"My son took his first plane ride when he was just 6 months old. He’s now 7 and has been on countless flights, so I’ve had my fair share of experience keeping him entertained on long flights. What I learned early on is that investing in the best plane toys for kids makes all the difference.
From the excitement of take-off to the inevitable mid-flight boredom, kids of all ages need something to occupy them on a plane. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from small, easy-to-pack toys to interactive gadgets that kept my son’s attention for hours. When he was a baby, it was mostly small books and squishy toys. When he hit the toddler stage, it was all about stickers and LEGO DUPLOs. He then graduated to coloring books, lots of paper for drawing, and even a small bag of Magna-Tiles.
If you’re about to head on a plane with a little one, you’re in luck. I’m here to share some of the best plane toys for kids that have worked wonders for us—perfect for keeping kiddos happy and entertained in the air. From babies to big kids, here are the top 10 plane toys that promise to be game-changers while traveling.
The Top 10 Plane Toys for Kids
Best for Creative Play: Tegu Magnetic Blocks
Price: $34
Pros:
- Encourages creativity and imaginative play
- Portable and easy to carry
- Suitable for children ages 1 and over
Cons:
- Can be pricey for the number of blocks included
Tegu Magnetic Blocks spark creativity in young minds. These magnetic wooden blocks, housed in a portable pouch, are ideal for travel. Kids can build endless structures, engaging in imaginative play for hours. Despite being at a higher price point, the investment is justified by the quality and educational value.
Pairing Tegu Magnetic Blocks with other small magnetic items can enhance the play experience. Whether constructing a simple tower or an intricate design, these blocks transform in-flight entertainment.
Rating:
- Price: 3/5
- Design: 5/5
- Portability: 5/5
- Engagement: 5/5
Best for Artistic Expression: Crayola Pip Tiles
Price: $27.95
Pros:
- Compact and reusable
- Encourages artistic expression
- Rated for children ages 3 and up
Cons:
- Requires a separate storage container for travel
Crayola Pip Tiles suit budding artists. These compact, reusable tiles let kids create colorful designs repeatedly. Ideal for tray table use, they offer hours of mess-free creative play. While they need a separate storage container, the benefits outweigh this minor inconvenience.
From my experience with my son, these tiles are durable and joyful. Bright colors and endless possibilities make them a favorite and a must-have for any flight.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- Portability: 4/5
- Engagement: 5/5
Best for Mess-Free Drawing: Boogie Board
Price: $24.99
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Suitable for all ages
- Mess-free and quiet
Cons:
- Requires an attachable pen for optimal use
The Boogie Board offers a mess-free drawing solution for parents. Its lightweight design ensures easy packing and provides endless drawing fun without ink or paper. Kids can draw, erase, and draw again, keeping them quietly occupied during flights. The only downside is the necessity of an attachable pen.
Based on personal experience, the Boogie Board is popular with kids of all ages. Its simplicity and functionality make it an excellent travel companion, keeping children engaged and creative throughout the flight.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 5/5
- Portability: 5/5
- Engagement: 4/5
Best for Classic Fun: Magna Doodle
Price: $14.99
Pros:
- Easy to use and durable
- No ink or paper needed
- Nostalgic value
Cons:
- Limited drawing space
Magna Doodle remains a timeless classic and a favorite among kids. This magnetic drawing board is easy to use and highly durable, ideal for travel. Kids can draw and erase without ink or paper, ensuring mess-free fun. Though the limited drawing space can be a drawback, its practicality and nostalgic value make it worthwhile.
From my experience (you can see my son using this toy in the photo above!), Magna Doodle is great for flights. This was my favorite for my son from the ages of 2 to 4. It’s simple, engaging, and keeps kids entertained for hours. The sliding eraser adds to the fun, allowing kids to start over with a clean slate whenever they want.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- Portability: 4/5
- Engagement: 4/5
Best for Interactive Learning: Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Activity Pads
Price: $16.79 for a pack of three
Pros:
- Educational and reusable
- Mess-free and interactive
- Encourages fine motor skills
Cons:
- Requires water, which needs to be managed during travel
Melissa & Doug Water Wow! activity pads offer an educational and interactive experience. These water-based books reveal colors when water is applied, making them reusable and mess-free. They help develop fine motor skills and keep kids engaged during flights. Managing the water pen can be tricky, but the fun and learning they provide are worth the effort.
In my view, these books are a game-changer for travel. Compact and easy to use, they provide endless entertainment. The educational aspect is a significant bonus, making them a huge hit for interactive learning.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 5/5
- Portability: 4/5
- Engagement: 5/5
Best for Sensory Play: Wikki Stix
Price: $8.50 for a pack of 48
Pros:
- Encourages creative play
- Reusable and flexible
- Ideal for sensory development
Cons:
- Can be messy if not stored properly
Wikki Stix are excellent for sensory play and creativity. Made of string coated with wax, they are flexible and reusable, allowing kids to create various shapes and designs. They are ideal for older toddlers and preschoolers, offering a tactile and engaging experience. Although they can be messy if not stored properly, their benefits outweigh this minor issue.
From my experience, Wikki Stix are fantastic for keeping little hands busy. There’s a reason many restaurants give these out with their kids’ menus activity packs. They promote imaginative play and are excellent travel companions. Kids love bending and twisting them into different shapes, making them a favorite for sensory stimulation.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- Portability: 4/5
- Engagement: 5/5
Best for Fine Motor Skills: Pop Tubes Sensory Toys
Price: $8.05 for a pack of 52
Pros:
- Engaging and versatile
- Promotes sensory development
- Suitable for children who need sensory input
Cons:
- Can be noisy during use
Pop Tubes Sensory Toys enhance fine motor skills and provide sensory stimulation. These pliable sticks can be stretched, twisted, and connected, making them highly engaging and versatile. They are perfect for children who need sensory input and can keep them entertained for hours. Although they can be noisy, their benefits in sensory development are significant.
Based on personal experience, Pop Tubes are a great addition to any travel kit. Lightweight and easy to pack, they provide endless fun. Kids love the tactile feedback and the ability to create different shapes and structures.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- Portability: 4/5
- Engagement: 5/5
Best All-in-One Solution: Travel Busy Box
Price: Starts at $44 for a box filled with travel toys and activities
Pros:
- Variety of activities
- Comes with a carry case
- Suitable for ages 1 to 2 years
Cons:
- Can be bulky to carry
The adorable Travel Busy Box is an all-in-one solution for keeping kids entertained during flights. It includes pop-its, bristle blocks, flashcards, a snack, a suction cup toy, and a board book, all compactly fit in a personalized case. While it can be bulky, the variety of activities ensures kids have multiple options for engagement not only on the plane but during your vacation.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 5/5
- Portability: 3/5
- Engagement: 5/5
Best for Window Seats: Window Gel Clings
Price: $9.99
Pros:
- Reusable and mess-free
- Easy to handle and reposition
- Ideal for creative engagement
Cons:
- Limited to window seats
Window Gel Clings are ideal for kids who love to decorate their surroundings. These reusable, mess-free clings can be repositioned easily without leaving sticky residue, making them perfect for window seats. They provide creative engagement, allowing children to decorate their plane window with themed clings. Though best suited for window seats, they offer significant entertainment value.
From my experience, Window Gel Clings are a great travel toy. Lightweight and easy to pack, they provide hours of fun. Kids love creating different scenes and stories on the plane window, making them a favorite for window seat entertainment.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- Portability: 5/5
- Engagement: 4/5
Best for Early Learning: LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train
Price: $19.99
Pros:
- Educational and easy to handle
- Promotes early learning skills
- Durable and suitable for young children
Cons:
- Takes up more space due to larger pieces
LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train is an excellent educational toy for young children. This set helps kids learn numbers and develop early skills through interactive play. The larger pieces are easy for little hands to handle, and their durability ensures they withstand rough play. However, the larger size means they take up more space, a consideration when packing for travel.
From my experience with my toddler, it’s a great toy for promoting early learning. The bright, colorful pieces are engaging, and the ability to build and rebuild different structures keeps kids entertained for long periods. Despite its bulkiness, it’s one of the best toddler toys and a great travel toy. Additionally, these toys for toddlers are perfect for fostering creativity.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- Portability: 3/5
- Engagement: 5/5
Choosing the Best Plane Toys for Kids
Selecting the right plane toys for kids ensures a smooth and enjoyable flight. Consider the age and interests of your child. Younger children might enjoy sensory toys like Wikki Stix or Pop Tubes, while older kids might prefer more complex toys like Tegu Magnetic Blocks or LEGO DUPLO sets. The key is to find toys that are engaging and suitable for their developmental stage.
Portability is another important factor. Compact and easy-to-carry toys like the Boogie Board or Crayola Pip Tiles are ideal for travel. Avoid bulky toys or those requiring extensive storage space. Also, consider the mess factor—toys like Melissa & Doug Water Wow! activity pads provide interactive learning without the mess.
Variety is essential. Bringing a mix of different types of toys helps keep your child engaged for longer periods. Activity sets like the Travel Activity Set offer a range of activities in one package, making them perfect for a long flight. Ultimately, the best travel toys are those that keep your child entertained, engaged, and happy throughout the journey.
Tips for Packing Plane Toys
Packing plane toys efficiently ensures your child remains entertained during the flight. Use labeled zippered pouches for each child’s toys to keep everything organized and accessible. Avoid packing small or delicate toys that can be easily lost or broken. Instead, choose sturdy, compact toys that are easy to manage.
Including a variety of new toys helps keep your child engaged for longer periods. Pack a favorite soft toy or a few toys for comfort, along with engaging activities like the Travel Busy Box.
A foldable travel duffel bag can be handy for consolidating items accumulated during the trip. The goal is to keep your child entertained and happy without overwhelming them with too many toys.
Best Plane Toys for Kids Summary
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By choosing the right plane toys, you can keep your little ones entertained and engaged throughout the flight. From creative play to interactive learning, the toys listed in this guide offer a variety of options to suit different interests and needs. Remember to consider factors like portability, engagement, and educational value when selecting toys. With the right preparation, your next flight can be a smooth and enjoyable journey for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plane Toys for Kids
What are the best types of toys for keeping toddlers entertained on a plane?
For a hassle-free flight, stick with engaging and portable toys like Tegu Magnetic Blocks, Boogie Board, and Melissa & Doug Water Wow! activity pads. They’ll keep your toddler entertained without creating any mess!
How can I pack toys efficiently for a flight?
Packing toys efficiently for a flight is all about organization and smart choices. Use labeled zippered pouches for easy access and choose sturdy, compact toys to keep your child entertained without the fuss.
What should I consider when choosing plane toys for young children?
When picking plane toys for young kids, focus on their age, interests, and how the toy supports their development. Opt for engaging, portable, and durable options that are also mess-free!
Are there any toys that are particularly good for window seats on a plane?
Absolutely, Window Gel Clings are a fantastic option for kids in window seats. They’re fun, reusable, and won’t make a mess, plus they let kids get creative by decorating their window!
What are some tips for keeping kids entertained during long flights?
To keep kids entertained during long flights, load up on a variety of engaging, mess-free toys and organize them in labeled pouches. Don’t forget to pack a favorite stuffed animal for added comfort—this will make the journey a lot smoother for everyone!
Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Roberta is an editor with 10+ years experience in content strategy and brand building. Before joining The Everymom she was Editorial Director at Brides and previously served as Digital Editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She grew up in Brazil and currently calls Brooklyn home with her son, Lucas.