Summer is approaching, and big travel plans are on the horizon for many families. Like so many others, you want to have the best vacation with your kids. And, while big ideas are always fun, they can bring with them some anxietyโespecially if you are flying.
Are you worried your kids may scream the whole flight or act up? We wish we could say it’s as easy as to tell your kids to be quiet and relax, but it never is. Thereโs always a struggle when it comes to the little ones.
If you are worried about your upcoming plane ride and all the travel stress, donโt be. We can help.
Check out these great ideas to keep your kids busy on a plane.
Games
One idea to help you maintain your kidsโ happiness to set up some games to play on the plane. Not only will your kids be entertained, but you will get to relax or have fun with your kids. It will allow for your journey to fly by.
If you have an uber-competitive kid who has a meltdown when she loses, make sure you choose come games that donโt have a winner or loser. You donโt need your kiddo crying on the plane disturbing everyone around.
Simply put, make sure to keep the game simple. You donโt want to be carrying around a lot of equipment. A simple game as simple as โI spyโ will work perfectly.
Too Tired to Stay Awake
Pick a flight time around the โnormalโ time your kids are meant to be falling asleep. Your kids may be exhausted if itโs bedtime back home, so they will most likely doze off.
Snacks Are A Must
Make sure to arm yourself with snacks. Keeping snacks handy can eliminate the, โI am hungryโ whines. If your kids are hungry, they will tend to get fussy, so having snacks handy is the way to go.
Pack a Plane Bag
A great way to keep kids entertained is with a “plane bag.” You don’t have to spend a bunch of money on it. But a quick trip to the Dollar Store to gather up some crayons, some coloring books, maybe a puzzle book or two and some Legos will do the trick. The key is to keep it a secret until they board the plane. When it’s a surprise, the excitement keeps them busy.
Screen Time
Distracting your kids on the plane with a screen isnโt always a bad thing. A plane ride can justify letting those screen time standards slip a little.
Load up your electronics with apps and movies to keep your kids entertained and engagedโTV shows, Disney movies, games, the works. A little bit of screen time will give you a few minutes to enjoy a meal or a few chapters of a book.
Make sure to take some headphones. You donโt want to annoy your fellow passengers. Not everyone has the patience you’d expect them to have when it comes to kids. People will complain about the noise.
Soft Toys
Bringing a comfy toy for the flight can be relaxing for your kids. A word of caution about this approach. Donโt bring a treasured stuffed animal if you can avoid it. The last thing you need is for your little oneโs security blanket to go missing.
Another great idea is to bring an extra stuffy. Your kids can play make-believe with them or, if one gets lost, you have a backup.
Name Whatโs Below
Armed with the stuffy and you by their side, show them the wonders of the world below. Remember your first flight? When you looked below, the world seemed so tiny and mysterious. Show your kids this mystery.
Point out the tiny houses, the shapes of the clouds, and the sun on the horizon โ make up stories about what’s going on below and let them add to the mystery.
You can even set the stage before you take off. Say something like, “Ok, we are getting on this plane, and flying over a magical place. Below us, we will seeโฆ” “And the people that live there areโฆ”
Make it a storytelling game. And, the end goal should be a great tale to tell others when we get home.
Play Pilot
If your kid fears the plane, think about playing a make-believe game such as pilot. Allow your kid to play a pilot or flight attendant, and play all the fundamental rules that would happen on a plane. This can help with pre-plane or in-flight panic.
Conclusion
No one can argue that your kids are your pride and joy. You want to keep them happy, even on a long plane ride. Stay calm and prepared, and you will be set to have a smooth plane ride. Keep in mind that it’s not only them you want to keep entertained, but yourself also.
Donโt forget to pack something to keep you busy also. Now youโre ready to soar through the air and take a journey with your children. Have fun and fly!
