Long flights and energetic children aren’t always the easiest combination. Even the most seasoned little traveller can become restless after a couple of hours in the air, especially when there’s nowhere to run, climb or burn off energy.
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Having a few entertainment tricks up your sleeve can make the journey far more enjoyable for everyone on board. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to keep kids happy, busy and (mostly) occupied from take-off to landing.
Pack a surprise bag
One of the easiest ways to keep excitement levels high is to pack a small bag filled with inexpensive surprises. Think colouring books, stickers, mini puzzles, fidget toys or activity pads. Rather than handing everything over at once, reveal one item every hour or so. The novelty makes even simple toys feel exciting.
Download entertainment before you leave
Don’t rely on in-flight Wi-Fi or assume every aircraft has seat-back screens.
Before your trip, download:
- Favourite movies
- TV episodes
- Audiobooks
- Podcasts for children
- Educational games
- Music playlists
Don’t forget child-friendly headphones that fit comfortably over little ears.
Snacks are your best friend
Entertainment doesn’t always have to come in the form of toys. Packing a variety of snacks gives children something to look forward to throughout the flight. Choose snacks that are easy to eat and not overly messy, such as:
- Crackers
- Dried fruit
- Cheese cubes
- Rice cakes
- Mini sandwiches
- Pretzels
Having several small snack breaks can help break up a long journey.
Bring colouring supplies
A classic for good reason. A colouring book paired with crayons or triangular coloured pencils (which are less likely to roll away) can keep younger children occupied for surprisingly long stretches. Reusable water-reveal colouring books are another brilliant option as they create almost no mess.
Sticker books never disappoint
Sticker activity books offer more than simply sticking pictures onto a page. Many include puzzles, scenes to decorate and matching games that encourage creativity while keeping children focused. Reusable sticker sets can be used over and over again during the trip.
You could also pack a sheet of removable window or gel stickers. Kids often enjoy decorating the aeroplane window or the plastic tray table, giving them a creative activity without creating a mess. Just make sure the stickers peel away easily without leaving residue, avoid placing them on screens or airline signage, and remove them before you land.
Play simple travel games
You don’t need elaborate equipment to have fun. Depending on your child’s age, try games like:
- I Spy
- Alphabet games
- Spot the colour
These games are especially useful during take-off and landing when electronic devices may need to be put away.
Introduce a new book
If your child enjoys reading, save a brand-new book for the flight. A fresh story often captures their attention far longer than one they’ve read dozens of times. For younger children, reading together can also be a lovely way to settle them before nap time.
Pack a comfort item
Travelling can be overwhelming, especially for toddlers and younger children. A favourite blanket, cuddly toy or comforter can help them feel secure in an unfamiliar environment and make it easier for them to fall asleep.
Encourage window watching
If you have a window seat, the view itself can become entertainment. Cloud spotting, watching other aircraft taxi, looking for mountains, rivers or city lights below all help pass the time and often spark interesting conversations.
Don’t underestimate nap time
If your flight lines up with your child’s usual sleep schedule, try to stick to it as closely as possible. A neck pillow, light blanket and familiar bedtime routine (even if it’s just reading a story together) can help encourage a mid-flight snooze.
Pack more than you think you’ll need
A few extra activities can be a lifesaver if there’s an unexpected delay or the flight runs longer than planned. It’s always better to return home with unused colouring books than to run out of entertainment halfway through the journey.
Be flexible
Some children will happily colour for an hour. Others lose interest after five minutes. Switching between snacks, games, reading, screen time and quiet conversation helps keep things fresh and prevents boredom from setting in.
Remember, you don’t need to entertain them every second. Sometimes simply chatting about where you’re going or looking out of the window together is enough.
Travelling with children rarely goes exactly according to plan, and that’s perfectly normal. A little preparation, realistic expectations and a well-packed carry-on bag can make flying far less stressful for the whole family.
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