Flying with children can be brilliant, exciting and slightly chaotic - often all before you’ve even found your gate. There are snacks to organise, bags to juggle, seats to find and the quiet hope that everyone stays cheerful until landing.
The trick is not packing more things. It’s packing the right things: small, quiet, mess-free activities that children can use on a tray table, pause easily and return to when boredom creeps back in.
For reusable ideas made for journeys, browse our screen-free travel toys collection.
What are the best plane activities for kids?
The best plane activities for kids are compact, quiet, mess-free and easy to use in a small space. Reusable colouring activities, washable pens, sticker sheets, pencil cases, simple travel games and small notebooks can help keep children entertained on flights without relying on screens for the whole journey.
Why do screen-free plane activities work so well?
Planes are tricky for children because they are expected to sit still, wait patiently and keep their voices fairly low. That is a lot to ask. A good activity gives them something to focus on without needing lots of space, noise or adult set-up.
Reusable colouring is especially handy because it feels familiar, calming and creative. It also works before take-off, during the flight, while waiting for food, and during those final “are we there yet?” moments.
Best plane activities for toddlers and younger children
For younger children, keep activities simple and quick to restart. They may not sit with one thing for an hour, but they might happily rotate between a few small options.
Try packing a washable colouring placemat, a few washable pens, a favourite small toy, snacks, a picture book and a little notebook for scribbles. The aim is not perfection; it’s having enough gentle distractions to move between.
A reusable colour-in placemat works well because it gives children a clear surface to focus on, even when space is tight.
Best plane activities for ages 5-8
Children aged 5-8 often enjoy activities with a bit more purpose. Give them little missions they can complete during the flight, such as designing a postcard, drawing the view from the window, colouring a map, inventing a holiday creature or creating a snack menu for the plane.
This is also a good age for themed colouring. Dinosaurs, space, fairytales and world maps can turn a long flight into a mini adventure, without needing Wi-Fi or batteries.
Mess-free tray table activities
Tray tables are tiny, so avoid anything with too many pieces. The best activities are flat, washable and easy to contain.
Good options include reusable colouring placemats, pencil cases filled with washable pens, sticker sheets, small puzzle books and a notebook. Keep everything in one pouch so you’re not hunting through a bag every ten minutes.
If your child likes to draw, a pencil case is a useful travel gift because it keeps pens, pencils and little treasures together for the whole journey.
What to pack in your child's carry-on activity bag
A good carry-on activity bag does not need to be huge. In fact, smaller is usually better. Pack things your child can use independently and put away quickly.
A simple kit might include a reusable colouring activity, washable pens, a pencil case, a book, headphones, snacks, tissues, a water bottle and one small comfort toy. For longer flights, add one “surprise” activity to bring out halfway through.
If you’re travelling with siblings, try giving each child their own mini kit. It reduces arguments and makes the journey feel a bit more special.
Ready for take-off?
A little planning can make the flight feel much easier. Explore our screen-free travel toys for reusable colouring activities that are made for flights, holidays, restaurants and little hands on the move.
