what are the best toys to bring on an airplane for 3 and 5 year olds?

Question

its an all day flight from new orleans to spokane,Wa Ive flown with one of them by myself but this is my first time solo with both.

I have a portable dvd but worry that that the battery will only last a few hours and wonder if they will even wear headphones and if it will be more hassle than its worth to bring it along.

Answer 1

STuffed animal toys or dolls or action figures. Things that don't take up too much space, don't roll, and don't make noise.

Answer 2

I guess I'm confused because I can't imagine how it will take "all day" to get from New Orleans to Spokane. I mean, it only takes 6 hours to get from the west coast (Seattle or California) to Honolulu and, my longest trip from Seattle to Bangor, Maine only took 9 hours. Unless you have loooooong layovers, your flight should only be about 5 hours.

Take the DVD player and a few of their favorite movies for them to watch, even if the player will only last a few hours. Books, crayons and paper, and other quiet toys are great too. Avoid anything that is messy, has lots of pieces, large, or loud. Don't count on the fight staff to have any thing to keep your kids occupied. Their job is to take care of passengers not entertain them.

I'd also bring a bag of their favorite snacks as many airlines are phasing out meals. Even if there is meal service on your flight, you children may not like what the airline is serving.

If your children have a blankie or other security item, bring that too as it may help them fall asleep during the flight. (A dose of Benedryl can also help them sleep ;) )

If your 3 yr old isn't completely potty trained, you'll need to bring extra clothes and large gallon sized ziplock bags to put the soiled clothes in. No one wants to smell urine or BM for the duration of the fight.

Answer 3

im not really experienced when it comes to kids...as im only a young teen myself...but i would have to say something that doesn't take up too much space, something compatible and portable that you can put away when needed with no hassle.
Usually these kinds of things are like small, easy and mini puzzles that can keep a 3-5 year old happy for most of the flight...maybe a small colouring book of their favorite cartoon or character or tv show or movie...and a small pack of new crayons, no markers or colored pencils because if they accidently get on the seat or lunch tray of the aircraft, it is hard to erase...unless the markers are those washable kinds, those are pretty safe to use...or maybe you can bring picture books like pop up books and such....bring small snacks that are fun to eat and that can keep the child entertained for hours...like those small ring pops and bring plenty of juice boxes and water to help keep dehydration away...
don't bring toys like rattles or small cars because especially if the car is those kind that when you push back 3-4 times, it accelerates...you won't have room to play with a car...also no rattles or noisy toys because other passengers on the air craft may dislike it and may get disturbed...

Most flights take good care of young passengers so people like you don't have to worry, depending on which airline you are traveling, they usually have in flight entertainment for young kids and usually pass out toys and even have their own kids meal.

I suppose you are flying soon so have a great flight and good luck, and if not then I hope I helped for the future!

Answer 4

Anything new and small. I buy a small toy/gift/activity for each 1/2 hour of the plane ride (plus a few for potential delays) for each of my children. Wrap them and bring them in a separate bag. Bring them out when they get bored with the last.

Bring books to read to them, coloring books and crayons. If you have a portable DVD player that can be a lifesaver. I have the VideoNow Jr. players for each of mine also with headphones so they don't bother other people or each other.

Bring lots of nice snacks and juices and water as they get dehydrated quickly on the plane.

Most of all bring your patience and enthusiasm! I've done many flights with my children as young as 3 weeks (easiest by far). 18 months is the hardest age, especially for flights over 4 hours long. By 5 they are pretty good and content to sit still and read :-)

Good luck!

Answer 5

as frequent flier and sufferer of folks who fly with their "darlings", may I suggest Duct Tape?????

How long of a flight are you taking? Have you flown before with your tykes?

I would bring something QUIET for them. Keep them in their seats, DON'T LET THEM kick the seat in front of them, I MAY be in it and your kids will end up locked in the lavatory.

Serious note, bring chewing gum for them, I don't know how you get a 3 yo to chew, but when taking off, the air pressure will hurt their ears, you have to get them to swallow to clear their ears an do it again when landing. The 3yo will most likely cry, loudly.

PLEASE think of the other passengers on the aircraft. Not everyone is going to think your children are 'cute' or charming. They need to stay buckled in their seats, as everyone else is on the plane. Books, reading, video games (sound turned off), cards (Old Maid, Go Fish etc.) might keep their interest.

Best thing to do is take the train.

Answer 6

I loved those invisible ink books. They're quiet too.

Answer 7

anything quiet