Flying with kids is always a little stressful and keeping them entertained can feel like a full time job. I have found a handful of things that my toddler loves playing with and keeps him occupied on his own so I can relax or help my baby. These 9 easy-to-bring activities for flying with toddlers are perfect for you to just hand over to them and let them entertain themselves.
If you are looking for more tips about flying with toddlers, check out my post 10 Essential Tips for Flying with a Toddler.
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Yoto player
Our Yoto Mini is hands down my favorite of the activities for flying with toddlers that I’m going to share. because it keeps him entertained the longest. The Yoto is a screen free audio player that you insert cards into to play whatever is on them. They have cards with stories, songs, meditations, nature sounds, and more. there is a headphone jack so you don’t need to worry about it disturbing the people around you. It’s the perfect alternative to a tv show or movie.
You can read my whole Yoto Player review here. I find it helpful if my toddler has something to do while he listens to his Yoto player like draw, eat a snack, or any of the other activities I have here.
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Sticker books
Switch up the coloring books and try a sticker book. These will keep my toddler entertained for a good amount of time. They have ones where you need to match up the stickers and put them in the right spot. Or you can get a sticker books where you create your own funny faces. Even if your toddler is a little too young, for that, they still enjoy peeling off the stickers and sticking them to whatever is near.
*Helpful Tip: Peel off the sticker page backing to make it easier for them to pull off the individual stickers themselves.
Snack Box
Good snacks are very crucial on the airplane as you don’t want a hungry toddler. And it can be an exciting new treat for them as well. I like to bring a snack box so there are multiple options. I usually just give ours to my toddler and let him have at it. But you can also hold onto it yourself and distribute the snacks as you see fit.
Mini Magnetic Blocks
These open-ended mini magnetic blocks are a staple in our travel bag. Not only are they perfect for the airplane but also the airport and Airbnb or hotel. They are very lightweight and easy to keep track of since they are magnetic. My toddler loves making rocket ships or a garages for his cars.
Books
Do not underestimate the hold handful of good books can have on a toddler. Besides a show and our Yoto player, books keep my toddler occupied the longest. I like to bring ones he either hasn’t read in a while or I will pick up a few new ones so I know he will be excited to read them. I also like to get books that have multiple stories in them so we don’t have to keep track of too many.
Toy cars
toy cars are fun for kids of all ages and my toddler is no exception. He loves to bring a few in his fanny pack and will just push them on his chair, on the tray table, or on the window. Bring a little roll of tape and you can make a little track for them to follow. My toddler loves the Pixar Cars movie and the mini cars are the perfect size for traveling. We also love the Mac Truck that can hold them all.
Lacing Cards
If you have a toddler that likes projects or enjoys being able to finish something, you might want to try lacing cards. These lacing cards are fun little project they can work on while they listen to their Yoto Player.
Window Clings
These sticky figure window clings are fun for kids to put up on the window or tray table of the airplane and make their own scenes or pictures.
Water Wow Coloring Pad
I love the Melissa and Doug Water Wow coloring pads because they are reusable and virtually mess free. You just fill up the drawing pen with water and when brushed onto the pages, the colors appear. Kids can use them over and over and they’re always a hit.
If you found these activities for flying with toddlers helpful, be sure to check out my other posts about Traveling with Toddlers.