Taking a trip by plane is an exciting experience for your kids. However, while they may be full of energy prancing through the airport, this excitement can be hard to contain once you’re seated on your flight. Your little ones may feel antsy sitting for hours without technology or free movement.
Fortunately, it’s easier than you thought to keep your kids entertained on a flight. Check out these suggestions and ideas to avoid meltdowns and boredom.
Explore the Wonders of the Airport
Even before the plane takes off, your family may have to wait in line to get your boarding pass, walk through security, and board the plane. Give your kids the chance to exert their energy so that they’re calmer in their seats. For instance, walk through the airport, which is bustling with activity and full of exciting sights and sounds. Guide your little ones through the shops, restaurants, and play areas.
Point out interesting things like airplanes taking off, luggage conveyor belts, or even airport workers loading cargo. These sights can spark your kids’ curiosity and keep them occupied while waiting for your flight.
Play Minigames When Waiting
Waiting at the gate can feel endless for children, so come prepared with minigames to keep them entertained. For instance, you can create an airport scavenger hunt where you ask your kids to find specific items like “a passenger with a backpack” or “a sign with your gate number.” These kinds of games keep kids focused on the task at hand rather than the wait time before boarding.
Unleash Creativity With Art Supplies
Once you’re sat down and in the air, your little ones may still have some energy to expend before you land. Attentive planning will make sure your kiddos are preoccupied for the duration of the flight. Art and creativity are wonderful outlets for children, especially when confined to small spaces like an airplane seat.
Bring a Disney stationery set on the plane so the kids can write, draw, and doodle to their heart’s content. Encourage them to decorate postcards or sketch scenes from their favorite Disney film.
Hand Out Surprise Travel Toys
With nothing in their hands, your little ones may start fidgeting or asking for electronics. Whether you packed them in your carry-on or bought them at the airport gift shop, hand your children a toy or action figure to hold onto in their seat. These toys will give your kids something to play with and distract them from the long flight ahead.
Read or Tell Stories
Kids often love being absorbed in a tale, whether it’s a storybook or one you narrate personally. If your little ones want to engage in conversation, spin a tale that they’ll love, creating your own adventure story with your child’s input about the plot points. Working together builds your children’s imagination and conversation skills.
Maintain Comfort and Familiarity
Sometimes, the best way to keep kids entertained on a flight is by making sure they feel comfortable and safe. Be sure to give your children the essentials they need to get cozy in their seat, especially for a longer or overnight flight.
For instance, pack a comfort item. Whether it’s a favorite teddy bear, a small pillow, or a plush blanket, having a familiar item can make your child feel restful and more at ease. These beloved items are especially helpful during long flights when your child might need to settle in for a nap or could feel cold at a higher altitude.
Also, bring along some of your child’s favorite snacks to avoid meltdowns when they're hungry. Easy-to-eat items like crackers, string cheese, or sliced fruit are especially convenient for travel. Keep small bottles of water handy so that your kids can stay hydrated, especially in a dry cabin environment.
Rely on Technology
Plane rides can be difficult for kids and adults to manage without access to the Internet. Luckily, you have plenty of ways to download, watch, and play your favorite shows and movies with your kids during the flight.
For instance, save some of your kids’ favorite movies or shows on a tablet or phone before your flight. For longer flights, play your children’s favorite Disney films or several episodes of a beloved television show. However, make sure to pack headphones to keep noise levels at a minimum. Your fellow passengers will appreciate the courtesy.
This could also be a good time for some education! Mix entertainment with learning by downloading educational apps that match your child’s interests. Apps that teach basic math, language, or puzzles can go a long way toward keeping children entertained while adding value to their time spent traveling.
Incorporate Movement and Stretching
Kids are naturally active, and sitting for prolonged periods can lead to restlessness, which in turn can increase the risk of boredom or meltdowns. When the seatbelt light turns off, encourage your kids to move around within their space while respecting those around them.
One idea is to take short walks up and down the aisle with your kids when it’s safe to do so. This basic movement relieves pent-up energy and makes sitting more manageable when it’s time to settle back down.
You can also explore simple seated exercises. Teach your kids small movements or stretches they can do while seated. For instance, they can stretch their legs under the seat in front of them or gently twist their upper body to look at each side of the plane. These simple movements can make a surprisingly big difference in keeping the kids content.
Once your plane lands, encourage your little ones to look out the window and enjoy the landing. Praise them for their good behavior on the plane, and remind them to stay close by as you navigate the airport and travel to your hotel. Each step of the journey is part of your magical family adventure, so make your plane ride entertaining and memorable for your kids to mark the start of your vacation!