Phylicia StitzelHey fellow travel parentals!
As a mom of two frequent flyers—a curious elementary school-aged adventurer and a snack-demanding toddler—I’ve become a bit of a sky goddess. I’ve learned what toys and activities for children on long flights to pack to get through a 12-hour international flight with minimal toddler meltdowns of epic proportions… or at least with less screeching and more quiet play.
So here it is—my tried-and-tested list of toys and activities that are carry-on friendly, screen-optional (but screen doesn’t hurt either 😉), and guaranteed to keep those little minds and hands occupied. Bonus? Everything’s linked in my Amazon storefront, so you can grab them all in one place.
Hey, before I share some great free info, could you help me out by using my affiliate links to book your trip? It doesn’t cost you anything, and it supports my blog. Let’s keep the good vibes flowing! Thanks a bunch!
My Top Recommended Toys and Activities
for Children on Long Flights
🧩 1. Reusable Sticker Books = Sanity Savers
Let’s talk about the GOAT of travel toys: reusable sticker books. They don’t make noise, they’re mess-free, and they offer endless story-building. My kids create entire sticker-based universes mid-flight, because who doesn’t love that kind of imagination. Another one of my
🛒 Shop my favorite Reusable Sticker Pads and Paint by Sticker Books
🖍 2. Water Wow! for the Win
Melissa & Doug Water Wow and other types of water books are the magical unicorn of toddler entertainment. Simply add a little water to the included brush pen, and colorful images appear. They dry out and reset, ready for round two (or ten).
🛒 Wow Water Reusable Books! Amazon List Here
Pro Tip: Bring an extra pen or two. That water brush WILL be dropped under the seat mid-turbulence.
🎧 3. Kid-Friendly Headphones, Loaded Tablet & Audio Books
Even the most Montessori-pure parents hit the screen-time zone at 30,000 feet—and you know what? I totally get it. We have a rule when we are traveling and using a tablet – my daughter can’t use it until after we have reached cruising altitude. It is a good trick for us. Download a few shows, audio stories, and games ahead of time.
Pair it with volume-limiting headphones designed for kids that are both comfortable and cute.
Bonus idea: Download interactive apps like Toca Boca, Khan Kids, or PBS Kids Games for educational play.
🧵 4. Fidget Toys = Mid-Flight Zen
Tiny fidget toys like Pop-Its, marble mazes, and sensory tubes are GOLD for kids who need to keep their hands busy. Bonus: they’re quiet and small enough to fit into snack bags or seat pockets. I usually have a variety with me on the plane, so that way when one child is bored with one toy, they can switch!
🎲 5. Magnetic Travel Games (Great for Older Kids)
My older child is all about puzzles, memory games, and tic-tac-toe—but with turbulence, you need something with pieces that won’t go flying. Magnetic games = clutch.
🛒 Check out these travel-size magnetic games
✍️ 6. Surprise Activity Packs
I always pack a few “mystery toys” from the Amazon Surprise Toy section or create my own grab bag with:
- Mini coloring books
- Invisible ink pens
- Mini figurines
- New board books
I hand them out one at a time during the flight like a travel fairy with perfect timing.
🛒 Pre-made surprise bags for every age
✨ Pro Tips for Parents Traveling with Littles
- If you have the space – pack one new toy per hour of flight for the super long flights (aim high… it’s worth it).
- Don’t underestimate painter’s tape—it can become stickers, bandages, or airplane window art.
- Ziploc bags are your best friend. Group toys by activity type and keep everything organized.
- Let your child help pick one “special” item—they’ll feel more involved and excited.
Ready to Fly?
You don’t have to dread long flights with kids. With a little planning and a few clever Amazon finds, you can keep your little ones and your sanity intact. These are all products I’ve used, loved, and swear by—and you can find them all in one place on my Amazon storefront here.
Happy travels, fellow flying families! May your flights be tantrum-free and your toy bags be full.
