething motions can help relieve the pressure in their ears.

Baby bandana drool bib and teething toy

Sale
vuminbox Baby Bandana Drool Bibs 6-Pack and Teething Toys 6-Pack Made with 100% Organic Cotton, Absorbent and Soft Unisex (6-Pack Unisex)
21,675 Reviews
vuminbox Baby Bandana Drool Bibs 6-Pack and Teething Toys 6-Pack Made with 100% Organic Cotton, Absorbent and Soft Unisex (6-Pack Unisex)
  • SUPER ABSORPTIVE BIBS:Made of dual super absorptive cotton on the front with 100% polyester fleece on the back, Great for teething babies No more hunting, no more having it fall to the floor, No need for an extra thing to attach to him, Just put on a Teether Bib
  • ADJUSTABLE NICKEL-FREE SNAPS:Each baby bandana bib comes with 2 nickel-free snaps which make the bib adjustable, suitable for newborns and toddlers.Premium snaps, age range from 0 to 24 months, easy for parents to use
  • TRENDY & STYLISH BABY FASHION ACCESSORY:Our baby bandana bibs have the newest design with top quality, soothing the pain from teething and making babies comfortable.Each bib with teether
  • UNIQUE BABY GIFT SET:The 6-PACK of baby bibs will be the best gifts for new parents and new grandparents, and will make a practical and thoughtful gift on baby showers, baby registry, Christmas, Housewarming, or on any special gifting occasion. Perfect tool for baby showers
  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN & QUALITY GUARANTEE:The baby bandana bibs are made from the newest technique. 24-hour service support. If you are not satisfied with it, we promise we will give you a full refund

The Baby bandanas come with a removable silicone teething toy.

They protect the clothes from getting dirty plus the teething toys are great for babies to chew. If you don’t like the teether, you can replace it with a pacifier.

 

Banana infant teether

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Baby Banana Yellow Banana Infant Toothbrush, Easy to Hold, Made in the USA, Train Infants Babies and Toddlers for Oral Hygiene, Teether Effect for Sore Gums, 4.33' x 0.39' x 7.87'
26,257 Reviews
Baby Banana Yellow Banana Infant Toothbrush, Easy to Hold, Made in the USA, Train Infants Babies and Toddlers for Oral Hygiene, Teether Effect for Sore Gums, 4.33" x 0.39" x 7.87"
  • Start teaching your baby good brushing habits with the Baby Banana Toothbrush! This training toothbrush is designed specifically for infants' and toddlers' small, sensitive mouths. Intended to be introduced when babies first begin teething and they instinctively want to stick everything in their mouths. The soft silicone bristles will gently massage sore teething gums when the brush is rubbed against them.
  • This easy to hold toothbrush toy is made from a single piece of high quality, food grade silicone. It's been designed to be highly durable to withstand the rough handling of infants and toddlers. It can be put in the freezer to provide a soothing numbing effect for painful mouths. It is designed to be easily cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher.
  • The Baby Banana has been carefully designed especially for little hands to hold. Its "peels" allow you to attach a binky strap to the brush to prevent it from being dropped. If it does fall on the ground, it’s easy to rinse off and keep chewing. The whole toothbrush measures 4.33" x 0.39" x 7.87", making it perfect as a My First Toothbrush for infants just beginning to teethe.
  • The Baby Banana is proudly Made in the USA. It is made from 100% food grade silicone, and is BPA free and phthalate free. The bendable silicone is safe for babies who bite down hard on a toothbrush, or if they should fall while holding the toothbrush, the soft material will prevent oral injuries that could occur with a traditional toothbrush.
  • When your baby's first tooth erupts, you can use a tiny smear of infant safe to swallow toothpaste on the bristles of the Baby Banana Toothbrush. Parents can help the baby to gently brush the tooth both front and back. Toddlers can use up to a pea sized drop of safe to swallow toothpaste, and can start to be taught how to brush their own teeth. Parents should always supervise when baby is learning how to brush their teeth.

Very easy for little babies to hold and perfect for those tiny mouths. Great teether and toy!

Cups

Don’t underestimate the power of a really basic object when it comes to little ones.

My 2 year old loved playing with basic plastic cups that we got on the plane.

Our flight attendant gave us 5 or so plastic cups, and we stacked them.

She loved it. It’ll cost you $0 to do.

Airplane Activities and Games for Preschoolers/Ages 3-6

3 to 6 year olds in plane

Kids at this age can hold their attention span a bit longer than the little ones, their ability to stay focused on a task could vary from 10 to 25 minutes and it will get longer with age.

So more complex activities are more likely to hold them over during the flight.

Books

When it comes to books, bring some classic ones from home and a new one that will be exciting and special.

For kids this age, If they can read (not all kids at this age can read) try to bring some books they can read independently. Or find some “wordless books.”

Have them read a book to you or describe the story happening in the picture book.

This will be more engaging of an activity.

What should Danny do? Interactive book

Sale
What Should Danny Do? (The Power to Choose Series) (The Power to Choose, 1)
23,063 Reviews
What Should Danny Do? (The Power to Choose Series) (The Power to Choose, 1)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Adir Levy (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 68 Pages - 05/17/2017 (Publication Date) - Elon Books (Publisher)

Children will have so much fun choosing what Danny should do and seeing how the story can change depending on what they decide.

 

Giraffes can’t dance

Sale
Giraffes Can't Dance (Board Book)
28,720 Reviews
Giraffes Can't Dance (Board Book)
  • N/A
  • Andreae, Giles (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages - 03/01/2012 (Publication Date) - Cartwheel Books (Publisher)

A touching story about a Giraffe named Gerald who wants to dance but is not very talented.

Bullied by other animals until he finds his own style. It’s a great book to teach them self confidence.

Crafts

Think crayons, stickers, and stamps.

Also, paper so the kids can draw and cover their art in stickers and stamps.

My recommendation is to get a big sticker book with 500+ stickers and let the kids go to town on whatever paper you brought with you.

ABC Alphabet sticker book

ABC Alphabet Sticker Book (My Little World)
961 Reviews
ABC Alphabet Sticker Book (My Little World)
  • Tiger Tales (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 14 Pages - 03/04/2014 (Publication Date) - Tiger Tales (Publisher)

Cute reusable stickers to learn their ABCs

 

Crayola Baby Shark coloring pages

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Crayola Baby Shark Wonder Pages, Mess Free Coloring, Gift for Kids
22,248 Reviews
Crayola Baby Shark Wonder Pages, Mess Free Coloring, Gift for Kids
  • COLOR WONDER SET: Contains 18 Baby Shark Mess Free Coloring Pages and 5 Color Wonder Markers.
  • MESS FREE COLORING: Mess free marker colors appear only on special Color Wonder Paper, not on skin, clothing, or carpets
  • ORGANIZED & TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: Folder style packaging works as reusable storage for your coloring pages and markers
  • COLOR WONDER SUPPLIES: Works with all Color Wonder paints, markers, and stamps.
  • BABY SHARK CHARACTERS: Great for kids who love the Baby Shark song. Pair with other baby shark toys (sold separately) for a great bundled gift idea

18 baby coloring pages and 5 Wonder markers.

Mess-free coloring: you will not have to worry about marker being all over clothes, skin, or tray table.

Doodle Boards

These are great because they are mess-free.

Like the crafty activities (crayons, stickers, stamps) your kid can draw on a surface that is easy to bring around.

Also, the pen is tied to the board so it won’t get lost.

Travel size doodle board

Sale
ikidsislands IKS85B [Travel Size] Magnetic Drawing Board for Toddlers, Color Magna Erasable Doodle Pad for Kids, Mess Free Write and Learn Creative Educational Toys for Toddler Boys (Blue)
1,632 Reviews
ikidsislands IKS85B [Travel Size] Magnetic Drawing Board for Toddlers, Color Magna Erasable Doodle Pad for Kids, Mess Free Write and Learn Creative Educational Toys for Toddler Boys (Blue)
  • Safe & Health for Toddlers: Our doodle board passed U.S. CPSIA & ASTM-F963 safety certified, constructed with non-toxic, high-quality ABS materials, features rounded edges to eliminate potential injuries, plus our unique back panel design makes it more durable & comfortable, please note most of the drawing boards in the marketplace are without back panel
  • Colorful Drawing Area & Travel Size: There are 4 colors zone (blue, red, yellow, green) on the drawing area, drawing area dimension: 7.5 x 5.0 in, item dimension: 11.8 x 8.9 in, this small sketching pad is great size for car trip, train trip and plane trip, also is a great quiet toy which keeps kids quiet on their road activity
  • Easy to Erase & Restart Drawing Activities: Simply slowly sliding the eraser 1-2 times can wipe out images on the magna board, it's so easy for toddlers and kids to use the erasable writing board
  • No Worry about Losing the Pen & Stamps: Our magnetic scribble tablet including 2 stamps and 1 pen, the stamps will stuck in the slots and the stylus will tether on the etch doodling board
  • Hours of Fun with No Mess & Great Gifts for Boys: Your toddlers and kids can be occupied for hours doodling and learning painting on this colorful education toys, no more paper or pen or all the mess, great gifts for xmas, christmas, children's day,, thanksgiving, birthday, classroom supplies, party favor or party supplies

Multiple colors and magnet designs. Perfect size and easy to transport.

Window Clings

If you have a window seat, consider getting some window clings that your kid can use to stick to their window.

It’s mess-free and easy.

It also keeps them looking out the window so if anything interesting is happening outside the plane, they will notice and stay engaged.

Window Clings

Spring Window Clings for Kids - Flowers Birds and Bees Gel Clings for Toddlers - Reusable Window Stickers Decals for use at Home Cars Plane Airplane Classroom Activities (Jesplay USA)
151 Reviews
Spring Window Clings for Kids - Flowers Birds and Bees Gel Clings for Toddlers - Reusable Window Stickers Decals for use at Home Cars Plane Airplane Classroom Activities (Jesplay USA)
  • Spring Printed Gel Clings are Great for the Fridge, Walls, Windows, Doors, Bedrooms, Kitchen, Glass Sliding Doors, Travel on Airplanes or Cars, and more!
  • Unique 19 Piece Printed Window Clings Set Contains - Bee, Flowers, Grass, Ladybug, Birds, Sun, Cloud, Rain, Hummingbird, and Butterflies decor.
  • Spring Printed Gel Clings are and Excellent and Fun Seasonal and Holiday Activity for Children to Use at Home, School, or for Travel on Planes or Cars. Great Learning or Decorative Resource for Teachers to use in Classrooms, Preschool, or Daycare
  • Unique Thick 3D Vinyl Gel Window Clings can be Removed and Replaced Easily
  • USA Consumer Product Safety Commission Tested

Great activity for flying, easy to stick, and a fun way to teach them about flowers, colors…

Mighty Mind Puzzles

These are a great puzzle activity for kids of this age. The geometric shapes allow kids to make up their own pictures or patterns or recreate the image to solve the puzzle.

Mighty Mind aquarium adventure

MightyMind Aquarium Adventure
11 Reviews
MightyMind Aquarium Adventure
  • Parents can actually see their child becoming smarter and smarter as their child advances along an alphabetical line that measures skill advancement.

For kids to learn how to build and solve puzzles. Age 3 to 5.

Matching Card Games

What I like about these is that they are easy to set up and can be a nice two-player or one play card game.

They have these in a variety of different themes (Disney Princess, Avengers, Daniel Tiger) so find a set with your kid’s favorite characters, and you’ll be set.

Disney Pixar Cars Matching Game

No products found.

 

Disney Princess matching game

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Disney Princess Matching Game by Wonder Forge | For Boys & Girls Age 3 to 5 | A Fun & Fast Disney Memory Game for Kids | Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, and more
30,144 Reviews
Disney Princess Matching Game by Wonder Forge | For Boys & Girls Age 3 to 5 | A Fun & Fast Disney Memory Game for Kids | Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, and more
  • What you get – Disney Princess matching game comes with 72 tiles and instructions.
  • Clear instructions – Easy to learn with a clear instruction manual. Learn to play in less than five minutes!
  • Develops critical skills – This game helps preschoolers practice their focus, memory, and matching skills.
  • Characters you love – Enjoy beautiful pictures of all your favorite Disney princesses, including snow white, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Merida.
  • Great for kids and families – Matching not only offers great solo play opportunities for your preschooler, but is also a great game for adults to join in on the fun. It takes just 15 minutes to play!

Helps preschoolers practice their focus, memory, and matching skills.

Digital Toy Camera

I’ve always had better use for this on the return flight. A digital toy camera is a great way for your kid to take pictures and be amused while also allowing them to click through all the photos they took on their trip.

In my opinion, it’s a precious way to reflect on all the things they just did and think/talk about what was important to them.

Joy trip Kids digital camera

JOYTRIP Kids Digital Cameras for Boys Girls Gifts HD 2.3 Inches Screen 12MP Video Camera for Kids Shockproof Children Selfie Toy Mini Camera Camcorder Child for Boys Age 3-14 (Blue)
313 Reviews
JOYTRIP Kids Digital Cameras for Boys Girls Gifts HD 2.3 Inches Screen 12MP Video Camera for Kids Shockproof Children Selfie Toy Mini Camera Camcorder Child for Boys Age 3-14 (Blue)
  • 【12MP PHOTO RESOLUTION & FHD 1080P VIDEO RESOLUTION】: This KIDS DIGITAL CAMERAS has dual cameras, the front and rear, both 12 mega pixels, greatly improved the clearer photos definition. This KIDS VIDEO CAMERA has FHD 1080P video resolution, so it will record the more wonderful moment for boys and girls.
  • 【750mAh LITHIUM BATTERY & 2.3 INCHES SCREEN】: This KIDS VIDEO CAMERAS has a built-in 750mAh rechargeable lithium battery and it can takes photos for 4-6 hours. So your child doesn't have to worry about running out of battery and have fun enjoying the photo and video. Compared with other kids camera, this kids camera has a 2.3 inches screen and make it easy for your kids to take pictures and videos.
  • 【SAFE MATERIAL & SHOCKPROOF SILICONE COVER】: This KIDS CAMERA is made of environment-friendly and soft silicone material, it is the shockproof safe design and more comfortable for children’s skin. So it can provide your children a comfortable and safe way to take photos and record videos.
  • 【MULTI SCENES SELECTION】: This Children Selfie Camera also has multi scenes to select, so your children can take photos with 21 funny frames to choose and leave some hilarious photos with family or friends.
  • 【SMALL SIZE & RICH ACCESSORIES】: This Child Camera is a small size(3.75*2.0*2.7inches, 35oz) portable pocket body camera, which perfect as a kid's toy camera for recording both snapshot picture and video. It has a wealth of accessories, such as a durable lanyard for portability, cute decorative cartoon stickers and micro sd card reader.

Perfect for little photographers! Easy to use, light, durable, and it has a colorful child-friendly design.

Airplane Activities and Games for Kids Ages 6-10

6 to 10 year olds in plane

By this age, kids are getting better at keeping themselves entertained but very much still need their attention directed and redirected.

Books

I’m pretty much always going to suggest books.

For kids, at this age, you’ll want to be sure to bring books they are reading either for school or fun.

You also might want to consider comic books like Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, Garfield, or anything else they might be interested in.

Also, books with a lot of pictures, like National Geographic, are a huge win for kids at this age.

Diary of a wimpy kid: the long haul

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
29,495 Reviews
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
  • Hardcover Book
  • Kinney, Jeff (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 217 Pages - 11/04/2014 (Publication Date) - Amulet Books (Publisher)

Your kid will love all the Wimpy kid books. They work with reluctant young readers too!

 

Wonder by R.J Palacio

Wonder
82,875 Reviews
Wonder
  • Hardcover Book
  • Palacio, R. J. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 320 Pages - 02/14/2012 (Publication Date) - Knopf Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

It sends a great message about kindness and seeing beyond the outside looking of a person.

Activity Books

These can be a great way to keep kids entertained; things like word searches, crosswords, simple sudoku, or basic logic puzzles can keep their minds whirring and thinking.

I also love doing these with my kids too so it’s a benefit for the both of us.

Kids’ Puzzle book

The Everything Kids' Puzzle Book: Mazes, Word Games, Puzzles & More! Hours of Fun!
2,473 Reviews
The Everything Kids' Puzzle Book: Mazes, Word Games, Puzzles & More! Hours of Fun!
  • Ericsson, Jennifer A (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 144 Pages - 03/01/2002 (Publication Date) - Everything (Publisher)

For kids 7 to 12 years old. Great for travel and quiet time.

 

Word for Word

Word for Word: Fun Finds!: Word Search Puzzles for Kids ages 6-8 (Word for Word Crosswords)
957 Reviews
Word for Word: Fun Finds!: Word Search Puzzles for Kids ages 6-8 (Word for Word Crosswords)
  • Rockridge Press (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 124 Pages - 08/13/2019 (Publication Date) - Rockridge Press (Publisher)

Word search book for kids ages 6 to 8, great for learning new vocabulary.

Magnetic Games

There are dozens of magnetic games out there (chess, checkers, tic tac toe).

There are even magnetic picture games that let your kid create a scene or dress a character.

The reason I highly suggest magnetic is because the pieces will stay in place.

It’s very annoying when your kid keeps on dropping toys between the seats repeatedly.

While magnetic toys are not drop-proof, they at least stay in place a bit better.

Take ‘n Play anywhere-Bingo

Take N Play Anywhere Bingo - Magnetic Pieces in Magnetic Travel Friendly Tin for Fun on the Go- For Ages 4+
1,568 Reviews
Take N Play Anywhere Bingo - Magnetic Pieces in Magnetic Travel Friendly Tin for Fun on the Go- For Ages 4+
  • CLASSIC GAME—Enjoy the easy game of Bingo wherever you go!
  • TRAVEL FRIENDLY—Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere games are perfect for on the go with large pieces and magnetic game boards.
  • ENTERTAINMENT ANYWHERE—Use at home or take in the car, to the doctor’s office, grandma’s house, or anywhere else to always have something to do!
  • COMPACT SIZE—The tin case makes it easy for games to fit in most bags for easy travel.
  • COMES WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED—Magnetic pieces all fit nicely into the magnetic tin game board.

 

Take ‘n Play anywhere-Tic Tac Toe

Take N Play — Tic-Tac-Toe — Easy to Use, Hard to Lose — Fun on the Go! — For Ages 4+
1,487 Reviews
Take N Play — Tic-Tac-Toe — Easy to Use, Hard to Lose — Fun on the Go! — For Ages 4+
  • CLASSIC GAME—Enjoy the simple game of Tic-Tac-Toe wherever you go!
  • TRAVEL FRIENDLY—Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere games are perfect for on the go with large pieces and magnetic game boards.
  • COMES WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED—Magnetic pieces all fit nicely into the magnetic tin game board.
  • PERFECT FOR KIDS--Features big playing pieces that are easy for kids to use and hard for kids to lose
  • ENTERTAINMENT ANYWHERE—Use at home or take in the car, to the doctor’s office, grandma’s house, or anywhere else to always have something to do!

 

Take ‘n Play anywhere-Hangman

Take N Play Anywhere — Hangman — Easy to Use, Hard to Lose — Fun on the Go Travel Game — For Ages 5+
1,623 Reviews
Take N Play Anywhere — Hangman — Easy to Use, Hard to Lose — Fun on the Go Travel Game — For Ages 5+
  • Take 'N Play Anywhere games feature big playing pieces that are easy for kids to use and hard for kids to lose
  • In this game both the letters and the body parts are magnetic allowing you to play the classic game anywhere
  • For 2 players
  • Recommended for ages 5 and up
  • The classic hangman game in magnetic, travel-size form

They all come with a good portable case, shut easily, and they are sturdy.

Perfect for travel as the magnetic pieces stick well and therefore they don’t get lost too easily.

For 2 players, age 4 and up.

Origami

I have friends who swear that origami activities are the easiest way to keep kids entertained; especially if they are crafty.

No scissors, no glue, just paper folding.

There are origami kits you can get that have all the instructions on how to fold and come with a variety of colorful paper.

Not gonna lie, as an adult, I found this pretty entertaining as well.

My first origami kit

My First Origami Kit: [Origami Kit with Book, 60 Papers, 150 Stickers, 20 Projects]
2,055 Reviews
My First Origami Kit: [Origami Kit with Book, 60 Papers, 150 Stickers, 20 Projects]
  • Stern, Joel (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 47 Pages - 07/09/2013 (Publication Date) - Tuttle Publishing (Publisher)

Great kit for beginners, instructions are very easy to follow, and the whole kit is very cute.

It comes with stickers and cool pattern papers.

Rubik’s Cube

It’s a simple puzzle that is tricky to figure out.

I love these because they are classic and easy to pack.

They also have a way of getting stuck in your head, so you keep at it for longer than you expected.

It’s great for kids at this age.

The Cube: turns quicker and more precisely than original

No products found.

One of the best things to entertain your kids without electronics.

Electronic Games

I am not above using an iPad or game system to keep kids entertained on a plane.

If you’re a screen-free household and plan to do a screen-free flight, more power to you!

For anyone who is thinking of using an iPad or game system, I recommend free apps for the iPad that don’t require a lot of supervision.

The Nintendo DS and all of its versions (3DS, DS lite, 2DS and so on) are generally kid-friendly. Nintendo prides itself on being a family-friendly company. Just pay attention to the rating system on the games (E for Everyone is the recommendation).

Nintendo 3DS xl

Black Nintendo 3DS XL Bundle Nintendo, AC Adapter, and Two Full Games 3D Mode (Ages 7+ Years)
172 Reviews
Black Nintendo 3DS XL Bundle Nintendo, AC Adapter, and Two Full Games 3D Mode (Ages 7+ Years)
  • Face Tracking 3D and Faster Processing Power
  • Plays all Nintendo 3DS games
  • Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under
  • C Stick for enhanced controls; Built in amibo compatibility and NFC support
  • Bundle includes New Nintendo 3DS XL console (Black), AC Adapter, and 2 Games (Super Smash Bros. and The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D)

Children’s favorite travel tech toy!

If you don’t like the idea of your kids playing with this, you can tell them upfront that they can play with it whenever they are on holidays or if they have a long flight journey.

By limiting the use, it shouldn’t be a problem.

There are even many games that can be good for kids and help them with coordination, reading skills, and memory.

 

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise
48,214 Reviews
Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise
  • Handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a great price
  • For every member of your family, there’s a member of ours
  • Optimized for personal, handheld play, Nintendo Switch Lite is a small and light Nintendo Switch system
  • Features a sleek, unibody design with fully integrated controls and a built-in plus Control Pad
  • Compatible with all physical and digital Nintendo Switch games that support Handheld mode

This is the newest Nintendo console.

It’s dedicated to handheld play so it’s compact and lightweight and it comes in 3 bright colors: turquoise, yellow and grey.

In-Flight Entertainment

Some flights offer in-flight entertainment, especially the longer trips.

My recommendation is to utilize what is offered.

Sometimes they offer games or full-length movies that you can watch from your seat.

Bring some earbuds and let your kid explore some of the available options.

Airplane Activities and Games for Teenagers

 

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En route to New England!!! #travelingwithteenagers #readyforthecoolweather

Une publication partagée par Erin Stockwell Grimm (@eringrimm) le

For the most part, teenagers can be expected to entertain themselves.

However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore their boredom completely.

You can offset their moody tendencies by having some entertainment lined up for them, too.

Books

As always, I think that books are a huge win.

For teenagers, you could have them pack books they both enjoy reading and books for school.

I would also recommend bringing some travel books that have information about where you are traveling to, especially if it is somewhere new.

This way, your teen can learn more about the destination themselves rather than hearing it come from us, the parents.

The Hunger games book series

The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxed Set
44,154 Reviews
The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxed Set
  • boxed set
  • dust covers intact
  • Hardcover Book
  • Collins, Suzanne (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Great books for teenagers and young adults, very thought-provoking. If you have already seen the movies, I highly recommend reading the books. There’s so much more to discover.

 

Fangirl

Sale
Fangirl: A Novel
15,486 Reviews
Fangirl: A Novel
  • Rowell, Rainbow (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 448 Pages - 11/06/2018 (Publication Date) - Wednesday Books (Publisher)

It’s a book about a girl venturing to College for the first time. She undergoes many changes, fitting in, being left out even a little heartbreak. It’s definitely a good book for a teenage girl.

 

The maze runner series

Sale
The Maze Runner Series Complete Collection Boxed Set (5-Book)
13,392 Reviews
The Maze Runner Series Complete Collection Boxed Set (5-Book)
  • Dashner, James (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 1952 Pages - 08/29/2017 (Publication Date) - Delacorte Press (Publisher)

Gripping, captivating, and enjoyable series for teens, the suspenseful stories will keep them reading.

Deck of Cards

These are great because they are easy to pack and you can play a lot of games with them.

From partner games like Go Fish or Crazy Eights to single-player games like Solitaire a standard deck of cards is worth packing.
Deck of cards-poker size

Sale
Bicycle Playing Cards - Poker Size, [Colors May Vary: Red, Blue or Black]
5,931 Reviews
Bicycle Playing Cards - Poker Size, [Colors May Vary: Red, Blue or Black]
  • Bicycle Standard playing cards – poker size – single deck (colors may vary)
  • Bicycle Standard playing cards featuring the historic rider back.
  • Each Bicycle deck is a standard deck of playing cards consisting of 52 Traditional suited playing cards, two jokers, and two additional ad cards.
  • Great for all card games including Poker, canasta, Rummy, Pinochle, Euchre, hearts, Blackjack, go fish, Baccarat and many more!
  • Bicycle playing cards are made in USA and have an air-cushion finish for ease of handling and shuffling.

 

Spot it!

No products found.

Award-winning game. Be the fastest at spotting the matching symbols between two cards. There’s always one.

 

Uno card game

UNO: Classic Card Game
2,492 Reviews
UNO: Classic Card Game
  • Four suits of 25 cards each, plus the eight Wild cards.
  • Earn points from other players when you go out first.
  • Reach 500 points to win the standard game.
  • Two-handed, partner and tournament options for even more action -everything you need to know is inside the instruction guide.
  • Includes 108-card deck plus instructions and scoring rules.

Loads of fun for all ages! Great classic card game.

Adult Coloring Books

I actually love these for myself.

Adult coloring books are beautiful, complex images that work exactly like kid coloring books but the images are much more advanced to color.

The adult coloring books, plus a set of nice colored pencils and a travel sharpener, are a great way to bide the time.

Coloring book: Secret Garden by Johanna Basford

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Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book for Adults
15,358 Reviews
Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book for Adults
  • Laurence king publishing Secret gardens coloring book
  • Laurence king publishing Secret gardens coloring book an inky treasure hunt of Secret gardens
  • Go on a ramble through a world of Secret gardens created in beautifully detailed pen and ink illustrations
  • And there are also bits of the gardener that still need to be completed by your hands
  • For artists and gardeners of all ages

This is THE BOOK that started the trend in “Adult coloring books” and no other book can compare to Johanna Basford’s coloring books. You can upload your work and see everyone else’s too on the artist’s personal website.

 

Coloring book: Lost Ocean by Johanna Basford

Sale
Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Coloring Book for Adults
8,282 Reviews
Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Coloring Book for Adults
  • Disappear into another world of imagination and creativity with intricate, detailed pen and ink illustrations.
  • The enchanted underwater scenes offer hours of creative enrichment promising a stunning finished work.
  • Discover the shipwrecks, coral reefs, pirate treasure.
  • Basford, Johanna (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

You will be blown away by the artwork in this book, so many fantastic designs, including ships, mermaids, fishes, and super detailed sea animals.

Cash

Let your teen exercise a little bit of independence and let them have some money to buy something at one of the stands inside the airport.

There is a lot to be said for letting your teen pick out what they want and paying for it without you there nearby.

They may choose a magazine or a book, who knows; but make sure the money is earmarked for something they can do on the flight and not just snacks.

Music and Movies

If your teen has their own device, I would recommend pre-downloading any music or movies they would want to listen to or watch that way they have access to their stuff without a Wi-Fi connection.

Be sure to pack charging cords! Nothing is worse than a low battery device and a moody teen.

In-Flight Wi-Fi

For really long flights, I recommend paying for the In-Flight Wi-Fi, especially if you have a teen. I’m talking about those 10+ hour-long flights where everyone gets moody eventually (parents included). This way, your teen can connect with their friends on social media during the flight, and chatting with friends will keep them entertained pretty well.

 

I know the logistics of traveling can be tricky and that managing your kids on a flight can feel overwhelming.

The truth is that it is hard. However, it’s worth it.

If you want to know more and check a complete guide on how to fly with kids, check these articles :
Everything you need to know to fly with a baby
Everything you need to know to fly with kids

I’ve always been a big believer that traveling with your family is one of the best things you can do.

Once you can master the art of entertaining your kids on a flight, there is no stopping you and your family from hitting every travel destination on your bucket list.

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