How I Keep My Little Kids Busy, and Screen-free, on Long Flights

You dream of taking your kids to an exotic vacation destination (that actually appeals to YOU), but the thought of the long flight brings on a low-grade anxiety attack. I get it. I had the same dreams and fears until we finally bit the bullet, and you know what? My kids did great on the 5+ hour flights. So great that we went again months later.

Of course there is some novelty and luck involved, but as I pack for our next long flights, I thought I’d share what has had the biggest bang for the buck when it comes to entertaining my kids (besides the obvious: snacks and visits to the bathroom, because who doesn’t love an airplane bathroom?).

We chose to go screen-free with my kids a year and a half ago, so none of these options involve watching videos or playing digital games. So, if that appeals, read on. And, if your kids watch screens sometimes, I pass NO judgment. Really. I totally get it.

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Montessori Busy Book

This handy dandy felt book kept my 3 year old occupied for 45 minutes. 45 MINUTES – can you imagine? It was a dream. She loves fastening and unfastening the clasps and buttons and playing with the animals. And I love that she is learning solid life skills AND giving mama some quiet time.

Mini Etch-a-Sketch

I am a sucker for a retro toy. I put these in my kids’ bags not knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised when they both loved playing with them and trying to figure out the controls. Shaking to erase is fun too, obvi.

LCD Writing Tablet

As much as I like retro, I embrace modern as well. These LCD writing tablets were a big hit with both of my kiddos (3 and 5 years old). They love to draw, practice writing letters, and show every passenger on the flight how you can click the button on the bottom to erase the screen. (And if your kids are screen-free and you consider this a screen, I bow down to you.)

Nail Stickers

My kids love sorting through these and putting them on each other – which takes a while when they do both fingers and toes. They also last a surprisingly long time even after swimming in pools and the ocean. I bought mine at a local toy store, but these are similar. They say they are for little girls, but why? My son loves them too.

Pre-K Wipe-Clean Workbook

I got a LOT of mileage out of these – one for each kiddo. My daughter (3) basically taught herself how to write the alphabet while I studied the inside of my eyelids for a bit. It was glorious. Highly recommend.

I keep these items packed away in a closet and they only come out when we travel, to keep the novelty from wearing off. I usually add 1-2 new items per trip to ensure there is at least something they haven’t seen before.

 

I hope this inspires you to travel far and wide and see the world. You can do it, and your kids can too. Bon voyage!