Feeling stressed about travelling with toddlers and young kids? Don't worry - we got you Mama!
This post is full of plane activities & travel games to keep your little ones occupied, wherever you may be going!
Works equally well for car trips, out at restaurants or anywhere you need to keep them occupied and sitting still!
What you use to entertain your kids will vary greatly depending on their age.
To make it nice and easy I have split up the activities into different age groups.
Entertaining a 6-18 month old baby
Entertaining a 1.5 - 3 year old toddler
Entertaining a 3 year old and up
Keep reading for some great ideas!
6-18 month old activities
Mini Spinny - Fat Brain Toys
Get your little one's senses spinning with excitement wherever they go! Designed with vivid spectral colors, exciting textures, and soothingly smooth surfaces, the three vibrant propellers thrill young minds as they twirl playfully down the free-standing corkscrew pole. Just keep flipping the whole thing over again and again to watch them go!
Age: 10m+
Link & Love Activity Toy - Pegasus - Itzy Ritzy
From the gentle jingle sound and clinking rings, to the various textures, teethers and ribbons, this travel toy offers developmental sensory play features that are sure to engage and inspire your sweetie.
Age: Safe from newborn and up
Dimpl Clutch - Fat Brain Toys
Each Clutch features a dimpl bubble on one end and squishy silicone textures on the other. There's green with bumps, yellow with circles, blue with lines... so much for the fingers to explore!
Perfectly chunky and click-clacking on a big clip-n-go ring, Dimpl Clutch is a must-have for all your adventures.
Age: newborn and up
Whirly Squigz - Fat Brain Toys
Each Whirly Squigz is made of 100% high-quality silicone that's colorful, pleasant to touch, and safe for teething. Hold them, explore their unique contours, chomp on them and let them soothe sore gums... Then, stick them to any smooth, flat, non-porous surface - like a bathtub wall, a tabletop, or a window - give them a spin, and... WHOOSH! -
Around and around they go, faster than the eye can see! Sensory exploration spins in a new direction with Whirly Squigz.
Age: 10m+
Extra Tips for travelling with bubs:
A baby carrier will be a lifesaver! Use this while travelling through the airport, walking to settle them on the plane, snuggling in to you to sleep.
Take a dummy for them to suck on during takeoff and landing to minimise pressure related pain
Pack plenty of extra clothing and nappies in case of accidents. Also take a blanket to use - planes can get very chilly! Also doubles as a tummy time mat to let them stretch out on the floor.
1.5 - 3 year old toddler activities
Magic Water Colouring Flipbook - Floss & Rock
Simply fill up the pen with water and colour in the designs to see them magically appear, then disappear once dry. The 6 brightly coloured fun sheets are held together in a spiral bound pad allowing you to flip them over once complete. The built-in easel stands the pad up so you can use it like a ‘proper’ artist!
Age: 18m+
Reusable Sticker Set - Djeco
A folder with a gorgeous illustration of a house that toddlers and preschoolers can decorate with repositionable thick stickers. Little fingers can easily peel and restick the sets while on to go, on a plane and in the car.
Comes with 14 repositionable vinyl stickers
Age: 18m+
Fabric Activity Book - Away we go - Curious Columbus
Its interactive fabric activities allow your little ones to explore the wonders of travel.
They can even put their own photo in their passport, buckle up for take off, or catch a fish on a fun camping trip. Away We Go is great for learning at home or for keeping little ones quietly entertained as a travel companion.
It's perfect for keeping kids busy on car journeys, plane rides, train journeys & more. Fully zips up to close and includes carry handles for easy portability.
Age: 3+ due to small parts, younger children can thoroughly enjoy with supervision
Tugl Cube - Fat Brain Toys
Pull, pop, and discover!
Built into each side of this sturdy, rounded cube is a soft silicone bubble with a tab to grab and pull. Fingers can't help but push them, pull them, and pop them again and again.
Inspire fascination, discovery, and tranquility with the Tugl Cube.
Tips for travelling with toddlers
- Dress in comfy layers - easy to take on and off as needed
- Bring surprises - When flying with a toddler, a wrapped new plaything has two advantages: Kids love to unwrap stuff, and a new toy has more attention-grabbing pull.
- Snacks, snacks and more snacks! Choose things that will take your toddlers a little longer to eat.
- Let them bring a special comfort item, such as a blanket or soft toy
- After passing through security, stock up on enough water for everyone to get through a possible delay and have enough left for the descent—the most bothersome time for ear pressure discomfort. Have your kids drink some right after takeoff and during the last 30 to 45 minutes of the descent. The swallowing helps with the pressure and gives an added hydrating benefit.
- Use a nappy backpack to help bring everything on board while keeping your hands free! Our OIOI range is perfect for this.
3 year old + activities
Seasons Colouring Set - Scribble Mat
Scribble Mat was designed to give little hands something to do while out and about! The best thing is that they are reusable.
The mats are made from food grade silicone, and are BPA free. Our non toxic pens are washable, and erasable, and this all comes in a handy felt pouch for easy storage. Great family mats to be shared and an easy activity.
One mat, six pens, felt pouch
Mats measure 40 x 30cm and wipe clean
Little Traveller Bingo Game - Mudpuppy
The destination matching game! Match landmarks, food, vehicles, and animals from around the world!
21 x 16 x 4 cm
2-4 players
Includes: 4 gameboards, 24 titles and instructions
Connect the Dots - Ooly
Ooly Activity Cards – Connect the Dots
Lots of fun to be had with this handy travel pack of Connect the dots cards!
Follow the numbers to connect the dots - then have fun colouring your creation in
Extra Tic Tac Toe game on the back of every card!
24 Activity Cards
Ages 4+
Felt Stories - Under the Sea - Tiger Tribe
The beautifully illustrated soft felt pieces grip gently to the fuzzy backing scene built into the lightweight box, creating the perfect stage for storytelling! Felt Stories is a mess-free, creative way for young ones to develop their fine motor skills with open-ended play. The soft felt pieces are a sensory delight and kids can create a new story with each play session.
