Flying with a Toddler? Let’s Make It Fun and Stress-Free with these fun and interactive airplane activities for toddlers.
If you’ve ever traveled with a toddler, you know that keeping them entertained on a plane can feel like a high-stakes mission.
I know because I’ve been there! One minute, they’re giggling at the window seat view, and the next, they’re wiggling out of their seatbelt, ready to explore the entire cabin.
Long flights, tight spaces, and a toddler with boundless energy? That’s a recipe for stress, unless you’re prepared.
Toddlers love to explore, and while a plane isn’t exactly a playground, airplane activities for toddlers can make it feel like one. Engaging their little minds with the right activities not only keeps them entertained but also helps develop their patience, focus, and problem-solving skills. Plus, travel is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn about new sights, sounds, and experiences.
What does this mean for you as a parent?
As parents, we all want a smooth flight, but the truth is, long hours in a confined space with a restless little one can be overwhelming.
And trust me, when your toddler is happily playing, you’ll feel the difference too. No more juggling tantrums while trying to eat your meal, no more apologizing to the person in the next seat, just a peaceful, smoother flight for everyone.
When your toddler is engaged and content, you also get the chance to enjoy the journey, whether that means reading a book, watching a movie, or simply having a moment to breathe. Instead of constantly managing meltdowns or finding ways to keep them still, you can focus on other things without distraction. A well-planned set of airplane activities also means fewer restless movements, less crying, and more peaceful moments for the entire cabin.
These engaging, fun, and educational activities aren’t just about passing the time, they’re essential for your child’s mental growth and overall well-being. Toddlers thrive on stimulation, and the right activities can improve their cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
So, before you board, let’s set you up for success! Here are 41 fun and engaging airplane activities for toddlers that will turn travel time into an enjoyable experience for both of you. From a quiet coloring session to a hands-on sensory toy, keeping your child’s mind busy can help them feel calm, happy, and less anxious during the flight.
SCREEN-FREE ACTIVITIES
1. Sticker Books
Sticker books are a fantastic way to keep toddlers busy on flights. Choose reusable stickers so they can be placed, removed, and repositioned multiple times. Some books come with themed backgrounds, such as animals, vehicles, or fairytales, which spark imaginative play. These books help with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while keeping little hands occupied.
2. Water Wow Books
Water Wow books are mess-free coloring pads that use a refillable water pen to reveal vibrant colors. Once the water dries, the pages turn back to their original state, allowing repeated use. These books are lightweight, portable, and perfect for keeping toddlers entertained without worrying about ink stains. They’re also great for practicing grip and improving concentration.
3. Coloring Books & Crayons
A small coloring book with chunky, triangular crayons (so they don’t roll off the tray table) is an easy and effective airplane activity for toddlers. Choose books with simple images, so they can color with ease. Consider getting travel-themed coloring books to create excitement about the trip. Crayons help with creativity and hand control, making them both educational and fun.
4. Magnetic Drawing Board
A mini magnetic doodle board is an excellent travel toy that allows toddlers to draw, erase, and redraw as many times as they want. Since it requires no paper or ink, it’s an easy way to encourage artistic expression on flights. Some boards come with attached styluses to prevent losing them. This activity keeps toddlers engaged without creating any mess.
5. Lift-the-Flap Books
Lift-the-flap books offer interactive reading that captures toddlers’ curiosity. Each page reveals hidden surprises, keeping them engaged and eager to turn the next page. Choose books with bright illustrations and sturdy flaps to withstand excited hands. These books help improve cognitive skills and encourage early language development.
6. Finger Puppets
Finger puppets allow for interactive storytelling and imaginative play. Parents can create little stories using the puppets, or toddlers can engage in independent pretend play. A small set with animals, characters, or favorite cartoon themes can provide endless entertainment. These puppets encourage creativity, social interaction, and language development.
7. Playdough (Travel Size)
A small container of playdough can be a great sensory activity during flights. Toddlers can roll, flatten, or mold different shapes, keeping their hands busy. To minimize mess, use a compact playdough mat or lid as a work surface. This activity enhances fine motor skills and hand strength while being fun and engaging.
8. Lacing Cards
Lacing cards are an excellent way to develop fine motor skills while keeping toddlers entertained. These cards feature holes around their edges, allowing toddlers to thread a lace through them. They come in various fun shapes like animals, cars, or fruit, making the activity more engaging. Lacing helps with hand-eye coordination and patience, making it a perfect travel activity.
9. Busy Board
A travel-sized busy board with zippers, buttons, buckles, and Velcro is ideal for keeping toddlers engaged. These boards mimic real-life tasks like tying shoes or zipping jackets, making them both fun and educational. They help develop problem-solving skills and fine motor control. Many busy boards are soft and foldable, making them easy to carry on flights.
10. Stacking Cups
Stacking cups are lightweight, compact, and versatile for play on an airplane. Toddlers can nest them together, stack them up, or use them to hide small objects. They encourage problem-solving skills and hand coordination. Some sets come with numbers or colors, adding an extra educational aspect.
INTERACTIVE & SENSORY PLAY
11. Fidget Spinners or Pop-Its
Fidget toys like pop-its or small spinning toys provide a quiet and engaging way for toddlers to stay occupied. They help develop focus and reduce anxiety, which can be useful during takeoff and landing. Pop-its allow toddlers to press small bubbles repeatedly, providing a soothing sensory experience. Since they are small and easy to carry, they make an excellent travel toy.
12. Mini Sensory Bottles
Mini sensory bottles filled with glitter, water, or tiny objects provide a visually stimulating experience for toddlers. Shaking or rolling the bottle offers a calming effect, making it a great distraction during long flights. They can be made at home using plastic travel-sized bottles. Sensory play helps toddlers relax and improves concentration.
13. Light-Up Toys
Small, soft light-up toys are great for night flights or when cabin lights are dim. Choose ones with gentle lighting rather than flashing LEDs to avoid disturbing others. Light-up toys can help soothe a restless toddler and create a sense of comfort. They also add an element of fun, making airplane travel more enjoyable.
14. Toy Cars or Trains
Small, lightweight toy cars or trains are great travel companions for toddlers. They can drive them along the tray table or seat, engaging in pretend play. Magnetic or push-back cars work well to prevent pieces from rolling away. This type of play enhances creativity and hand-eye coordination.
15. Stackable Rings
Stackable rings are another engaging activity that promotes problem-solving. These rings allow toddlers to practice hand-eye coordination while stacking them in the correct order. They also help with color recognition and basic counting skills. Since they are compact, they fit easily into carry-on bags.
16. Balloons (Blown Up Later)
Bringing deflated balloons to use at the airport is a great way to burn off energy before boarding. Once landed, they can also be used for simple play at the hotel. Balloons are lightweight and take up little space, making them perfect for travel. Always supervise balloon play to avoid choking hazards.
17. Pipe Cleaners & Beads
Pipe cleaners and large-hole beads provide a great fine motor activity for toddlers. They can thread beads onto pipe cleaners to create simple patterns or bracelets. This activity keeps hands busy while promoting focus and coordination. Choose soft, flexible pipe cleaners to make the activity safe for young toddlers.
18. Touch-and-Feel Books
Touch-and-feel books provide an interactive sensory experience for toddlers during flights. These books have different textures like furry, bumpy, or rough surfaces, stimulating a toddler’s sense of touch. They help with early vocabulary development and curiosity. Books with animals or familiar objects tend to be the most engaging.
19. Squishy Stress Balls
Squishy stress balls are fun for toddlers to squeeze, improving their hand strength and coordination. They come in different textures and designs, making them exciting to play with. Stress balls can also serve as a calming tool during takeoff or turbulence. They are lightweight and fit easily into a carry-on bag.
20. Airplane Sensory Play Ideas
Toddlers can engage in simple sensory activities like rubbing different fabrics on their skin or using a mini travel-size lotion for a soft texture experience. Bringing along small, scented items like lavender sachets can also provide calming effects. Sensory play helps toddlers stay engaged and calm in unfamiliar environments.
DIGITAL & TECH-BASED ACTIVITIES
21. Preloaded Educational Apps
Tablets or smartphones can be lifesavers on flights if used wisely. Download toddler-friendly educational apps before traveling to ensure access without Wi-Fi. Apps that teach letters, numbers, and simple puzzles provide entertainment while also enhancing learning. Consider using apps with interactive features like drawing or matching games to keep toddlers engaged.
22. Audiobooks & Storytelling Apps
For screen-free entertainment, download audiobooks or storytelling apps. Many toddler-friendly stories are available with soothing narration and fun sound effects. Listening to stories keeps toddlers engaged while giving their eyes a break. This is especially helpful for winding down before nap time on long-haul flights.
23. Kids’ Music & Sing-Alongs
Create a playlist of toddler-friendly songs and sing-alongs to keep your child entertained. Familiar tunes help provide comfort and familiarity in an unfamiliar environment. Interactive songs like “Wheels on the Bus” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It” encourage clapping and movement, making them fun even in a small space. Use child-safe headphones to keep noise levels down for fellow passengers.
24. Downloaded Cartoons or Movies
Source
Having a few pre-downloaded cartoons or toddler-friendly movies is a great backup plan. Choose short episodes rather than full-length movies to keep attention spans engaged. Use a tablet stand or case with a built-in holder to make viewing easier. Watching familiar characters can help toddlers stay calm and entertained during the flight.
25. Digital Coloring Apps
If you prefer mess-free coloring, digital coloring apps provide an excellent alternative. Many apps allow toddlers to color pictures by tapping on different sections, helping develop hand-eye coordination. Some apps also have interactive features like stickers or animated rewards for completing a drawing. Make sure to set the device to airplane mode to avoid distractions from notifications.
26. Toddler-Friendly Podcasts
Podcasts designed for young children often feature short, engaging stories, nursery rhymes, or fun facts. Many podcasts include sound effects and character voices to keep toddlers entertained. This is a great alternative to screen time while still providing an interactive storytelling experience. Look for podcasts specifically created for toddlers to ensure age-appropriate content.
27. Interactive E-Books
Some e-books for kids come with interactive touch features, where tapping an object on the screen reveals sound effects or animations. These books engage toddlers while helping develop early reading skills. E-books can be a lightweight alternative to carrying multiple physical books. Make sure to preload books before the flight to access them without internet connectivity.
SNACK TIME FUN
28. Snack Necklaces
Thread cereal loops (like Cheerios) onto a piece of string to create an edible necklace for toddlers. This makes snack time more engaging as they can eat one piece at a time. This activity also helps improve fine motor skills as toddlers pick individual loops off the string. Be sure to use a short, safe-length string to avoid safety hazards.
29. Bento Box Snack Variety
Packing a bento-style snack box with different compartments makes snack time exciting. Include a mix of toddler-friendly options like cut-up fruit, crackers, cheese cubes, and raisins. The variety keeps toddlers engaged as they explore different textures and flavors. A well-organized snack box also prevents mess and spills.
30. Surprise Snack Bags
Pack small ziplock bags with different surprise snacks and reveal one at a time during the flight. Adding an element of surprise makes snack time more exciting. Label each bag with stickers or small drawings to create a fun experience for toddlers. This helps stretch snack time into a fun activity rather than just eating.
31. DIY Trail Mix
Create a toddler-friendly trail mix with puffed cereal, yogurt melts, dried fruit, and mini crackers. Let your toddler help mix the ingredients before the trip so they feel involved. Offering different shapes and textures makes snack time more engaging. Ensure all ingredients are safe for your toddler’s age to prevent choking hazards.
32. Mess-Free Squeeze Pouches
Fruit and veggie squeeze pouches are a great, mess-free snack option for flights. Choose ones with no added sugar and pack a variety of flavors to keep things interesting. These pouches are easy to store, require no utensils, and are perfect for keeping toddlers satisfied. Just be sure to have a small garbage bag handy for easy disposal.
SOCIAL & INTERACTIVE PLAY
33. Peekaboo with a Scarf
A lightweight scarf can provide endless fun for a toddler on a flight. Play peekaboo, let them wave it around, or use it for simple magic tricks like making objects “disappear.” Scarves are compact and easy to carry, making them a great interactive play tool. This simple game can be a great distraction during takeoff or turbulence.
34. Guess the Object
Use objects around you, like a cup, book, or toy, and describe them while your toddler guesses what they are. This game enhances their listening and vocabulary skills while keeping them entertained. You can also give small hints if they need help figuring out the object. This game requires no materials and can be played anytime during the flight.
35. Simple Hand Clapping Games
Teach your toddler simple clapping games like “Pat-a-Cake” or “Miss Mary Mack.” These games encourage coordination, rhythm, and social interaction. Hand clapping games are great for keeping little hands busy without needing extra toys. They also work well for bonding and creating positive memories during travel.
36. Whisper a Secret
Whisper a fun secret into your toddler’s ear and encourage them to whisper one back. This game keeps them engaged while also helping with social skills and quiet play. You can use silly sentences or fun travel-related clues to keep it exciting. This activity is perfect for keeping noise levels down while still interacting.
37. Matching Game with Stickers
Give your toddler a small sheet of stickers and a piece of paper. Draw simple shapes on the paper and have them match the stickers to the correct shape. This game helps with problem-solving and fine motor skills while keeping toddlers entertained. Use themed stickers, like animals or vehicles, to make the activity more engaging.
38. I Spy (Toddler Version)
Play a simplified version of “I Spy” by describing something your toddler can see around the airplane. Use colors, shapes, or familiar objects as clues. This game helps develop observation skills and keeps them engaged in their surroundings. Since it requires no materials, it’s an easy go-to activity during the flight.
39. Counting Fingers & Toes
Simple counting games like touching their fingers or toes while counting aloud can keep toddlers entertained. You can also count objects around the airplane, such as the number of seats or windows. This game introduces early math skills in a fun, interactive way. It also helps pass the time while seated.
40. Mini Puppet Show
Use small finger puppets or even your hands to create a mini puppet show on the tray table. Act out a short story or let your toddler create their own. This encourages creativity and storytelling skills while keeping them entertained. Puppets also help with social interaction and imaginative play.
41. Airplane Bingo
Create a simple travel bingo sheet with images of things toddlers might see on a plane, like a seatbelt, window, or snack cart. Have your toddler mark off each item as they spot it. This game keeps them engaged in their environment and adds a fun challenge. You can also reward them with a small treat for completing the bingo.
Keeping a toddler entertained on a flight doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right mix of airplane activities for toddlers, you can turn travel time into a fun and engaging experience. From screen-free games and sensory play to digital entertainment and snack-time fun, there are plenty of creative ways to make flying with a toddler enjoyable for both parents and children.
Related Posts
35 EASY SPRING CRAFTS FOR KIDS TO SPARK CREATIVITY AND LEARNING
38 EASY DIY EASTER CRAFT IDEAS FOR KIDS
41 FUN AND EASY EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
