Surviving a Family Flight: Tips & Tricks for Keeping Kids Entertained
February 07, 2023
Are you preparing for a family trip with flight journey involved? If so, you might be worried about keeping your kids entertained and well-behaved during the flight. Don't worry, you're not alone. Most families look forward to a vacation but dread the thought of traveling with children. Flying can disrupt routines, and a long flight can become tedious, stressful and fidgety, especially for kids. But, with a little preparation, you can turn the flight into an enjoyable experience for everyone.
One of the biggest concerns is how to keep children occupied for hours in their seats. They may miss their naps or have a late lunch, and unhealthy snack foods may impact their behavior. To overcome these challenges, it's essential to choose age-appropriate activities to keep them engaged during the flight.
Magnetic games are a great option to consider. These games, including bingo, tic-tac-toe, chess, and checkers, are compact and easy to carry in your carry-on luggage. They come in a small size, and the game pieces are magnetic, so they stick to the board and are easy to keep track of mid-flight. These games can be purchased for around $10 or less per game, making them an affordable and entertaining option.
Playing card games is another fun activity that can be enjoyed both on the flight and at the hotel. Classic card games such as UNO, Skip-Bo, Phase 10, and Canasta are always a hit, and many versions of playing cards incorporate your favorite board games into card games. Monopoly and Yahtzee decks or fun traditonal games like Rummikub are a great way to add a new twist to your old favorites. Also a games assortment like these can give you a variety of games to take on the plane and continue to play on the vacation itself.
For kids who love to watch movies, consider pre-loaded laptop, or tablet - did you know you can download Netflix episodes before you leave and you don;t need wifi for playback? This will give your kids a personalized viewing experience while they're trapped in their seats, as opposed to relying on the in-flight entertainment which can be limited and not of interest to your child specifically. You can download or take a few of their favorite movies or buy a new movie they haven't seen before as a surprise. Pack some popcorn to bring the movie theater experience on board.
If you're taking an iPad or laptop, load some of your children's favorite games to play during the flight. Familiar tablet games are an excellent way to keep kids entertained and make them feel at home. These games can also provide a welcome break from watching TV shows or movies.
In-flight Wi-Fi is becoming more prevalent on airlines, so if you have kids that like to play games online, consider purchasing Wi-Fi access during the flight. Your kids will be happily occupied while visiting all their favorite websites from 30,000 feet above the ground.
Turn the airplane into a classroom by incorporating learning activities into the flight. There are many activities you can practice, such as writing, math, colors, and sorting. Ask your child to write a story, create an itinerary for your trip, or draw pictures of what they think you'll see or do on vacation.
Workbooks are an excellent tool to keep kids entertained during a flight. They offer a variety of activities such as coloring pages, mazes, word puzzles, hidden pictures, or stickers. You can also find learning booklets that offer grade-specific activities like spelling, the alphabet, reading, handwriting, fractions, geometry, geography, or any other area of study you can think of. There is likely a workbook on any topic your child is interested in, from dinosaurs and daffodils to pixies and pets. Look for dry erase workbooks so your kids can wipe away their answers and try again for longer-lasting fun.
If your children have favorite toys, look for miniature versions to carry with you. You can find mini Etch-A-Sketch, Rubik's cubes, and mini coloring books that will provide hours of entertainment on the flight. These toys can be tucked away in a small carrying case, so they don't take up much space in your luggage.
Another great way to keep kids entertained on a flight is through books. Encourage your children to bring along a few books, or consider purchasing a few new ones for the trip. Whether they prefer picture books, graphic novels, or chapter books, having a good book to read is a great way to pass the time on a long flight. If your child is too young to read, consider bringing along a storytelling book, which you can read together on the flight.
Finally, consider packing a few snacks for the flight. Kids love to munch on something while they play, and having a snack on hand can help keep them entertained. Choose healthy options like fruit, cheese, and crackers, or indulge in a sweet treat like cookies or candy. Pack a few bottles of water, too, to keep your kids hydrated throughout the flight.
In conclusion, preparing for a family flight journey can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. By incorporating a few simple activities and tools into your travel plans, you can turn the flight into an enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether your kids are entertained by games, movies, books, or snacks, there are plenty of options available to keep them occupied and happy during the flight. So, pack your bags and get ready to take to the skies with your family!
Our KeepEmQuiet busy bags include most of the items mentioned above in one convenient package, saving parents time and money delivered straight to your door with a few clicks. With everything they need to keep your child entertained in one place, you can sit back and relax knowing they are occupied and happy without having to worry about the stress of thinking about what to take or running around the shops.
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