How to Keep Kids Entertained on a Flight (Without Losing Your Mind)

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Introduction

Flying with kids can feel like prepping for a mini apocalypse.. snacks, meltdowns, pressure changes, tiny seats and no escape. But with the right mix of planning, entertainment, and realistic expectations, flights with children can be surprisingly manageable (and maybe even peaceful).

This guide covers practical, parent-tested ways to keep kids busy, calm, and entertained at 30,000 feet without relying entirely on screens, and without losing your mind before landing.

1. Pack a “Surprise Bag”

A well-packed carry-on or backpack is your best defense against boredom. The key? Don’t show them everything at once.

What to include:

A few favorite toys
2–3 new, inexpensive surprises (wrapped or hidden to add excitement)
A coloring book or reusable sticker book
A small puzzle, card game, or fidget toy

Pro tip: Divide the bag into “time blocks.” One item for takeoff, one for mid-flight, one for landing.

2. Embrace the Power of Snacks

Never underestimate the entertainment value of food. Stretch it out with variety and novelty, this isn’t the time for efficiency.

Smart snack picks:

Small containers of dry cereal, goldfish, fruit gummies
Raisins or applesauce pouches
“Snack necklaces” made from cereal on a string
Bento-style snack boxes with lots of little compartments

Bonus tip: Use snacks as rewards between activities. “Color for 10 minutes, then snack.”

3. Load Up on Apps (Even if You’re Screen Limiting)

Even if you’re screen-conscious, flights are one of those “special occasion” moments where a tablet can save everyone’s sanity.

Tips for tech:

Download apps ahead of time that work in airplane mode
Choose educational or creative apps: drawing, puzzles, kid-friendly audiobooks
Don’t forget kid-size headphones and a backup battery pack

Screen-free alternative: Download kid friendly podcasts like Brains On! or Wow in the World.

4. Rotate Activities Like a Game

Avoid giving them everything at once. Instead, rotate in 20–30 minute blocks (or less, for younger kids). Think of it like a mini activity playlist.

Example hour:

15 min coloring
15 min snack
15 min puzzle toy
15 min storybook or screen time

Repeat with variation. You could even extend the time for activities to up to 30 minutes.

5. Don’t Skip the Classics: Books, Toys, and Imagination

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that last the longest.

Great travel standbys:

Board books, lift-the-flap books, or I Spy pages
A tiny travel dollhouse or toy car garage
Stuffed animal “travel buddy” they can talk to
A small notebook for doodles, sticker stories, or made-up games

6. Movement Breaks and Sensory Tricks

Long flights are hard on little bodies. Movement and sensory play can help reduce fussiness.

Easy ways to manage energy:

Let kids stand and stretch in the aisle (when allowed)
Use a seat belt extender if you have a squirmy toddler
Bring a squishy ball, chew necklace, or pop-it toy
Wrap a scarf around their lap for compression comfort

7. Lower Your Expectations (and Pack an Extra Shirt)

This may be the most important tip of all.

Even with the best preparation, flying with kids can be unpredictable. You might do everything “right” and still have a meltdown at hour two. That’s okay. Sometimes, the goal isn’t a smooth flight—it’s a survivable one.

Also: Bring spare clothes, wipes, and plastic bags for emergencies. You’ll thank yourself later.

Final Thoughts

Keeping kids entertained on a flight isn’t about perfection, it’s about stacking a handful of simple tools and pacing them out like a survival kit.
A good mix of surprises, snacks, movement, and a few quiet moments can go a long way.
So breathe deep, pack smart, and go in knowing that you’re doing a great job, even if no one claps when you land.

Written by the TimeForFam Team
We explore, review, and share the best in family entertainment so you can skip the research and jump straight to the fun.
Read more about us here