Keeping kids entertained on a long-haul flight can be quite the challenge. If you’re looking for alternatives to handing them an iPad, here are six tips to fend off mid-flight boredom for a happier (and stress-free) trip.
Pack a Toddler Aeroplane Bag
Let your kids pack their own flight bag to get them excited about the journey. Encourage them to choose their favorite books, toys, games, and coloring pads. You might also want to add a few inexpensive pocket toys or treats to their collection. Once they’ve picked their items, pack the bag away until your flight. When you’re up in the air, you’ll have a bag full of goodies to keep them entertained.
Bring Washable Crayons, Paper & Colouring Books
Most kids love to color, and it’s an activity that parents can easily join in on too. To avoid the potential of them scribbling all over the seatbacks, invest in a set of washable crayons so you can easily clean up their wayward doodles with a wet wipe.
The Power of Finger Puppets!
Add some extra fun to storytime by retelling classic fairy tales using finger puppets as characters. You can buy themed finger puppets online, but it’s even better to make your own handmade versions at home with your kids. Besides retelling classic stories, you can encourage your kids to help you create your very own finger puppet-led fairy tales.
Pack a Surprise (or Two)
During your flight, you might quickly realize you’ve exhausted all the planned distractions. That’s the perfect time to bring out a secret surprise toy. Picking up a new toy or game before the flight is a great way to put a smile on their face mid-flight. Alternatively, buy a few inexpensive toys and wrap them like gifts. Make a rule that they can unwrap a treat every half hour to spread out the entertainment.
Bring Interactive Books
Since many children’s books only take minutes to read, pack a few with interactive elements. Touch-and-feel books are perfect for toddlers, while “I Spy” or “Where’s Wally?” books are great for older kids. Besides being noise-free (a big plus for long-haul flights), interactive books will keep them entertained much longer than standard children’s stories.
Write Postcards to Send Home
Before your trip, pick up a special pack of pencils and postcards for some inflight scribbling. Ask your child to think about all the new sights and sounds they’ve experienced, from arriving at the airport to boarding the airplane. During the flight, they can write a postcard to a friend or relative describing their adventure so far—a fun activity that can also be repeated for the return journey home.
