How would you best entertain small children during a long plane flight?

Question

We have approximately twelve hours of plane travel ahead of us Thursday. Considering the new flight restrictions, please share any ideas about what to bring or do, etc., to help the time pass.

Answer 1

Okay, remember a few things, first don't bring anything that beeps, bops or plays music, you will annoy all the passengers around you who are looking at relaxing during this flight you have. And the activity depends on the age of the child(ren) I have a 5 year old who was born in Germany (we are American citizens, and so are ALL our families), so we had several long flights back and forth, we also now live in Venezuela, the flights aren't as long but still, the combined flights plus layovers can be just as long/longer, I also have a son who is 16 months old (almost) who took his first flight when he was only 2 1/2 months old, he has since flown 7 times... AND we're moving back to Germany next spring. MOST (actually all my flights with my son) of the flights I have taken have been just me and the kids, my husband is in the military and has been deployed three times since my daughter (my oldest) was born, we travel a lot when he's gone. Anyway so how to entertain the kids has been a HIGH priority on my list. first thing to do is buy a new toy and keep it hidden until you get on the plane (you know how it is, an old familar toy would be seen as boring, but a new toy is always exciting), also make sure you DO have a familar toy (like a favorite stuffed animal or whatever). Make sure you bring plenty of snacks (beverages ARE still allowed on planes for children as long as you test/drink it to prove it is what you say it is). I got my daughter a doodle pad (travel size) which works great because she loves to draw and color, (coloring books are great too but you have to remember that it's easy to drop and lose crayons, and the doodle pads have "pens" that are attached). I also bought her a tick-tack-toe travel board, non-electronic, and we played that too (look in the section of your local store that has travel games for other ideas, usually it's on the same isle as the board games). Buy a new book (even if the child isn't old enough to read, you can read it to them). Don't bring things like a deck of cards (same problem as the crayons too easy to drop and lose a card, and then that usually messes up your game). Make sure your child wears layers (like a sweater on top of a t-shirt) sometimes depending on where you sit on the plane it can be quite cold, and even those little blankets they provide isn't enough to keep warm, also pack socks if your child is wearing sandals, because in order to be comfortable I'm sure your child will be kicking off the shoes, and then if the kid needs to get up and around you won't want to have to find the shoes (but I would recommend shoes in the bathroom, I know if you've flown you've experienced turbulence, most guys can't pee in the toilet when it's holding still, they are BOUND to miss and hit the floor when the toilet is being shaken around!) Also even for your 3 year old, get him/her their own backpack to carry (lightweight) toys in believe me when you are going terminal to terminal anything that YOU don't have to carry is a plus. If your child is 3 or younger I recommend taking a stroller, that way if you are in a hurry to get to your gate you can walk at YOUR pace (it's also great to load the stroller, even an umbrella stroller handles with the carry-ons you have, making it easier on YOU). We DID bring flashcards on one flight we had, (I know I said no cards) we punched a hole in the top corner of all the cards and thread them on a keyring to keep them together, I used those flashcards to help my daughter learn her numbers and letters, so something education is always great. Remember that whatever you bring has to provide HOURS of entertainment (try buying a puzzle book, simple crosswords, or find-it word games) so don't get anything that is meant as a one time use, also remember that you're restricted on space, so a toy that needs a lot of space isn't good. We also played I spy a lot. I would also recommend buying something like gummie worms or bite sized fruit chew snacks, the gummie worms work GREAT for getting the kid's ears not to hurt (obviously won't work on a child too young to chew on them), for my son I just made sure I didn't let him drink ANYTHING for at least 2-3 hours before a flight, that way when we took off he was READY for his sippy cup (he never took a bottle), the sucking on that is good for their ears too. I've also used dry cereal too. Anything to get them to chew or swallow will help their ears. (you can of course use gum on children old enough for it) If the flight is 12 hours or usually nowadays longer than 4 they will show an in flight movie... it's not always appropriate for children, and some are too young to be able to listen with the earphones on. If I knew how old your children were I could give you better examples, but I hope the ones I provided are good. Good luck, and have a safe trip!

Answer 2

I'm facing the same problem, only it's 2 flights of 8 + hours and a 12 hour layover in between. I'm bringing a portable DVD player, coloring books, stickers, the favorite stuffed animals, a few new books that haven't been seen before, a foam clock puzzle, and a little tiny watercolor set (from the $1 Target bins). Plus snacks, clothing change, etc. If you're lucky they will sleep... Best wishes!

Answer 3

If you are on a plane that long some planes offer tv screens with channels you can choose from in the head rest of the seat infront of you. Bring coloring books or regular reading books. What do they do at home on a rainy day? Is it possible to use the same form of entertainment on a plane? If all fails, knock them out with benadryl and hope they sleep!! j/k

Answer 4

Considering the new restrictions, this is a pretty tough question to answer.
If I have the situation right, you cannot take on crayons, pens, electrical items like game boys etc...nor can you take MP3 players or Ipods..
Most airlines have junior packs to help keep the tiny tots occupied during long flights. Try to take on a book or two and ask the staff for playing cards and magazines.
Failing that, one could always hit the scotch and hang a sign saying wake me up when we land around their necks.
Seriously, it's a toughie to answer these days.

Answer 5

I always gave them their own little back pack. It was filled with cheerios, crayons, color book, little toys like animals, cars, planes, etc. Read them a book. You can always buy something to drink after you have passed through security. 12 hours is a very long time. They should sleep some of the time. Lot of luck!

Answer 6

Its going to be so much harder with the new security. So contact the airline to find out what you can bring. But pray for a good in fight movie or two, and hope they sleep. But bring lots of books, puzzle books, reading books, and coloring books. What helped me the most was a Harry Potter book. My husband, my son, and myself took turns reading it. Until the grumpy lady next to us said it was the work of the devil it was going great. No noise or moving for almost four hours. So if you find a good book ask the people around you if it is ok to read aloud. Oh and by the way three passengers came up to me after the flight. One thanked me for being creative and keeping the kids quite, one told me the lady who chastised us was a nut, and the last one asked the name of the book (she was about 80) and said she was going to go right out and buy two copies one for her great granddaughter and one for herself. Good luck!

Answer 7

a. Read them from a book they have enjoyed.
b. Help them navigate through the buttons of the onboard entertainment center (you know, different tunes).
c. Learn origami and play with your kids with simple, square pieces of paper.

Answer 8

What kind of electronics can't you bring? If you can't bring any, than bring coloring books, cards, books, dolls, and toys that don't make noise.

Answer 9

Coloring books, snacks, toys that don't make noise, children's' books, pictures of friends, family, or if you have any, where you are traveling to.

Answer 10

gameboy. my nephew flew from New York to louisiana to see me this summer, and believe it or not, the flight attendant on the way back just sent us a letter of how impressed she was with his behavior and how wquiet he was.. the secret is the gameboy and plenty of games.. charge it up good though