Travel Activities for Tiny Humans: Keep Your Kids Entertained on the Plane

Deciding on what activities and entertainment to bring on the plane can be tricky. You only have so much store space available and you don’t need something to cumbersome that’ll be difficult to deal with in the small plane. Also, you don’t want things that have too many small items that can be dropped all over the floor never to be seen again as they roll under each of the airplane seats.

I’ve put together a list of tried-and-true travel activities for kids that help keep our kids entertained on the plane. I have included links below! Full disclosure: these are all from Amazon and I will earn commission if you use my link at no extra cost to you!

Here are my top airplane activities for young children!

Sticker books are a lifesaver when traveling with kids! I love the ones that can stick to almost anything, including the book itself. They're a fantastic way to engage kids in creative play, and the reusable stickers make them a favorite in our carry-on bag.

Activity books are our go-to for flights and long car rides. They’re packed with a variety of activities—like clips, zippers, and strings—that can keep kids entertained for at least 5 to 10 minutes at a time. They’re perfect for short bursts of engagement, which is often all you need to get through a flight.

We discovered magnetic men on our last flight, and they’re now a staple in our travel bag. These small figures connect with magnets, allowing kids to reshape them in various ways. Their size is perfect for travel—not too big to carry, but large enough that they don’t easily get lost.

The drawing tablet is definitely one of our kids' favorites! It’s a mess-free way for them to create colorful images. With just the press of a button, they can clear the screen and start fresh. The attached pen ensures we don’t have to worry about losing it mid-flight.

No-mess coloring pads are a great option for plane rides, especially for slightly older children. While my son isn’t as into them, I find myself coloring with them more than he does. They’re a great way to pass the time without worrying about messes.

We bring along our Amazon Fire tablet, which has a durable grip and a built-in stand for easy use on the airplane tray. We download a few videos and games before the flight to keep the kids entertained after they’ve exhausted the other activities. The headphones we use are comfortable, cushioned, and have a volume limiter to protect their ears, though I do wish they were wireless.

Fidget popper toys are a fantastic choice for keeping kids engaged on a plane. These small, lightweight toys feature silicone bubbles that make a satisfying "pop" sound when pressed. They’re compact, easy to store, and perfect for reducing restlessness during the flight. The tactile sensation of popping the bubbles helps improve focus and fine motor skills, making them an ideal distraction for both toddlers and older children. Plus, they’re durable and easy to clean—just a quick wipe if needed. Add a fidget popper to your travel bag to provide endless entertainment and a bit of sensory relief for your little ones. We also have this one with the added fun of a spinner that attaches to the window!

My daughter loves her shape blocks, but they’re too bulky for travel. Instead, I found a travel shapes box that fits perfectly in our carry-on. I’m excited to see how she enjoys this new activity on our upcoming flight!