Our favorite things: Kid’s on airplanes edition
My Favorite Kid-Friendly Airplane Essentials ✈️🧸
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Traveling with kids can be magical—but let’s be honest, it can also be a lot. Keeping little ones entertained on a long flight is an art form, and over time, I’ve found a handful of go-to items that keep my child happy (and me sane) from takeoff to landing.
Whether you're planning your first flight with your toddler or you’re a seasoned travel parent looking to refresh your in-flight toolkit, here are my absolute favorite airplane-friendly items for kids—all compact, mess-free, and screen-optional!
1. Window Clings
These reusable, static-free window clings are a huge hit. Kids love decorating the airplane window (or tray table!) with them, and they’re easy to peel off and reposition again and again. Plus, they’re flat and weigh basically nothing—ideal for packing light.
2. Snackle Box
A genius twist on the tackle box—this is a game-changer. I fill it with a mix of snacks: grapes, crackers, fruit leather, a few fun treats. Not only does it keep everything organized, but it turns snack time into an engaging, hands-on experience. And let’s be honest… I kind of want one for myself too.
3. Wikki Stix
Bendable, mess-free, and reusable, Wikki Stix are perfect for creative play. My kid can twist and stick them into animals, letters, or crazy abstract art on the tray table. They're quiet, lightweight, and don’t require any cleanup.
4. Pom Pom Balls
Simple, soft, and surprisingly entertaining. Toss them into a zippered pencil pouch or bring along a travel-size muffin tin or empty wipes container for sorting, stuffing, and pretend play. They also work well as quiet fidget toys.
5. Puffy Stickers
These chunky, textured stickers are easy for little hands to peel and stick. We usually bring a notebook so there’s a place to “build a farm” and/or “fairytale” or create sticker stories mid-flight. Bonus: they’re great for quiet concentration.
6.Drawing Tablet
You know the one! This magic doodle board is endlessly reusable, lightweight, and doesn’t require markers or crayons (read: no mess or lost caps). Kids can scribble, draw, and erase with the push of a button.
7.Water Reveal Books
These are lifesavers. Just fill the little pen with water and let the magic happen. Pictures “appear” as your child colors, then disappear again as the page dries—ready to be used all over again. No ink, no stains, no stress.
Final Tidbits!
Pack everything into a small, accessible backpack your child can carry or pull from under the seat. Mix in one or two new surprises for bonus excitement and sprinkle in snacks as needed (we all know snacks are currency in the sky!).
What are your must-haves for flying with kids? Let me know—I’m always looking to add to our in-flight fun bag!
