Top Travel Toys for Kids on Long Flights

With half of our family located in Scotland and the other half in South Africa, my two children have been flying long distance since they were a few months old. The first time we set out for the airport with a small baby in tow, I was wracked with nerves: What if she kept the entire plane awake for hours with her screaming? In the end, I needn’t have worried. The drone of the engine had her snoozing in her sky cot for the majority of the flight.

Fast forward a year or two and I discovered that flying with an active toddler is a whole different ball game. However, with some careful packing, it’s possible to minimize the stress for everyone involved. First on your list should be travel-friendly toys. Look for ideas that are mess- and noise-free, take up minimal space, and don’t involve too many parts. Therefore, here are our tried-and-tested top picks for all ages from babies to pre-teens.

Sticker Books

It’s a universal truth that kids love sticker books. They’re great for in-flight entertainment since they’re lightweight, easy to pack, and can be used on little laps even when tray tables have to be stowed away. For younger children, reusable sticker books like the Make-a-Face series from Melissa & Doug provide hours of educational fun as your little ones add facial features to their favourite animals. There’s also no sticky residue to contend with, which is a major bonus for parents.

Travelling with older children who don’t want to spend their flight time watching movies? Creative pre-teens will love the challenge of Imagimetrics, a sticker-by-numbers concept that results in beautiful multi-dimensional works of art.

Activity Books

From as young as two or three, children can be kept entertained for hours by a good activity book. Wipe-clean versions like the Zoo Activities book from Usborne can be reused on your outward and return journeys. Activities like spot-the-difference and mazes encourage focus and aid in pen control. Plus, they provide your child the opportunity to work independently, giving you precious moments to enjoy your surroundings.

Travel Toys for Babies

• Shapes & Stackers: Shape sorters are a hit with dextrous babies and toddlers. A collapsible cat-shaped one from Playskool is cute and perfect for matching skills.
• Teething Toys: Keep some teething toys handy, like Nuby’s IcyBite Keys. They’re colourful and can be cooled for additional relief during flights.

Fidget Toys

Fidget toys are ideal for kids who just can’t sit still. Consider this frog-shaped push-pop toy, which offers a fun way to engage restless little hands while waiting for the flight to take off.

Traditional Games

Old-school games can keep children engaged while flying. Compact travel-sized board games or bingo sets cater perfectly to in-flight needs. A classic chess set with foldable pieces can also provide hours of fun during your long journey.

Conclusion

When traveling with young ones, preparation is key. Each of these travel toys has been thoughtfully selected to keep children entertained during flights, making family trips enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved.