25+ Free Toddler Activities for Airplane Travel to Survive a Long Haul Flight ✈️

Hey there, mamas! 🙌 So, I’ve got a bit of a challenge coming up. In just a few weeks, I’ll be flying to South Korea with my toddler (again)—a long-haul, 12 hour, cross-continental flight (alone) with an energetic little one who can’t sit still for more than five minutes. It’s normal to get nightmares, right? Well, I’m here to share my battle plan for surviving (and maybe even enjoying) a long flight with a toddler.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or taking your first trip with your little one, this post will have you covered with activities, tips, and a few hacks to make the journey smoother. So buckle up! Let’s dive into how you can keep your toddler entertained (and yourself sane) on a long-haul flight. 🛫

Preparation Is Key: The Mom’s Pre-Flight Checklist ✅

First things first—preparation. I don’t just want to wing it with a toddler on a plane. I am gonna prepare for every possible scenario. Let’s be real—there’s no such thing as being too prepared when it comes to flying with a toddler. (AH btw Lufthansa gave us a Toy last time we flew).

Pack Smart, Not Hard 🧳

You know those people who board with just a carry-on and a tiny personal item? Yeah, that won’t be us. We need to pack like we’re leading an expedition to the Arctic. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want in your carry-on (I’ll also give you a free printable checklist):

(Ps.: If your kid is old enough you can give them their own small backpack to pack and carry. )

• Snacks, snacks, and more snacks 🍪: Load up on easy-to-eat, mess-free snacks. Think crackers, fruit pouches, and baby snacks. Bonus points if they’re slow to eat.
• Change of clothes (for both of you) 👕: Turbulence, spills, and diaper blowouts—need I say more? (Last time, trying to stop Luca from falling, I spilled my whole food tray – embarrassing).
• Favorite toy or comfort item 🧸: Don’t leave home without their security blanket or favorite stuffed animal. This can be a lifesaver when the going gets rough.
• Tablet with headphones 🎧: Load it up with their favorite shows and some educational apps (we’ll get into these later).
• Mini first aid kit 🩹: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary meds (hello, motion sickness).
• New toys or activities 🎁: Keep a couple of surprise toys hidden in your bag for those inevitable meltdowns. I’ll share some great options below.

Timing Is Everything ⏰

Consider booking flights that coincide with your toddler’s nap or bedtime. If you’re lucky, they might just sleep through a good portion of the flight. For our upcoming trip to Korea, I strategically booked a red-eye in hopes of a peaceful journey. (Pray for me, please. 🙏)

Airplane Activity Ideas By Age Group

Ok so my list is mostly for toddlers. Just in case your baby is an angel and sleeps the whole flight check this post on what *you* can do on a long haul flight.

Airplane Activities for a 1-Year-Old

Flying with a 1-year-old can be challenging, but with the right activities, you can make it easier. At this age, sensory experiences and simple distractions are key:

1. Soft Books and Board Books: Choose books with textures, flaps, or mirrors. Babies love interactive elements.
2. Stacking Cups: Lightweight and versatile, they can be used for stacking, nesting, or just banging together.
3. Silicone Teething Toys: Great for soothing gums and keeping little hands busy.
4. Finger Foods: Pack small snacks like Baby Cookies to keep them occupied.
5. Simple Apps: If screen time is an option, choose baby-friendly apps with bright colors and simple animations (Personally they are my last resort, they make Luca more grumpy in the long run and less likely to sleep).
6. Interactive Toys: Compact toys that light up, make sounds, or have buttons to press are usually a hit (thought maybe not with the other passengers – harr) .

Here is my extra tip. All the mamas sooner or later meet at the end of the plane with their little ones. Check out if there are other babies. (It kept Luca busy for 30 Minutes on his first long haul, when we met a little girl his age.)

Airplane Activities for an 18-Month-Old

This age group is on the move, so engaging them can be a bit tricky:

1. Stickers and Sticker Books: Mess-free fun that keeps them busy for a while.
2. Busy Boards: Portable versions with zippers, buttons, and switches are great for curious hands.
3. Snack Containers: Fill them with different snacks that they can explore and eat at their own pace.
4. Mini Drawing Boards: Magnetic drawing boards can keep them entertained without any mess.
5. Soft Toys or Stuffed Animals: A small comfort item can help soothe and calm.

A useful tip is to let the toddler stretch and move a bit at the gate before boarding. (Let them do some of their own walking). This can help burn off some energy, making them more likely to sit still (or even sleep) once on the plane .

Airplane Activities for a 2-Year-Old

At 2, toddlers are a mix of curiosity and short attention spans. Here’s how to keep them entertained:

1. Reusable Sticker Sets: Stickers that can be placed and removed over and over are a winner.
2. Interactive Storybooks: Books with flaps, textures, or sounds.
3. Tablet with Headphones: Load with favorite shows or interactive games.
4. Toy Cars or Small Figurines: Small, portable, and easy to play with on a tray table.

Parents on Reddit suggest mixing screen time with hands-on activities. A mix of digital and physical toys can help maintain your toddler’s interest longer .

Toddler Activities for Airplane (3 Years-Old)

Three-year-olds are full of imagination and energy. Keeping them occupied can be a challenge, but these activities can help:

1. Magnetic Puzzles: No lost pieces, and they provide a quiet, focused activity.
2. Coloring Books with Water Pens: Mess-free and reusable.
3. Interactive Games on a Tablet: Choose apps that combine fun with learning, like puzzles or matching games.
4. New Small Toys: The novelty of a new toy can keep them entertained longer.
5. Simple Crafts: Pre-packaged craft kits or sticker-by-number activities are good for in-seat play.

A top Reddit tip for this age group is to bring snacks that take a while to eat, like small granola bars or grapes, to buy you more quiet time .

Airplane Activities for a 4-Year-Old

At 4, kids are more independent and imaginative. Here are some activities to match their growing skills:

1. Sticker Books with Themes: Stickers based on their favorite characters or interests.
2. Activity Books: Look for books with mazes, connect-the-dots, or simple word searches.
3. Portable Board Games: Compact versions of games like Connect Four or Tic-Tac-Toe.
4. Audiobooks or Podcasts: Download stories that they can listen to with headphones.
5. Creative Kits: Packs that include simple art supplies like crayons, paper, and stencils.

Several parents emphasized the importance of letting your child choose some of their activities beforehand. This gives them a sense of control and excitement for the trip .

Airplane Activities for 5-Year-Olds and Older

By 5, your child’s attention span has improved, allowing for more complex activities:

1. Interactive Tablets: Load with educational apps and movies.
2. Card Games: Simple games like Go Fish or Uno are easy to pack and fun to play.
3. Storytelling Kits: Sets that let kids create their own stories using cards or figures.
4. Travel Journals: Let them draw or write about their trip as it happens.
5. Educational Workbooks: Light math or reading activities that feel like play.

For this age, encouraging them to document their trip through drawings or simple notes can be a great way to engage them creatively during the flight .