The Best Airplane Toys For Toddlers Who Travel

 

Any parent who has ever skydived, bungee jumped or climbed mountains knows that flying with a toddler can be just as much of an adventure. There can be lots of stress in the days leading up to the flight, not knowing how little ones will react to being seated for hours in a shared space with dozens of strangers. We imagine them smiling, totally enthralled by the experience. Then we envision them screaming and crying as we nervously try to shush them, dodging the other passenger’s judging glances.  As parents, we can’t always control how our kids will react to traveling, but there are many things we can do to help our toddlers have a successful flight experience. To make your next trip a little easier, be sure to check out our airplane travel tips and list of the best travel toys for toddlers. 

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What To Do Before You Board

Like adults, kids need to be prepared for big changes and new experiences. In the weeks and days leading up to your trip, talk to your kids about your upcoming flight. Explain what is going to happen in the airport and later on when you board the plane. Read books or watch age-appropriate shows about airplanes. Kids might also have fun playing with airplane toys. The Green Toys airplane is a great toy for children to engage in imaginative play around flying.  This fun toy even comes with a small board book which is the perfect size to fit in your carry-on bag. 

 

 

What To Do At The Airport

Always allow extra time when traveling with kids. This reduces rushing around and allows built-in time if any last-minute toddler catastrophe arises. Be sure to take advantage of the airport facilities. Some airports have kiddy play areas where the kids can burn off energy before the plane ride. Children will also enjoy watching the planes take off and land. Make sure babies and toddlers have a fresh change before boarding. Those airplane restrooms don’t offer much space, so the fewer trips you make there, the better.

 

 

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What To Do During the Flight

The hardest part of flying with little ones is keeping them occupied, especially during long haul flights. Luckily, there are lots of fun toys available. Below is a list of some great toddler airplane activities that are perfect for plane rides. These are also fantastic toddler travel toys to bring on a road trip. Please note that some of these toys have small parts, so check to see if they are appropriate for your child’s age group and supervise your littles when they are using them.  

Stickers

Stickers are a perfect toy to keep little ones engaged and occupied. Stickers also promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. For younger toddlers, the fun is in the process of sticking, so it doesn’t really matter whether the stickers are from sticker books of favorite cartoon characters or just old address labels that come free in the mail. Reusable stickers are also great travel toys for older toddlers and preschoolers. Melissa & Doug brand offers many great reusable sticker books featuring different themes such as ocean animals, vehicles, dinosaurs, and farm animals. Kids will have hours of fun with these, creating different play scenarios over and over again. For parents, the best part is that the reusable sticker book folds into an easy-to-carry book, making storing and transporting it a non-issue. 

 

 

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Magnets

Small magnetic activities are also great toys for passing the time during a long flight and there are so many fun options out there. The brand Melissa & Doug also sells several magnetic puzzles, dress-up toys, and activity books. Another great portable magnetic toy is the Create-A-Scene Playset by Vinyl which allows kids to create mix-and-match magnets to create different scenes and play scenarios. Two favorites are the scenes of farm animals and construction vehicles. 

 

  

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Wikki Stix

If you frequently dine out with little ones, you know that it is always a relief when the waitstaff offer the kids Wikki Stix to play with while waiting for their food to arrive. These cool bendable sticks that help keep little hands occupied at restaurants are also a great way to keep young children busy on long trips. There are a variety of options available including a Rainbow Pak featuring lots of bright colors and several ideas for creations.

 

 

 

Coloring Activities

Coloring is a great activity for everyone in your family to pass the time on a long-haul flight. The process of coloring is calming and it often keeps young kids occupied for a while. A coloring book with your toddler’s favorite characters is an easy item to throw in your travel bag.  It also easily fits on an airplane tray table. Magnetic drawing boards are another great choice for kids to express their creativity.  Wellchild makes a great travel-size doddle board. Kids can make pictures over and over again with the magnetic pen and the stampers of different shapes. The board also comes with a handy carrying case that kids can wear over their back like a backpack.

 

 

 

Pro Tip:  Don’t forget to pack a bag with a variety of toys for older siblings to enjoy. Card games, an activity pad, and magnetic board games are some great options. Busy books with puzzles, games, and mazes can also be a lot of fun on a long journey.

 

Books

While books (especially board books) can be heavy and take up space, they are worth packing if you have a child who loves to read. Include your child’s favorite story and maybe a new one as well.  Quiet books that offer interactive activities are so much fun for toddlers and are perfect for little fingers.  A fun busy board book by Fisher Price is their “Little People Cars, Trucks, Planes, and Trains” lift-the-flap book. Kids will have lots of fun opening the many flaps to discover the hidden pictures inside.

 

 

 

Fidget and Fine Motor Toys

It’s no surprise that fidget toys became so popular in 2019!  These great toys are so much fun to move and manipulate and they really help keep toddlers busy and entertained during a long car ride or occasion where they are expected to sit for a while. There are so many different fidgets out there, but the best ones for long-haul flights are those that are mess free and quiet. Travel-sized busy boards are also one of the best toys for flights.  The Esjay Toddler Sensory Board is a combination buckle toy and letter board that comes it’s own carrying case. This soft toy is not only a perfect plane toy but it also helps little ones learn essential fine motor, self-care, and problem-solving skills.  

 

 

Screen Time

If you allow your child to have screen time, the use of an iPad or similar device may help them pass the time during your flight. Download their favorite shows, movies, or games ahead of time and be sure you have your device protected in a padded case. Some flights may also show age-appropriate children’s programming on board.  This may be an additional cost depending on the airline.  

 

 

 

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