Remember to pack these activities in a small backpack or carry-on bag for easy access during the flight. With these fun and engaging activities, your toddler will be entertained throughout the journey, making for a smoother travel experience for everyone involved. Happy flying!
Here’s a list of activities tailored for toddlers during a long airplane ride:
1) Coloring Books: Bring along some coloring books and crayons to keep your little one entertained. You can find travel-friendly sets that come with a variety of colors and compact designs for easy packing.
2) Sticker Fun: Sticker books are a great way to keep tiny hands busy. They can create scenes, stick them on surfaces like the tray table, or even decorate their travel items.
3) DIY Pipe Cleaner Shapes: Pack some colorful pipe cleaners and let your toddler create shapes and figures. It’s a mess-free activity that encourages creativity.
4) Quiet Books: These interactive books are filled with activities like zippers, buttons, and Velcro for endless entertainment. Plus, they’re noise-free, perfect for the airplane environment.
5) Snacks Galore: Pack a variety of snacks to keep hunger at bay and provide a distraction. Opt for healthy options like sliced fruits, crackers, or raisins to keep energy levels steady.
Stock up on toddler-friendly snacks
6) Mini Puzzles: Compact puzzles with large pieces are perfect for tiny hands. Look for options with their favorite characters to keep them engaged.
7) DIY Binoculars: Create homemade binoculars using two toilet paper rolls taped together. Decorate them with stickers or markers for added fun. They can use them to “spot” things outside the airplane window or around the cabin.
8) Storytime: Bring along some favorite books or download interactive story apps on your tablet. Reading together is not only entertaining but also educational.
9) Window Decals: Bring along some reusable window decals for them to stick and restick on the airplane window. It adds a fun element to the journey and encourages creativity.
10) Travel-Friendly Magnetic Drawing Board: These boards allow toddlers to doodle without the mess of traditional crayons. Plus, they’re reusable, making them perfect for long flights.
11) Music Time: Load up a playlist with their favorite songs or nursery rhymes. You can also bring along small musical instruments like a harmonica or shaker for them to play with.
12) Pipe Cleaner Jewelry: Let your toddler get crafty by making jewelry out of pipe cleaners. They can create bracelets, necklaces, or even crowns to wear during the flight.
13) Finger Puppet Fun: Finger puppets are a compact and entertaining way to spark their imagination. You can create stories together or simply let them play independently.
14) Travel-Sized Playdough: Portable playdough sets are perfect for on-the-go entertainment. They can mold, squish, and shape to their heart’s content.
15) Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple scavenger hunt by making a list of items they can spot on the plane or in the airport. It keeps them engaged and encourages observation skills.
16) DIY Sensory Bottles: Fill small bottles with colorful beads, sequins, or glitter for a mesmerizing sensory experience. Make sure to seal them tightly to avoid any spills.
17) Portable Lego/Duplo Sets: Compact Lego sets are perfect for travel and provide endless building possibilities. Look for sets with larger pieces to avoid any potential choking hazards.
18) Sock Puppet Show: Use socks or DIY puppets to put on a puppet show. It’s a fun way to pass the time and encourage creativity.
19) Travel Journal: Encourage your toddler to document their travel adventures with a simple travel journal. They can draw pictures, write or dictate their thoughts, and paste in mementos like boarding passes or stickers.
20) Animal Flashcards: Bring along a set of animal flashcards for a fun and educational game. They can identify the animals and mimic their sounds for added entertainment.
21) Simple Origami: Teach your toddler some basic origami folds and let them create simple shapes like airplanes or animals. It’s a quiet and engaging activity that stimulates fine motor skills. (Just a paper airplane is loads of fun – trust us!)
22) DIY Binoculars for I Spy: Create homemade binoculars using two toilet paper rolls taped together. Decorate them with stickers or markers for added fun. They can use them to “spot” things outside the airplane window or around the cabin.
