When my oldest, Lila, was two years old, we had the most horrible flight. Twelve hours of pure chaos.
She cried non-stop, kicked the seat in front of her (sorry, stranger!), and refused to watch any cartoons on the iPad. Snacks? Thrown on the floor. Toys? Ignored.
I tried everything, but nothing worked.
It was exhausting—for her, for me, and for every poor soul around us.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve learned a thing or two about flying with little ones. I’m a mom of two now. Since 2019, we’ve been traveling full-time.
Which means I’ve had a lot of flights with young children. Some smooth, some… well… let’s not talk about it.
But here’s the good news—flying with a toddler doesn’t have to be a nightmare! With the right tricks and toddler plane activities, it can even be fun. (Okay, let’s not get too crazy, but at least manageable.)
So here are my 30 best hacks on how to entertain a toddler on a plane. Tested, toddler-approved, and guaranteed to make your flight a little easier.
1 – 10: Simple & Mess-Free Activities
1. Sticker Books & Dot Stickers
Stickers are pure magic. Give a toddler a sheet of puffy stickers, and you’ll get at least 15 minutes of peace.
Let them decorate the tray table, their seat, or even your arms and face (why not?). Reusable sticker books are even better—less mess, no waste, and they can peel and re-stick over and over. Dot stickers? Even easier for little fingers to grab.
If you’re feeling creative, draw a simple scene on paper (a tree, a road, a fish tank) and let them “decorate” it with stickers.
2. Blue Painter’s Tape
This might be the most underrated travel hack ever. It doesn’t leave sticky marks, and toddlers love it.
Make roads for toy cars, create patterns on the tray table, or let them wrap their fingers like a mini mummy. My girls once spent an hour just sticking and peeling off tiny pieces.
Bonus: It also works great for toddler-proofing (think covering electrical outlets in hotels).
3. Reusable Water Wow! Books
Zero mess, endless entertainment. These books come with a refillable water pen that “magically” reveals colors when brushed over the page.
Once dry, the colors disappear, and they can do it all over again. Perfect for flights, no risk of ink stains, and small enough to fit in any bag.
Pro tip: Bring an extra water pen in case one gets lost under the seat.
4. Magnetic Puzzles
Regular puzzles on a plane? Disaster. Magnetic puzzles? Genius.
The pieces stay in place, making them perfect for tray table play. Choose a set with large, simple pieces that your toddler can move around easily.
If you don’t have a magnetic puzzle, DIY one by sticking small magnets on the back of regular puzzle pieces.
5. Coloring Books & Triangular Crayons
Crayons are a classic, but those little things roll everywhere. Enter triangular crayons—they stay put!
Pick a small travel coloring book or print a few pages of their favorite characters.
If your toddler isn’t into coloring, try a magic coloring book where the colors appear when they scribble over the page.
6. Sticky Note Flags
Toddlers love peeling and sticking, so give them a pack of sticky note flags. They’ll decorate the seatback, their arms, or your shirt while staying quietly entertained.
Challenge them to stick a flag on different objects (“Find something blue!”).
Bonus: You can use them as bookmarks later.
7. Finger Puppets
Tiny, lightweight, and toddler-approved. Put one on each finger and make up silly stories. Let your toddler name them and act out a little show.
If you’re feeling extra creative, bring a small sock and use it as a puppet theater.
8. Q-Tip Posting Game
Grab a small spice container with holes in the lid (or an old plastic water bottle) and a handful of Q-tips. Toddlers love poking them through the holes—it’s like a mini toddler puzzle.
It helps with fine motor skills and keeps them busy way longer than you’d expect.
When they master Q-tips, try pipe cleaners or straws for variety.
9. Busy Board or Buckle Toy
A busy board is a toddler’s dream—buttons, zippers, buckles, and Velcro all in one place.
If you don’t want to carry a full-size busy board, get a buckle toy (a soft toy with different buckles to clip and unclip).
10. Velcro Activity Board
DIY or buy one—either way, toddlers love Velcro. Stick different textures (fabric, felt, ribbons) onto a board or use Velcro strips to attach small objects.
They can peel, match, and stick them back on. You can even make Velcro letters or shapes for them to match.
11-20: Interactive & Sensory Play
11. Wrap Small Surprises
This one is pure genius. Wrap up a few small toys, stickers, or even snacks in tissue paper or wrapping paper. Every hour (or whenever your toddler starts losing it), hand them a new surprise.
The excitement of unwrapping alone buys you a few golden minutes of peace. Go for things like tiny cars, animal figurines, or a new snack they haven’t tried before.
12. Pipe Cleaners & Beads
Toddlers love threading, and pipe cleaners make it easier than string. Pack a few and let them thread large beads (or dry pasta if you forgot beads—been there).
Bonus: The pipe cleaners can also be twisted into shapes, bracelets, or even little animals.
13. Squishy Sensory Toys
A good squishy toy can work wonders. Stress balls, fidget squishies, or small water bead-filled toys keep little hands busy and calm.
They’re easy to squish, stretch, and play with—plus, they don’t make any noise. Choose ones that are soft and durable (no water-filled ones that might burst mid-flight).
14. Finger Food Snacks
Never underestimate the power of snacks. Choose small, mess-free options like Cheerios, raisins, or mini crackers.
Put them in a spill-proof snack cup to slow down the snacking process and keep little fingers busy.
15. Lacing Cards
Lacing cards are basically toddler sewing kits without the needles. They’re small, flat, and great for focus.
If you don’t have lacing cards, punch holes in a piece of thick paper and let your toddler thread a shoelace through them.
This one takes time, which is exactly what you want on a long flight.
16. Glow Sticks
Flying at night? Glow sticks are the answer. They’re lightweight, cheap, and keep toddlers mesmerized.
Hand them a few, make bracelets, or turn off the airplane light (if possible) and have a mini glow party.
Just make sure they don’t bite them open! Ruby tried this once and was almost successful.
17. Reusable Sticker Scenes
Like regular stickers, but better. These come with backgrounds (think farm, ocean, jungle) and reusable stickers that toddlers can move around. It’s like a travel-friendly dollhouse or car track.
They can create their own stories, rearrange the scene, and (hopefully) play quietly.
18. Pom Pom Drop Game
Another ridiculously simple but effective game. Bring a small plastic bottle and a few pom poms.
Let your toddler drop them in one by one, shake the bottle, dump them out, and repeat.
Add a challenge: “Can you put in only the blue ones?” or “Try using just two fingers!”
19. Doodle Board or Mini Etch-a-Sketch
Perfect for drawing without paper or crayons rolling away. A small magnetic doodle board lets your toddler draw and erase endlessly.
If they get bored, draw something simple like a smiley face or a car and let them guess what it is.
20. Mini Playdough Tubes
Playdough on a plane? Yes—if you pack it smartly. Use tiny single-serving tubs so you don’t end up with a playdough explosion.
Let them roll little balls, make “snakes,” or press it into cookie-cutter shapes.
Just keep it in a contained area (like the tray table) so it doesn’t get stuck in their seatbelt buckle.
21-29: Tech & Screen-Free Entertainment
21. Storytelling with Picture Books
Not just any books—lightweight ones with interactive flaps, textures, or simple stories. Flap books keep little hands engaged, while small books with short, rhythmic sentences (like Brown Bear, Brown Bear) are fun to “read” together.
If your toddler won’t sit still, try making up your own story using the pictures.
22. DIY Sensory Bottle
Take a small plastic water bottle, fill it with water, add glitter, tiny beads, or even small Lego pieces, and boom—instant sensory entertainment. Toddlers love watching things float and swirl around.
It’s like a tiny lava lamp for little hands. Just make sure it’s sealed tight (because glitter + plane = disaster).
23. Mini Cars or Figurines
A few tiny cars, dinosaurs, or animal figurines can lead to endless imaginative play. Set up a “garage” on the tray table using a napkin or make them race down the armrest.
If you bring a small plastic container, they can use it as a “house” or “zoo.”
Bonus: Cars double as fidget toys when they’re rolling back and forth.
24. Soft Fabric Books
These are perfect for younger toddlers who love to touch and explore textures. Fabric books with crinkle sounds, lift-the-flap surprises, or Velcro elements keep little fingers busy.
They’re also lightweight and can handle being chewed on (because, let’s be real, everything goes in their mouth at some point).
25. Sing-Along Games
If you don’t mind a few weird looks, quiet sing-alongs can be a great distraction. Stick to whisper singing if you don’t want to entertain the whole row.
Try classics like “Wheels on the Bus” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It” (but maybe leave out the clapping part unless you want some turbulence).
26. Alphabet or Number Flashcards
Simple but effective. Flashcards with letters, numbers, or animals are great for quick games. “Find the cat!” or “Where’s the letter B?” can turn into an engaging challenge.
If your toddler is older, ask them to “feed” a stuffed animal by handing them a certain card.
27. Hand Clapping Games
Old-school but still fun. Simple games like “Pat-a-Cake” or “Miss Mary Mack” keep hands busy. If they’re too young for that, try “copy my hands” where you tap out patterns on your legs and they copy you.
28. Snuggle & Relax Time
Sometimes, the best entertainment is a warm cuddle. If your toddler has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, lean into that comfort.
Rock them, hum quietly, or just let them lay on your lap with a book. Not every moment has to be action-packed—sometimes, calm is the best activity.
29. Walk Up & Down the Aisle
If the seatbelt sign is off and the crew is cool with it, take a slow walk down the aisle. Let your toddler stretch, peek at other passengers, and burn off some energy.
Even just standing near your seat and stretching their legs can prevent mid-flight wiggles.
30: Tech Entertainment
30. Toddler-Friendly Headphones & Tablet
Load up your tablet with toddler-friendly movies, interactive games, and tv shows before the flight. WiFi isn’t always reliable, so download everything in advance.
And don’t forget volume-limiting headphones—because you will get side-eye from other passengers if “Baby Shark” blasts through the cabin.
👉 Check out the whole Amazon Product List here.
The Science Behind Toddler Attention Spans
Toddlers have incredibly short attention spans—studies show that a two-year-old can focus on a single activity for about 4 to 6 minutes, while a three-year-old might stretch it to 6 to 8 minutes (Happiest Baby).
That’s why it feels like they switch activities at lightning speed, leaving a trail of half-finished snacks, abandoned toys, and sticker-covered tray tables in their wake.
The reason? Their brains are in hyperdrive, soaking up information and rapidly developing cognitive skills (Garon et al., 2008).
Unlike adults, who can filter distractions, toddlers have an “open attention system,” meaning everything around them is equally exciting (or frustrating) (Posner & Rothbart, 2007).
This is why variety is key—rotating simple, engaging activities keeps their brain stimulated without overwhelming them.
Researchers also suggest that short bursts of focused attention followed by movement or sensory play can help toddlers stay engaged longer (Pereira et al., 2020).
So if your toddler loses interest in a sticker book after five minutes, don’t worry. It’s completely normal (and a great excuse to have an arsenal of activities ready to go).
👉 You might also find these articles interesting:
– How You Can Find the Best Toddler Travel Bed
– How to Travel With a Toddler on a Plane – Survival Guide
– Car, Plane, Train: The Perfect Travel with Toddler Checklist
– What to Bring on a Plane: My 33 Carry-On Bag Essentials
Get Your Mindset Right for Flying with Your Toddler
In my opinion, traveling with a toddler is the ultimate challenge. The toddler stage is the toughest age to travel with. That’s why you should keep these mindset tips in mind:
Traveling with kids is normal: Toddlers are loud, curious, and full of emotions—that’s just part of who they are. They belong in public spaces just as much as anyone else.
If someone gives you side-eye because your little one is being, well, a toddler, that’s their problem, not yours. Honestly, most people we’ve met while traveling have been incredibly kind and understanding.
Forget about solo travel expectations: Remember those peaceful road trips, quiet flights, or lazy airport coffee breaks? Yeah, those aren’t happening with a toddler in tow. And that’s okay.
Adjusting your expectations ahead of time will help you avoid frustration. The goal isn’t a picture-perfect trip—it’s making it through with as much sanity as possible.
Flexibility is everything: Long travel days can push even the calmest toddler (and parent) to the edge. Plans might need to change, and that’s not failure—it’s just life with little kids.
If skipping a planned stop or taking an extra snack break helps keep the peace, go for it. Happy toddler = smoother trip.
Travel days are about survival, not perfection. Screen time rules? Loosened. Snacks? More than usual. Routine? Out the window. And that’s totally fine! A little extra flexibility can save you from unnecessary stress.
💡 Mindset Hack: Expect the Unexpected!
Flights will be delayed, tantrums will happen, and things won’t always go to plan. The best thing you can do? Laugh it off and roll with it. Flexibility (and a good sense of humor) will save you every time.
Final Thoughts on How to Entertain a Toddler on a Plane
At the end of the day, your toddler is just doing what toddlers do—exploring, testing limits, and figuring out the world (even if that means dropping Goldfish crackers between the seat cushions). And you? You’re doing an amazing job, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
So take a deep breath, pack those stickers, load up the snacks, and embrace the chaos. Because before you know it, they’ll be old enough to sit through an entire flight without needing anything from you—and weirdly, you might just miss these wild travel days.
Which toddler entertainment hack is your favorite one? Did I miss your secret tip? Please let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQ on How to Entertain a Toddler on a Plane
Is bringing a car seat on a plane a good idea?
Yes! If your toddler is used to a car seat, it can make them feel more comfortable and help with good behavior. Some airlines allow car seats, but always check the airline’s policy before your first flight. If you don’t want the hassle, using a window seat with extra cushioning can also help your child feel cozy.
How can I prepare for my toddler’s first flight?
For a successful flight, pack lots of snacks, favorite travel toy, and new things to keep them excited. Pick a window seat if they like watching the airplane windows or playing with the window shade. A mix of best airplane activities and familiar items will help make their first time flying easier.
Are there good snacks that don’t make a mess?
Yes! Granola bars, pretzels, and dried fruit are great non-messy options.
What’s the best way to handle jet lag with young kids?
Keep bedtime routines as normal as possible. When you arrive, try to get outside and expose them to natural light to help reset their body clock. A favorite travel toy or blanket can also help them settle in their hotel room after a long-haul flight.
My toddler is in the “throw everything” stage. What are the best ways to avoid spending the whole flight picking things up?
Oh, I’ve been there! Some best ways to toddler-proof their toys on a plane:
- Bring a busy book instead of individual toys—it’s all attached!
- Use small pieces with magnetic or Velcro backing (magnetic boards are great for this).
- Stick a painter’s tape road on the tray table so small things like toy cars don’t slide off.
- Attach their favorite travel toy to a pacifier clip or stroller strap so it can’t disappear under the seat.
Do flight attendants mind if toddlers walk around the plane?
Most flight attendants are super understanding, especially on long-haul flights. If the seatbelt sign is off, letting your toddler walk down the aisle (with supervision) can be a great way to get the wiggles out. Just be mindful of meal service and don’t let them run. Sometimes, a quick chat with fellow passengers or a peek out the airplane windows is enough to keep them happy for a bit.
How do I stop my toddler from kicking the seat in front of them?
Oh, the dreaded seat kick! Some best ways to avoid this:
- Gently tuck their legs in with a small pillow or bag under their feet.
- Place their game board or buckle toys on the tray table to keep their focus forward.
- Use a small pretend play lap tray to keep them distracted.
Just a heads up: some links in the article “How to Entertain a Toddler on a Plane” on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
