How to Keep Kids Entertained During Long Flights

For parents flying with kids, a good entertainment kit is super important. It can really help make the flight easier.

a. Tablets and Electronics

Tablets are great for keeping kids busy, but don't let them use them too much. Before you leave, put some stuff on the tablet like:

• Movies and TV shows that are good for their age
• Learning apps and games
• Audiobooks or podcasts made for children

Also, bring headphones that are made for kids. That way, they can hear everything well, and other people on the plane won't be bothered by the noise.

b. Books and Coloring Stuff

Books and coloring supplies are a simple way to go. Get some:

• Picture books, comic books, or easy-to-read books for younger kids
• Coloring books and crayons so children can have fun being creative without creating too much of a mess

c. Games That Are Easy to Take with You

Consider packing some travel entertainment like:

• Card games like Uno
• Magnetic travel games
• Small puzzles or sticker books

d. Snacks

Have different snacks ready. Pack both healthy options and some treats. Snacks are good for when children are hungry, and they also help keep them busy on the flight. Try not to give kids too many sugary snacks. These can make them hyperactive.

Keeping kids happy on long trips can be a tricky thing. A mix of fun stuff can really save the day. It keeps them entertained. Switching between different things to do is a great way to avoid boredom meltdowns. Here are some ideas.

a. Stories and Audio Books Stories are awesome for firing up a kid's imagination. They make time fly. Try these. Read aloud. Pick a favorite book and read it out loud. Let them pick the voices. Get into character. Make up stories. Get creative together. Start a story. Have your child add characters and plot twists. It can get really funny. Audiobooks. These are awesome for longer attention spans. They're easier on you. They can also be calming if there's a bit of turbulence.

b. Sneaky Learning Long trips can be a cool way to sneak in some learning. Just make it fun. Geography games. Look at maps of where you're headed. Ask them to find different places. Get a kid's map so they can color it. Say it in a different language. Teach them a few easy words in the language of your destination. They'll be showing off in no time. Math games. Get them counting airplane seats. Figure out how long before you land. How fast is the plane going? Or how many more miles till you get there?

c. Easy Crafts Little craft projects can keep kids busy for ages. Sticker collage. Bring a travel notebook and a bunch of stickers. Let them create a sticker masterpiece. Origami. Folding paper into cool shapes is surprisingly fun. There are tons of easy tutorials online. Download them before your trip. Pipe cleaner creations. Pipe cleaners are bendy and fun. Kids can make animals, people, or whatever they dream up.

Important Tip: Don't bring messy stuff like glue or paint. Stickers, crayons, and coloring books are way safer for small spaces. Also, bring extra wipes!

d. Apps and Games There are some good apps that mix learning with play. This way, kids don't get too zoned out. Puzzle apps. Stuff like jigsaw puzzles is great for concentration. Interactive story apps. These let kids make choices that change the story. Memory games. Simple memory and concentration games are another good option for passing the time.

For both adults and kids, being stuck sitting for hours can be a real drag. When you can, try to work in some movement.

a. Walk Around

If it's allowed, walk a little bit. Walking up and down the plane aisle is an easy way for kids to burn off some energy and feel less cooped up.

b. Simple Stretches

Show your kids some easy stretches they can do while sitting.

Make circles with their arms.

Tap their feet and stretch their legs out.

Roll their shoulders forward and back.

c. Games To Play In Their Seats

When moving around isn't an option, try games that you can play while sitting.

Play I Spy by looking at things outside the window or around the plane.

Try clapping games or other hand activities.

Play guessing games. Pick an animal, and have others ask questions.

Let's face it. Getting enough rest on a long flight is super important, especially when you've got kids in tow. Jet lag can be a real pain for them. So anything we can do to help them sleep on the plane is a win.

a. Pillows and Blankets Think about bringing along some small, snuggly pillows and soft blankets. These can really make your children feel safe and comfortable in a strange environment. A familiar pillow or blanket from home can work wonders. It gives them something familiar to snuggle up with. This makes it easier to relax.

b. Sleep Helpers Eye Masks: If you have older kids, eye masks could be a good idea. Those cabin lights can be annoying. An eye mask can block them out. This signals to their brains that it's time to sleep.

Familiar Comforts: For the younger crew, don't forget their favorite stuffed animal or that beloved blanket. Having a piece of home with them can make a big difference. It helps them drift off to dreamland.

Naptime Strategy: Try to get your kids to nap during flight times that line up with their regular sleep schedule at home. This can help their bodies adjust to the new time zone. It can reduce jet lag later. Even if they don't fall completely asleep, resting quietly can help.

c. Keep the Noise Down Airplanes can be noisy places. So think about packing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. These can block out a lot of the background noise from the cabin. This makes it much easier for your children to fall asleep and stay asleep. Some kids might resist wearing them at first. So let them try them out at home before the trip. This helps them get used to the feeling.

Traveling with kids can be tricky. Sometimes, flights do not go as smoothly as we hope. You might face delays. You might hit bumpy rides. Or you might even switch seats. It's good to prepare for anything. Here are simple tips for air travel. They can help you and your kids enjoy a better flight.

a. Pack Surprise Activities

Kids get bored fast. This happens most on long flights. Bring small toys, games, or activity books. Keep them hidden. Pull one out when boredom hits. Do it as a surprise. It keeps them busy and happy. The surprise helps them stay engaged. Try small puzzles. Pick travel-sized board games. Or grab a new coloring book with crayons. These items save space. They can be a real lifesaver.

b. Stash Away Emergency Snacks

Hunger turns a happy child cranky quick. Keep favorite snacks in your bag. Tuck treats away too. If your child gets irritable, these help. Or if they say they are hungry and meal service waits, snacks save the day. Choose easy-to-eat items. Skip messy ones. Go for granola bars, crackers, or fruit snacks. Avoid sugar rushes. They lead to crashes.

c. Teach Calming Tricks

Kids sometimes get anxious on flights. Or they get upset. Teach simple calming tricks. They help a lot. Try these easy ideas.

Deep Breathing: Show them slow, deep breaths. Make it fun. Pretend to smell a flower. Then blow out a candle.

Imagination Games: Have them close their eyes. Let them picture your destination. Ask what they see, hear, and smell. For a beach trip, they imagine sand and waves. They feel the sun on their skin.

Quiet Activities: Coloring books work well. Sticker books do too. They keep kids calm and quiet. Kids focus on the task. They forget their worries. Use these at takeoff and landing.

Long plane trips might seem boring. But they can be a great chance to learn new things and keep your senses sharp. Here are a few ways to do this.

A. Looking Out the Window

Suggest that kids spend time watching what is happening outside. You could talk about these ideas.

• Clouds and Weather Patterns: What kinds of clouds do you see? Is it sunny, rainy, or snowy below? How does the weather change as you fly? Explain how different cloud shapes can tell us about coming weather shifts. Discuss how height affects temperature and weather.

• Planes Taking Off and Landing: Watch other planes at the airport. How do they take off and land? What are all those ground vehicles doing? Talk about the types of aircraft kids might see, from small jets to large cargo planes. Discuss the jobs of air traffic control and ground crew in keeping takeoffs and landings safe.

• Cities, Rivers, and Views from Above: See how cities and towns look from high up. Can you spot major rivers, mountains, or other features? How does the terrain change as you travel? Explore the earth features that shape the ground, like mountain chains, river valleys, and coastal areas. Think about how people change the land. Notice how farms, cities, and roads have altered it. Discuss the place factors that affect where people settle and how they earn a living in various areas.

B. Paying Attention on the Plane

Turn the trip into a learning experience with these steps.

• Talking About Plane Safety and How Planes Work: Read the safety card together. Explain why it is key to listen to the crew. Talk about how planes fly, with wings, engines, and more. Explain how wing shape helps the plane rise off the ground. Talk about how pilots use controls to guide the plane. Talk about safety items on board, like oxygen masks and life vests.

• Watching People and Cultures: Look at the different people on the plane. Where do you think they come from? What might their lives be like? Think about the clothes they wear and the languages they speak. Discuss why we should respect differences, show tolerance, and understand each other's backgrounds and ways of life.

• Counting Languages: Try to count how many different languages you hear around you. This shows the mix of people on the same flight. You may ask, what does it mean to speak those languages? It can spark kids' interest in foreign tongues. Talk about how language helps us learn about other people's ways of life.

For parents flying with older kids, here's how to keep them happy and make the trip easier for everyone:

Give them some say in their fun. Instead of planning every single minute, let your kids decide what they want to do on the plane. Before you go, chat about the different options—reading, watching movies, playing games—and let them make a rough plan for the flight. This gives them a sense of control and keeps them from getting bored as quickly.

Let them pack their own goody bag. Get a small backpack or bag just for your child, and let them fill it with things to keep them busy. Think books, small toys, coloring books, and, of course, snacks. Having their favorite things within reach will keep them from constantly asking you for things and help them feel more independent. Just double-check to make sure everything is flight-friendly.

Get them to record their trip. Encourage your kids to keep a travel journal or sketchbook. They can write about what they see, draw pictures of the places you visit, or even just jot down funny things that happen along the way. It's a great way for them to be creative, remember their experiences, and keep busy during downtime on the plane. You might be surprised at how much they enjoy it, and it'll be a cool keepsake for them later on.

Experienced parents and travel pros suggest these tips for smooth trips with kids:

Double Up on Essentials: Pack a spare of your child's cherished toy or blanket. Losing a beloved item can trigger a meltdown far from home. A backup can save the day.

Stay Hydrated: Airplanes are notorious for dry air. Make sure your little one drinks lots of water during the flight. This helps avoid dehydration, which can lead to crankiness.

Do a Test Run: Simulate a flight at home. Have your child sit in a chair for a while. Offer in-flight entertainment like books or small toys. This gives you an idea of what works and what doesn't before you're 30,000 feet in the air.

Keep Routines Consistent: As much as possible, stick to your child's regular meal and sleep schedule. This provides comfort and familiarity in a new setting. Even small consistencies can greatly affect a child's well-being.

Keep Calm and Carry On: Children are very perceptive. They often mirror their parents' emotions. If you are stressed, your child will pick up on it. Stay calm, and your child will feel more secure and relaxed.

Turning Long Plane Rides into Fun Family Time

Long plane rides with kids might seem hard, but they don't have to be! With some smart planning, a bunch of different things to do, and making sure everyone's comfy, you can keep your kids happy and busy. The trick is to mix it up—like doing art projects, moving around a bit, playing learning games, and yes, even some screen time.

Before you even get to the airport, think about what your kids enjoy. Do they love to draw? Pack a special notebook and some colorful pencils. Are they into stories? Download some audiobooks or load up on kid-friendly podcasts. Think about bringing a few small, new toys that they haven't seen before. These can be a lifesaver when boredom starts to kick in.

When you're packing, don't forget the comfort items. A familiar blanket or stuffed animal can make a huge difference in how relaxed your child feels. Pack some snacks that you know they like, but also throw in a healthy choice or two. Drinks are essential, too, of course. And think about things that will help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing, like gum or lollipops.

Once you're on the plane, try to stick to some kind of routine. If your child usually naps at a certain time, try to make that happen on the plane as well. This will help them feel more secure and less out of sorts.

Mix up activities. Don't rely on just one thing to keep them entertained. Start with some coloring or drawing. Then, try a learning game or puzzle. Let them watch a movie or play a game on a tablet for a little while. And then, encourage them to get up and move around a bit. Walking to the bathroom or just stretching in the aisle can help break up the monotony.

Make the flight part of the fun. Talk about where you're going and what you're going to do when you get there. Let them look out the window and point out interesting things they see. Turn the flight into an adventure, and they'll be more likely to enjoy it.

Remember, a happy kid makes for a happy flight for everyone. By planning ahead, being prepared with lots of activities, and focusing on comfort and routine, you can make even the longest plane ride feel shorter and a lot more fun. So, take a deep breath, relax, and get ready to make some memories! For additional information click here.