Fun things to do on a plane: Activities for kids & adults

Flying with kids can be like embarking on an epic adventure—full of excitement, challenges, and the unexpected. Savvy parents know that strategic planning can make the journey much smoother. Whether it's a short flight to Grandma's house or a long trip to far-flung lands, here’s how to keep the whole crew happy and entertained at 30,000 feet.

Keeping kids busy

A bored child can quickly lead to a plane full of unhappy adults. To avoid this, pack a bag with activities to keep your child occupied. Here are some ideas to get you started:

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1. Coloring books and puzzles: Pack a few coloring books with crayons or small travel puzzles to keep their hands and minds occupied.

2. Interactive apps: Download educational apps or games that can be used offline to make learning fun during the flight.

3. Storytime: Bring a few of their favorite books or download audiobooks for a magical storytime in the skies.

4. Travel journals: Encourage kids to document their journey by drawing or writing about their experiences in a travel journal.

5. Snacks and treats: Bring a variety of healthy snacks to keep them satisfied and distracted.

6. Magnetic games: Magnetic travel games are compact and pieces won't easily get lost, making them ideal for plane trips.

7. Origami: Bring some origami paper and a guidebook for a creative and hands-on activity.

8. Window clings: Reusable window clings can keep kids entertained by letting them decorate the airplane window.

9. Finger puppets: Small and easy to carry, finger puppets can provide endless imaginative play.

10. Educational workbooks: Age-appropriate workbooks can engage kids in fun learning activities like math puzzles, word searches, and crosswords.

Things to do on a plane as a family

Some kids are fine to sit quietly and watch a movie or color. Other kids need a little interactive fun to stay occupied during the flight. If you need your plane activities to be family-style events, here are some ideas:

1. Board games: Compact travel-sized board games can be a great way for the whole family to bond while passing time.

2. Movie marathons: Watching movies together on a tablet or the in-flight entertainment system can be a delightful group activity.

3. Card games: Simple card games like Go Fish or Uno are perfect for in-flight fun without requiring much space.

4. Planning your trip: Use the time to discuss and plan your itinerary, making everyone feel involved and excited.

5. Photo memories: Go through old photos together and share stories, reminiscing about past trips and special moments.

6. In-flight scavenger hunt: Create a simple scavenger hunt using items and sights within the plane for a fun interactive game.

7. Storytelling: Take turns creating a story together, with each family member adding a new sentence or plot twist.

8. Drawing contest: Have a friendly drawing contest using a theme. Compare drawings and vote on winners.

9. Playlist sharing: Share your favorite songs with each other and discuss what you like about them. This can be a great way to introduce new music to the family.

10. Mad Libs: Bring along some Mad Libs or create your own for a hilarious and creative game.

Activities for parents once the kids are settled

You did it! The kids are happy, settled, and at a safe cruising altitude.  Now it’s time for some relaxation and self-care.

1. Read a book: Catch up on your reading list or dive into a new novel or audiobook.

2. Pamper yourself: Bring along a face mask or eye patches to give yourself a mini spa treatment in the air.

3. Listen to music or podcasts: Put on headphones and escape into your favorite music or podcasts.

4. Write in a journal: Use the peaceful time to reflect, plan, or simply jot down your thoughts in a journal.

5. Meditation: Download a meditation app or use guided meditation videos to relax and de-stress mid-flight.

6. Learning a new language: Use language learning apps to start learning a few phrases in the language of your destination or any other language as a fun intellectual activity.

7. Digital detox: Take some time to unwind without electronics by meditating, sketching, or simply closing your eyes and relaxing.

8. Craft projects: Small and portable craft projects like knitting or embroidery can be a relaxing way to pass the time.

9. Explore online projects: Got a laptop? Explore your genealogy, shop for your dream kitchen, or play Solitaire.  A little digital fun never hurt anyone.

Tips and tricks for things to pack when flying with kids

Nobody wants to be caught off guard when a runny nose or a dead tablet battery strikes. That's tantrum territory, and while tantrums are usually normal, they're not fun to manage on an airplane.  Here are some items to make sure you pack in your carry-on for a smooth flight:

1. Comfort items: Bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow to help them feel secure and comfortable.

2. Headphones: Kid-friendly headphones can help them enjoy their favorite shows or music without disturbing others.

3. Spare clothes: Always pack an extra set of clothes for unexpected spills or accidents.

4. Reusable water bottles: Keep them hydrated by bringing empty reusable bottles to fill after passing security.

5. Sanitizing wipes: Handy for cleaning surfaces and keeping hands clean throughout the journey.

6. Portable chargers: Ensure all devices remain charged to keep entertainment options available.

7. Small toys and figurines: Compact toys or action figures can provide endless imaginative play.

8. Healthy snacks: Pack a variety of snacks like fruit slices, nuts, and crackers to keep energy levels up.

9. Art supplies: Items like stickers, paper, and markers can spark creativity and keep them engaged.

10. Emergency kit: Include essentials like band-aids, travel-size tissues, and any necessary medications.

By preparing a variety of activities, you can turn your flight into a productive and enjoyable experience for the whole family. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Happy travels! 

Visit the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on all things family, finance, and fun.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.