Activities for the airplane

[Jasminerk13]

Does anyone have any good ideas for activities to keep a 3-4 yr old busy on an airplane?
coloring books
movies
toys
??

 

[FreezinRafiki]

We pack each kid their own backpack. That way all of their stuff is in one area, separate from yours or any of your other children (if you have them). Hit up a local Dollar store a few weeks before the trip. That way if some of the stuff gets lost or forgotten on the plane, it's not a big loss. Coloring books are good if your kids are into them. Look around for the triangle shaped crayons - they don't roll off the tray table! Keep most of the new toys a secret until they get on the plane. If you're lucky, the newness of them will keep the kids happy most of the way.
I also back their own snacks in their bags - each kids gets the same as the other, but they are kept separate to avoid any issues of one kid eating the others snack.

 

[crazywig]

I do the same. The each carry their own backpack (make sure you put a change of clothes for them in there. Trust me on that.) I put new things for them in there too, usually new crayons, activity books and maybe a small toy like Littlest Pet Shop.

If you bring a portable dvd player, I'd advise watching something they've seen. I tried the 'new movie' thing with mine and it doesn't hold their interest usually on the first viewing.

I load mp3 players with disney music and some audiobooks like Cat in the Hat for my 4yr old and Peter Pan for my 7yr old. I get the audiobooks downloaded for free from my library.

 

[DisneyWalker44]

Don't forget the headphones - maybe even a backup pair in case something goes wrong.

 

[lovemred]

How about an "I Spy" bag---check them out on etsy if you're not familiar with them---

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/22129345

 

[pilotwife_02]

Besides what others have said (DVD player, coloring books, snacks) I'm also going to get stickers since both boys (2 and 3) love them. They like to play with their Disney Cars (matchbox type cars) so I'm sure they will be with us on the trip.

Flash cards are big with them right now, so those will be in the "goody bag". I will definitly be stocking up on those Crayola color wonder books and markers.

I am basically trying to think of what are their favorite things to do at home and try to make sure I have those available.

 

[ParrotBill]

I agree with above, and also we pack a small lightweight blanket (try a travel store) since you can't get them on the planes any more.

The key is variety of activities. Something new is a great idea. We also always bring snack items (raisins, crackers) in case of delays or sudden hunger and we buy a water and a kids drink to take with us.