Flying with Kids Made Easy: Must-Have Plane Essentials for a Stress-Free Journey

Flying with kids can be a daunting experience, but with the right planning and clever travel hacks, you can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable for you and your little ones. Whether it's a short hop across the country or a long-haul flight, having the right toys and activities on hand can keep your kids entertained and help avoid the dreaded "Are we there yet?" moments. So, read on as we explore our top things to do when on a plane, with a few DIY ideas, to make flying with kids an absolute breeze.

Prepping for the Flight: Packing Smart

When flying with kids, preparation is key and having the right toys for the plane can make all the difference. The key is to choose activities that can easily fit in your hand luggage and are engaging and mess-free, because let's face it, you don’t want to be the parent dealing with crayons or toys rolling under the seat for the entire flight.

Toys for the Plane that are Portable and Fun

There’s no better way to keep kids entertained than with compact and interactive toys. One fantastic option is the Play & Create Animal LCD Writing Tablet. This travel-friendly gadget is perfect for drawing, doodling, and learning, all without the mess of traditional art supplies. It’s an excellent way to keep your little ones engaged and quiet during the flight, and it easily fits in a bag or backpack. Whether they're drawing their favourite animals or practising their letters, it’ll keep them happily occupied throughout the flight.

For creative play, consider bringing along a Crayola Colour Your Own Card Puzzle. The Map of the World, Pony Club and Monsters designs are fun and engaging for kids who enjoy puzzles and colouring. These are ideal plane activites for kids, are perfect for keeping their hands busy, and can even be used as a fun puzzle on the flight home. 

Quiet and Mess-Free: Perfect for Toddlers

For toddlers, we recommend mess-free activities that will keep them entertained throughout the flight. The Paint With Water Book featuring Lego Ninjago characters is an excellent choice. It’s a great plane activity for toddlers as it requires water to let their creations come to life. Watch their face shine as they realise water is all they need to reveal the colours.

Creative DIY Ideas: Keep Kids Busy with Homemade Fun

While store-bought toys are fantastic, sometimes the best plane activities for kids come from creativity and a few simple supplies. Read on as we’ve rounded up our DIY plane activites for kids that are easy to prepare before the flight.

Create Your Own Story: Write and Draw Your Adventure

A simple yet creative activity is letting your child write or draw their own story. Provide a small, portable notebook and some colourful pens. They can sketch their ideas for the vacation or even create a fun narrative about their flight experience. This is a great way to encourage their creativity and keep them busy while travelling.

Surprise Activity Bag: A Fun-filled Journey for Your Little Explorer

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to keep your little one engaged during the flight, why not create a Surprise Activity Bag? Fill a small, lightweight bag with a mix of fun surprises that will keep your child entertained and distracted throughout the journey. You can include:

• New Books: Pick up a small, exciting storybook or an activity book for them to enjoy.
• Stickers: Let them unleash their creativity by adding some fun themed stickers to their book or drawing pad.
• Small Toys: Toss in a few pocket-sized toys, like action figures or mini cars, that are easy to handle in the limited space.
• Puzzles: Small, simple puzzles are a great way to keep their mind engaged and hands busy.

The best part? These items are easy to carry, making the activity bag a travel-friendly essential for stress-free flying.

Excavation Play Set Atlantis: Uncover Hidden Treasures at 30,000 Feet!

Looking for a unique activity that will keep your child entertained on the plane? The Atlantis  Excavation Play Set is the perfect choice for a flight-friendly, hands-on experience. Packed with mini tools, this excavation kit allows your child to carefully uncover hidden treasures, just like a real archaeologist! Whether they’re uncovering an ancient treasure or simply enjoying the sensory experience of the excavation process, the Excavation Play Set will surely make the flight feel like an adventure.

Tips for Keeping Your Kids Engaged During Long Flights

Long flights can be a real challenge, but with a bit of planning, you can keep your kids entertained without feeling overwhelmed.

Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks

When in doubt, snacks can be your best friend. Pack a variety of healthy snacks, such as fruit slices, granola bars, and crackers. The Fruit Zone Stars are also a great snack option for kids on a flight, at just £1 for a pack of 5, they’re an affordable and healthy option they’ll love. Pair it with the Strawberry Yoghurt Flakes as a yummy snack for toddlers. You can even get creative and make snack packs with your child’s favourite treats, like mini sandwiches or bite-sized fruit

Keep The Little Ones Hydrated

Water or juice is another essential, alongside toys for the plane. Aeroplane cabins can be quite dry, and keeping your child hydrated is key to keeping them comfortable. Carry a refillable water bottle like the Pop Up Straw Cup or Summer Cup with Swirly Straw for older children, and make sure to keep it filled throughout or before the flight.

Plane Activities for Kids: Keeping Them Busy and Happy

When it comes to keeping your child entertained during the flight, it’s important to have a variety of activities on hand. The goal is to offer different types of play, so they never get bored with one activity. From interactive toys like the Play & Create Animal LCD Writing Tablet to engaging puzzle books, the possibilities are endless. Keep a few toys, books, and games in your carry-on, and switch between them as needed.

With the right preparation and a little creativity, your next flight with kids can be fun, stress-free, and full of memories. From store-bought goodies like Crayola Colour Your Own Card Puzzles to easy DIY activities, you’ve got everything you need to keep your kids entertained and happy. Safe travels and happy flying!

Ready for Takeoff? 

Now that you're all set with the perfect plan to keep your little ones entertained and comfy during the flight, it’s time to grab all your must-have plane essentials. From surprise activity bags to travel-friendly toys, Poundland has everything you need for a stress-free and fun-filled journey. Browse our range of kid-friendly travel essentials online or in-store and get ready to make your next adventure a breeze!