Keeping Small Children Occupied
When Flying

If there is one thing I overly prepare for when my family and I travel by airplane is packing enough activities to keep my small children busy. I have 3 boys; 7, 5, and 2 years old. Each of them has traveled by plane at least twice by their first birthday and many more times after. We are a “Disney Family” and usually fly to Orlando twice a year.

This blog will focus on activities that have kept them busy when in flight. Happy children make for a smooth flight which allows parents to have a more enjoyable experience. Most of the items listed in the blog can be found on Amazon. Who doesn’t love 2 day shipping when you need to find fun activities at the last minute?

I strongly recommend any activities you bring on the plane are NEW to your child. What child doesn’t enjoy opening a NEW gift? The activities can be themed after your vacation destination…. Disney, the beach, etc.

Here we go…

Melissa & Doug, Paint with Water

A fun way to paint! Things needed include a cup of water and a paintbrush (the book usually comes with one, I also bring a few extra). If beverages are served on the plane kids’ cups come with a lid and straw; a simple hack that makes it easy for a child to dip their paintbrush in the cup without spilling the water. Another option is bringing an extra water bottle for dipping. Once wetting the paintbrush and applying it to the paper color will appear on the page and blend together. There are 24 perforated painting pages that can be torn out and thrown away when done. Drying time is fast if they prefer to keep it.

Melissa & Doug, Water Wow

A reusable activity pad using water. The books come with a chunky-sized water pen that is easily refillable and easy to hold for small hands. The pages reveal color when applying water and will change back to white when dry.

Melissa and Doug Reusable Sticker Pad

More than 150 reusable stickers kids can apply to 5 different backgrounds. I would describe the stickers as a “static” material. My toddler absolutely loves to take stickers on and off so this was right up his alley!

Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Play Sets

Packs include reusable puffy stickers with 3 different double-sided glossy backgrounds. The stickers do have a “sticky” side therefore can be used a handful of times before it does not stick as well. This activity should definitely last for the duration of the plane!

Crayola Pip-Squeaks Skinnies Washable Markers

This marker set has a lot of fun vibrant colors. The size of the Pip-Squeaks is half the size of a regular marker which makes it easier to travel with. I usually take them out of the box and put them in a baggie which fits easily in the backpack. Throw in a small coloring book and they will be busy for hours.

Books…. books… and more books – if they fit in your carry on of course!

My kids love books so I always bring a few new ones for the plane. My younger boys are into books with liftable flaps and other hands-on activities. I usually bring a new book that relates to our vacation in some way…. Disney, the beach, etc.

Downloaded iPad programs – these are the top 3 apps my 2 and 5-year old enjoy. I believe these downloads are free; the full version can be purchased for a few extra dollars. My oldest son usually prefers downloading movies to his iPad prior to our trip.

• -Construction: a variety of construction vehicles that are puzzles and coloring pages.
• -Restaurant 3: your child becomes a chef making meals for customers.
• -ABC animals: care for a variety of animals by washing and grooming them. Your child can also be a veterinarian and help cure each animal’s illness.
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Plenty of food and snacks

If your kids are like mine they can be entertained for hours with snacks. A variety of cereal packs, applesauce pouches, pretzels, fruit snacks, and small candy such as M&Ms (if appropriate for your child) are some options. I avoid foods that can potentially melt or leave a sticky or cheesy type of residue. We always have a pack of baby wipes in addition to antibacterial wipes for cleaning up.

I hope this article has provided you with a few ideas on activities that will keep your child busy during a flight. Family vacations should be fun, enjoyable, and a way to make memories; however, there are moments that can be stressful and overwhelming. Help yourself by planning ahead to minimize meltdowns. I have found the above activities to be most helpful in making our flight fun and memorable!

Contact your favorite Pineapple Escapes’ agent today, or email us at info@pineappleescapes.com for a free quote to your next vacation destination. Our agents help make your vacation seamless with our expertise, customized itineraries, and extra pixie dust!

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