Traveling with a toddler can be a daunting prospect, and in my opinion, you can never be too prepared! After a long break from flying, I recently took a transatlantic flight with my 2 year old and 7 month old and did a lot of research to find the best airplane toys for toddlers to keep him entertained.
This was his first flight in his own seat and as I knew I would be busy with our 7-month-old in my lap getting the right travel toys for toddlers was vital! I’m so glad I was well prepared as travel is stressful enough with 2 kids in tow. And that’s without toddler meltdowns!
Here’s a personal recount of our journey and the airplane toys that made it a smooth and enjoyable experience.
This article is about flying with a 2 year old, however, as we did fly a lot when he was 1 I have included a small section for toys suitable for traveling with a 1 year old as well.
Prepare for Traveling with a Toddler on a Plane
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give any parent of a toddler before their first flight is you can pack the most amazing bag full of perfect airplane toys and activities for travel and the best snacks you know your child loves.
But if you got to the airport late, didn’t give them time to run off some energy, skipped their nap, and then boarded the plane early and made them sit there for an extra 45 minutes… no amount of fun toys is going to prevent the dreaded toddler meltdown!
Here are a few bullet-pointed top tips for flying with a toddler:
- Pack Plenty of Snacks: Bring a variety of healthy and favorite treats to keep your toddler satisfied.
- Bring New and Familiar Toys: Introduce new toys for novelty and bring some familiar ones for comfort.
- Load an iPad with Favorite Shows: Download shows and apps in advance to keep your toddler entertained.
- Dress Comfortably: Choose layers for both you and your toddler to adapt to changing temperatures. If it’s a night flight pack Pajamas that you can change them into when its time for them to sleep.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to check in, go through security, and let your toddler explore the airport.
- Find an Airport Play Area: Let your toddler run off some energy before boarding.
- Book the Right Seats: Opt for bulkhead seats for extra space, and consider seats with a baby cot for infants. You normally need to call up the airline in advance to book this, but its well worth it!
- Board the Plane Last: If possible, have one adult board first with the gear while the other stays with the kids until the last minute. If that’s not possible then always board last!
- Bring an FAA-Approved Car Seat: Use a FAA-approved car seat for added security and comfort for your toddler during the flight.
- Get a Travel Strap or Trolley: Attach the car seat to your cabin suitcase with a travel strap, or use a trolley that turns it into a pull-along seat for your toddler to sit in and be pulled through the airport.
- Use a Travel Stroller: A compact stroller like the Yoyo fits in the overhead bin and is handy for connecting flights.
- Stay Flexible and Patient: Be ready to adapt to changes and keep a positive attitude.
- Engage Your Toddler: Rotate activities and toys to keep things interesting.
- Go For a Walk: Move around the cabin whenever it’s safe to help your toddler stretch their legs.
- Be Prepared for Emergencies: Pack a small first aid kit and extra clothes and diapers/ nappies for spills or accidents.
The biggest piece of advice I can give any parent traveling with a toddler is to be prepared. Pack your hand luggage well in advance and make sure you have enough activities (and snacks) to keep them busy for the length of the flight.
It’s best to pack toys and activities that are new to them. Of course, there are some risks to this that they might flop, but they are much more likely to engage with a new toy or activity longer than one they already know well.
For more detailed tips and insights, check out the full blog post here.
There is a big difference between traveling with a 1 year old compared to traveling with a two year old so I’ve separated it into two sections full of age-appropriate travel toys and toddler travel activities.
You can also read about: 7 Essential Items for Traveling with a Baby
Best Airplane Toys for 1 Year Old
Traveling with a one year old can be quite an adventure, they are likely to be mobile by 1, or trying to be, and keeping them entertained on your knee can be a challenge! Having the right airplane toys can make all the difference.
When Charlie was between 12-18 months old, we discovered a few gems that kept him entertained and happy during flights.
1. Spinners for Windows
These simple spinners that stick to the plane windows were a huge hit with Charlie. I saw another blogger recommend them and thought I’d give them a go. He was mesmerized by the spinning motion and spent a good amount of time playing with them. They are lightweight, easy to pack, and can keep a one-year-old engaged for longer than you might expect.
Do not travel without these!
2. Busy Activity Boards
Busy activity boards are fantastic for engaging little hands and minds. They often come with zippers, buttons, wheels, and other tactile elements. Charlie loved exploring all the different components, and it provided a great sensory experience during the flight.
They are great as they get older as well. Charlie has this one and this octopus thing that he still loves playing with now. The octopus is a bit more bulky, but with the space in my opinion. It’s also great for teething!
3. Soft Books
Soft, fabric books are perfect for young toddlers. They can chew on them, flip through the pages, and enjoy the colorful pictures without any risk of paper cuts or tears. These books are also easy to pack and lightweight, making them ideal for travel.
4. Interactive Plush Toys
Interactive plush toys that make sounds or play music can be very entertaining for a one-year-old. Charlie had this plush toy that played a lullaby when its belly was pressed, which not only entertained him but also helped soothe him when he was getting fussy.
5. Magnetic Drawing Boards
Magnetic drawing boards are another great travel toy. They are mess-free and allow your toddler to scribble and draw repeatedly without needing paper and crayons. Charlie enjoyed making marks and erasing them, which kept him busy and happy. He still likes to play with these now.
6. Finger Puppets
Finger puppets are small, easy to pack, and can provide endless entertainment. We used them to create little stories and play peekaboo, which Charlie loved. They are also great for encouraging imaginative play and interaction.
7. Stacking Cups
Stacking cups are the best! They are such versatile toys that can be used in many ways. Charlie enjoyed stacking them, knocking them over, and even playing with them in the plane’s bathroom sink. They are simple yet engaging, perfect for keeping a one-year-old busy.
The only downside to them of course is that when your toddler knocks them over you don’t want to be scrambling all over the plane floor looking for them haha.
8. Stickers and Sticker Books
Stickers and sticker books can be a lifesaver on flights. They are simple, fun, and can keep your toddler occupied for a long time. Just be sure to choose reusable stickers to avoid a sticky mess.
All of these toys not only kept Charlie entertained but also helped us manage the challenges of flying with a young toddler. Many of them he still happily plays with now.
Best Airplane Toys for 2 Year Old
Our recent flight with Charlie, now 2 and a half, taught us a lot about what works best for keeping a toddler entertained. He’s super active so I was feeling pretty aprihencive about how I was going to keep him under control for a 7 1/2 hour flight!
Here are some of the best airplane toys for a 2-year-old, based on our personal experience of traveling with a train obsessed 2 year old boy.
1. Small Toys You Know Your Child Will Love
For us, that was toy trains that have magnets on each end. Toy Trains are fantastic for imaginative play. Charlie spent a lot of time playing with his toy trains on the tray table. We even brought along some blue masking tape to create tracks and parking spots, which added an extra layer of fun and engagement.
2. Mess-Free Coloring Books
Mess-free coloring books, like those with water or invisible ink, are perfect for creative fun without the mess. Charlie loved using these to color and draw, and I loved not having to worry about spills or stains.
I did also bring a coloring book and crayons… and within 10 seconds he was trying to draw on the plane window so they went straight back in my bag!
3. Magnetic Drawing Boards
Magnetic drawing boards make brilliant travel toys for toddlers. They are mess-free and allow your toddler to scribble and draw repeatedly without needing paper and crayons.
Charlie enjoyed playing with this for a little while, but as we had used it a lot before he lost interest quickly. I also find that he needs me to do this with him to be fully engaged. As I was busy with his baby brother his attention faded fast.
4. Sticker Books
These went down a treat with Charlie! Stickers and sticker books are simple yet effective for keeping a toddler occupied. Reusable stickers are especially great as they can be moved around and used multiple times, providing extended entertainment.
I bought this 4 pack from Amazon and used one for the flight there, one for the flight back and have 2 spare for our next trip.
5. Books
I bought this pack of mini Tomas the Tank Engine hardback books for the plane. Charlie enjoyed flipping through the pages, looking at pictures, and even using them as parking spots for his toy cars. They are relatively lightweight, small enough to pack, and safe for little hands.
I also packed a few softback books as they are so lightweight and take up no space. But we didn’t get around to reading them on the plane. We did read them on the vacation though so it was with packing them.
6. Small Cars and Figures
Small cars and action figures are perfect for imaginative play. Charlie loved using these little toys to create stories and adventures right on his tray table. They are easy to pack and can provide hours of entertainment.
7. Playdough
Although a bit messy, playdough can be a great way to engage a toddler’s creativity. Charlie enjoyed molding and shaping the dough for a hot minute before losing interest. I probably wouldn’t;t pack this again for him as it’s best used under close supervision to manage the mess.
8. Interactive Apps and shows on the iPad
Having an iPad loaded with Charlie’s favorite programs and apps was a lifesaver. There are many toddler-friendly apps that can keep your child engaged and entertained during the flight. Just make sure to download everything beforehand as in-flight Wi-Fi can be unreliable.
9. Blue Masking Tape: The Ultimate Plane Toy
One surprising hit was a roll of blue masking tape. We used it to create a train track and parking area for Charlie’s toy trains on the tray table. It kept him entertained for hours and peeled off easily without leaving any residue.
10. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks
Never underestimate the power of snacks! Snacks can help during takeoff and landing, and they’re great for keeping little hands busy. Packing a variety of healthy and favorite snacks can be a lifesaver.
I bought Charlie a special lunchbox full of little tubs full of his favorites as well as travel-friendly things like fruit pouches and bars. Personally, I prefer to have lots of little tubs (like this or like this) than a large box with compartments. I know my child and if I gave him one of those he would demolish the lot in 30 minutes flat! In little individual boxes, I was able to control what he ate and when to make it last the full flight.
It’s also a good idea to pack some more substantial food just in case your toddler doesn’t want to eat the plane food.
I also packed Charlie’s ‘Baba’ his bottle and the cabin crew were more than happy to warm up a little fresh milk for him when it was nap time!
Plane Activities for Toddlers
If your toddler burns through all the toys and snacks and you are left with nothing left in your magic bag of tricks, here are a few tried and tested plane activities for toddlers you can try to fill some time on the flight.
Airplane Activities for 1 year old
- Peekaboo: A simple game of peekaboo can be endlessly entertaining for a one-year-old. Use a blanket, your hands, or even the airplane safety card to play.
- Finger Puppets: Use finger puppets to create little stories and interact with your child. They are small, lightweight, and easy to pack.
- Singing Songs: Sing your toddler’s favorite nursery rhymes or songs. This can be soothing and engaging, helping to pass the time.
- Simple Puzzles: Bring along a few simple, chunky puzzles that are easy for little hands to manipulate. These can be made from laminated paper for travel.
- Sensory Bags: Create sensory bags filled with different textures and items for your toddler to explore. They are easy to make and can be very engaging. Use a ziplock bag and fill it with small toys, colored rice, or gel beads.
Airplane Activities for 2 year old
- Storytelling: Tell stories using your toddler’s favorite characters or make up new adventures. Engage them by asking questions and getting them involved in the story.
- Counting Games: Count objects around you, such as the number of seats, lights, or windows. Play simple counting games to keep them engaged.
- Hand Clapping Games: Play simple hand-clapping games and rhymes to keep your toddler entertained. These games are fun and can also help with coordination.
- I Spy: A game of “I Spy” can be a fun way to pass the time and help develop your child’s observational skills. Start with easy objects like “I spy something blue” (the sky outside the window) or “I spy something round” (the airplane window).
- Drawing and Coloring: Bring along some paper and crayons. Encourage your toddler to draw pictures or practice writing. You can also play drawing games where you start a picture and they finish it.
Check out my Amazon Shopping list for Best Airplane Toys For Toddlers
Toddler Airplane Activities Q&A Section
Q: What are the best airplane toys for toddlers?
A: The best airplane toys for toddlers include interactive plush toys, magnetic drawing boards, toy trains, and mess-free coloring books. These travel toys for toddlers can keep your child entertained and engaged during the flight and don’t take up too much space.
Q: What airplane toys did you find most effective for a 2-year-old?
A: For our 2 year old, Charlie, the most effective airplane toys were toy trains with blue masking tape for tracks, sticker books, and his iPad. These best airplane toys for 2-year-olds provided hours of entertainment and helped make the flight smooth.
Q: Can you recommend some airplane activities for toddlers?
A: Absolutely! Some great airplane activities for toddlers include storytelling, singing songs, and mess free coloring. These activities, combined with some of the best airplane toys for toddlers, helped us survive the flight.
Q: What are the best travel toys for a 1 year old?
A: The best travel toys for a 1 year old include spinners for windows, busy activity boards, soft books, and interactive plush toys. These best airplane toys for 1 year olds are lightweight, engaging, and safe for little hands.
Q: How do you manage flying with a 2 year old?
A: Flying with a 2 year old is a challenge, especially compared to flying with a baby which is soooo easy! Preparation really is key. Bring a variety of toddler airplane activities and toys, like mess-free coloring books and small cars. Pack plenty of snacks, arrive early, find an airport play area, and if possible, board the plane last. Using an FAA-approved car seat and a travel strap or trolley can also make traveling with a toddler on a plane more manageable. Read this post for a more detailed guide.
Q: What are some recommended plane activities for toddlers?
A: Recommended plane activities for toddlers include simple puzzles, finger puppets, counting games, and interactive apps on the iPad. These activities, along with airplane toys for kids, can keep your toddler entertained and reduce the stress of flying.
Q: What should I pack for flying with toddlers?
A: When flying with toddlers, pack plenty of snacks, a variety of travel toys for toddlers, comfort items like blankets and stuffed animals, and a well-organized carry-on bag with extra clothes and a first aid kit. Having the best travel toys for toddlers and engaging activities can make a significant difference.
Q: Are there specific travel toys for 3-year-olds you recommend?
A: Yes, for travel toys for 3-year-olds, consider magnetic drawing boards, interactive plush toys, and small cars or figures. These toys are engaging and can help keep older toddlers entertained during the flight.
Q: What are some good travel activities for toddlers?
A: Good travel activities for toddlers include storytelling, singing songs, playing with finger puppets, and engaging in hand clapping games. These activities, combined with the best travel toys for toddlers, can make the journey enjoyable and less stressful.
Q: How can I keep my toddler engaged during a flight?
A: Keeping your toddler engaged during a flight involves a mix of airplane toys and activities. Rotate through different toys and activities, such as interactive plush toys, mess-free coloring books, and counting games. Bringing a variety of snacks and comfort items can also help keep your toddler happy and entertained.
You might also want to read about:
7 Essential Items for Traveling with a Baby
The Benefits of Traveling Slowly with Kids: A Guide for Parents
The Best Online Yoga Teacher Training for (Busy) Moms
Family Travel Guide Planning
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m traveling?
I strongly recommend using Omio. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They cover buses, shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat.
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
Kiwi offers you affordable flights. You can book service for flight, train, and bus tickets.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
You can also opt to use Solis Wifi for their Wifi plan.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Flying with a Toddler: Final Thoughts
Flying with a toddler doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a mix of engaging airplane toys, you can turn it into a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Our recent flight with Charlie in his own seat and Tomas on my lap went better than expected, thanks to the travel toys and activities we packed.
The only thing I would have done differently (and I did for the trip home) was to fly with an FAA-approved car seat. I bought this strap to attach it to our cabin suitcase, making bringing it through the airport easier. However, I’m considering investing in this trolly so I can pull Charlie along in it next time while my husband pushes Tomas in our travel stroller.
What are your favorite airplane toys for kids? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
