Image Source from havesmartdreams

40+ Simple Airplane Activities for Kids

Traveling by airplane can be an exciting adventure for children, but the hours spent in a confined space can also lead to restlessness and boredom. To help make your flight enjoyable for both kids and adults, we’ve compiled over 40 simple and engaging airplane activities that will keep little ones entertained from take-off to landing.

1. Sticker Books

Bring along a travel-sized sticker book. Children can create scenes or decorate pages, promoting creativity and fine motor skills.

2. Colouring Pages

Print out colouring sheets with various themes like animals, airplanes, or their favourite characters. Don’t forget the crayons!

3. Activity Books

Purchase or download small activity books that include puzzles, mazes, and word searches that are age-appropriate for your child.

4. I Spy

A classic game of “I Spy” can be played by looking out of the windows or spotting things in the cabin.

5. Portable Play-Dough

Bring along small containers of play-dough for them to shape and create, keeping their creativity flowing.

6. Travel Journals

Give each child a small notebook to document their travels. They can draw pictures, write about their adventures, or collect stamps.

7. Origami

Teach children a few simple origami shapes, like airplanes, birds, or boats. All you need is some paper!

8. Puzzle Games

Pack some magnetic or travel-sized puzzle games that can easily be handled in tight spaces.

9. Storytime

Read them a storybook or share funny anecdotes from your travels. Bring a couple of their favourite books for familiarity.

10. Card Games

Slim down on cards games like Uno, Go Fish, or Snap which are easy to transport and play in small spaces.

11. Music and Audiobooks

Load their favourite songs or audiobooks onto a tablet or MP3 player for a relaxing listening experience.

12. DIY Bracelets

Provide colourful beads and stretchy strings for children to make their own bracelets during the flight.

13. Count the Planes

Encourage children to count the number of planes they see on the tarmac or in the air.

14. Guess the Animal

Players take turns mimicking an animal and others guess what it is. Similarly, this can be done with different vehicles.

15. Mouth and Face Fun

Engage kids with mouth and face movements, where they copy silly expressions or movements.

16. Tissue Paper Art

Pack some colourful tissue paper for them to rip, scrunch, and create art right at their seat.

17. Finger Puppets

Bring along finger puppets for a fun storytelling experience.

18. Memory Game

Play a simple memory game by reciting a list of words (e.g., items in a bag), where each player adds one.

19. Airplane Bingo

Create bingo cards with images commonly found on flights (e.g., a flight attendant, snacks, a window).

20. Origami Airplanes

Teach them to fold simple paper airplanes and have contests to see whose can fly the furthest.

21. Paper Dolls

Print out paper dolls and clothes for kids to cut out and dress as they please.

22. Glow Sticks for Night Flights

Glow sticks can provide entertainment while creating a magical atmosphere on night flights.

23. Snack Time Fun

Involve children in packing their snacks and create fun snack combos. Have them guess the ingredient!

24. Travel Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of items to find during the flight or in the airport (e.g., another passenger with sunglasses).

25. Dream Destination Maps

Create maps of places they want to visit someday. Ask them to mark landmarks they wish to see.

26. Learn a New Language

Take time to learn simple phrases in the language of the country you are visiting.

27. Soundtrack for the Journey

Let children create a playlist for the trip and discuss their choices.

28. Tablet Games

Download educational and entertaining apps beforehand. Limit screen time to keep them engaged in other activities too.

29. Wearable Art

Bring along plain T-shirts and fabric markers for kids to create their own wearable artwork.

30. Nature Journals

Encourage them to draw or write about the nature they see outside while flying.

31. Pretend Airport

Set up an imaginary airport, assigning roles (pilot, flight attendant, etc.), and let their imaginations roam.

32. Magic Tricks

Teach them simple tricks that they can share with fellow passengers.

33. Pop-Up Book Experience

Bring along a pop-up book that brings stories to life, capturing the child’s attention.

34. Rock, Paper, Scissors

This game is quick, easy, and can entertain kids in pairs for a good amount of time.

35. Sound Mimicry

Children can take turns mimicking sounds they hear on the plane or in the airport.

36. Footprint Art

Use their footprint for art projects, whether that’s making animals or simply decorating them.

37. World Flags Learning

Create a small factsheet about the flags of the countries they might visit and quiz them during the flight.

38. Mini Clue Game

Create a simple version of Clue where they have to guess who took a particular item from their bag.

39. Word Association

Players say a word related to a previous word. This encourages quick thinking and can spark fun discussions.

40. Letter Writing

Encourage children to write a letter to themselves for future reading. They can tuck it away in their luggage.

Conclusion

Travel doesn’t have to be tedious for little ones. With these 40+ simple activities, you can ensure that their flying experience is packed with joy and creativity. Remember to tailor the activities to suit your child’s interests and age, and most importantly, enjoy your adventure together! Happy travels!