Keeping Kids Happy on a Long Flight: Toy & Travel Activity Guide

Flying internationally with children can be magical… and a little overwhelming. Between the cramped seats, long hours, and restless energy, keeping everyone calm and entertained takes some strategy.

Here’s a curated list of quiet, mess-free, screen-optional toys and activities that can help make your flight smoother and (almost) fun.

👶 Age 2: Soft, Simple, and Engaging

Toddlers don’t sit still for long, so it helps to have a few short, sensory-friendly activities on rotation.

• Board book with flaps or textures — this one is soft

• Reusable water-reveal coloring book — various themes

• Reusable puffy sticker book (animals, vehicles, etc.) — various

• *Pop fidget toy or mini spinner — these are suction-based, so they stick to the window or the screen

• Small stuffed animal or doll — reversible

• Snack spinner or toddler bento box — set of 2

💡 Tip: Wrap one or two items in tissue paper and call them “surprises” to open mid-flight.

🧒 Age 5: Creative Imagination Time

Preschoolers thrive on hands-on play. Bring things that let them create, build, or pretend quietly.

• Water Wow! Mess Free Coloring Book — just add water!

• Skillmatics Foil Fun — various styles

• LCD Writing Tablet Doodle Board — over 29k reviews!

• MAGNA-TILES micro — Winter Wonder

• Mini LEGO or block kit — magnetic blocks

• Sensory play set — 6pcs

✈️ Keep it tidy: Store all loose pieces in zipper pouches or small containers.

👦 Age 7–8: Puzzles, Patterns, and Play

At this age, kids love a challenge and a bit of independence.

• *Logic puzzle or travel game (CooGam, Kanoodle, Rush Hour Jr.) — various

• Comic book or children’s magazine — how to draw everything book

• Sticker-by-number mosaic book — various

• *Sensory Activity board — various

• Journal or sketchbook + colored pencils — retractable markers

• Card games (Uno, Go Fish, or Spot It!) — various

🧩 Bonus: Create an “airplane challenge list” — things to spot, count, or draw from their seat.

👦 Age 9–10: Independent and Curious

Older kids appreciate activities that let them focus and feel responsible for their own fun.

• Chapter book or graphic novel

• Crossword or riddle book — various

• Mini magnetic chess or checkers — set of various

• Sketchbook + mechanical pencil

• Friendship-bracelet kit or simple craft kit

• Travel journal

🌍 Idea: Encourage them to write or draw something memorable about each part of the trip.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Extras

• Surprise envelopes: Label each one “Open after lunch” or “Open before landing.”

• Matching fidget toys to prevent arguments.

• Snacks in small portions for distraction and comfort. - for the kids and the adults, *fill accordingly

• Simple family games:

  • “I spy something blue.”

  • “Guess the country based on its flag or food.”

  • “Who can come up with the funniest travel story?”

💼 Packing Tip

Give each child a mini backpack with their own toys, snacks, and water bottle. It builds independence and prevents the “Where’s my…?” chaos.

🛫 Final Thoughts

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to feel like a survival mission. With a little planning and a few creative surprises, the flight itself can become part of the adventure.

May your journey be smooth, your kids entertained, and your carry-on full of peace and quiet (well… mostly).

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items I truly love or think will make your travel smoother.