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Home » Blog » How to Keep a Toddler Entertained on a Long Flight 

How to Keep a Toddler Entertained on a Long Flight 

As this is something we will need to deal with eventually, it’s on my radar. There isn’t just me and the hubby to pack for anymore. And as you all know, toddlers come along with a lot of baggage. A mixture of items they actually need and the treasured items they will have a meltdown over if we don’t take them along. If my little one had it her way, every teddy in the house would come along with us, to avoid missing out on a wonderful holiday. I mean, watching Toy Story doesn’t really help us when it comes to packing for a holiday!

I’ve got you covered with a list of essentials and some suggestions for items you can take with you.

toddler entertained

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Trunki 

Let’s start from the top. You need a bag to store all of these beautiful toys and gadgets. We bought a Trunki a while ago, for our UK staycations and it was the best purchase we ever made. Cue the toddler being wheeled around the house on it. This is how I know it will serve us well at the airport. She is currently at the grandparents today, playing with it. Hours of fun. Well worth the money.

Trunki
toddler entertained

Colouring books and pens

I take these supplies if we visit a local cafe. I will therefore definitely be packing these items for a long flight, in a confined space, with a toddler. 

In an effort to save space, I opt for the smaller colouring books. Small sticker books and some crayons. These don’t take up a lot of space but provide possibly hours of much-needed, creative entertainment. 

Colouring Book Pens

Books 

Our little one loves reading books, but we face the same challenge of weight limits and space. Therefore I will be taking her smaller books with us. This way, she can still read her favorite stories, but she also has room for her other treasured possessions. 

Gruffalo Book

Magnetic games

I used to love these compact magnetic games when I was a child. So easy to play when traveling and doesn’t take up much space. 

Guess what I found in the desk drawer whilst writing this post? It’s a sign!

toddler entertained
Magnetic Travel Games

Camera

We’ve just bought my little one a Paw Patrol digital camera. It’s totally childproof but does take actual photos. She has loads of fun with it. This will be coming along with us, so she can take some holiday snaps. 

Paw Patrol camera

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Food & Snacks 

Just like going anywhere with a toddler, have snacks and drinks with you! You never know what’s on offer to eat and your toddler could be fussy. Better to have a backup of something they will eat until you can have a proper meal. 

Cars 

Since she was a tiny baby, my little one has loved cars and she’s very attached to her collection. We will be taking a small selection with us. 

Toy Car Pack

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Figures 

We are at looking after babies and wrapping teddies in a blanket stage. Therefore, she will want to take some of her favorite characters and teddies with us. I better dig out some clothes for them to wear!

The novelty of a new toy

I will be purchasing a new toy for my little one. Something fresh, to keep her attention for longer because it’s new and shiny. It will be something small. Toddlers don’t expect much, and they are happy with the simplest of things.

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Until next time

I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

What tips do you have for toddler-packing in readiness for a holiday? I would love some advice in the comments below.

toddler entertained

14 Comments

  1. September 7, 2022 / 8:57 AM

    Hi Sam,

    That’s a great list – you look to be well prepared 😎

    One game we enjoyed with UK holidays, especially as cost was always an issue, was various forms of travel cricket. If not on a motorway you play based on the number of legs on pub signs – White Horse scores a 4, Coach and Horses could be a huge score depending on the picture, but if there are no legs, like Queens Head, then you are out. If on a motorway then you play based on the colour of cars that you see, red gets 1, black gets 2 etc, but a blue means you are out.

    A pack of playing cards offers lots of options too, depending on the age of the child.

    What are your thoughts on tablets for youngsters?
    Richie recently posted…The Richie’s Room Dog Trainer Interview – all you ever Wanted to Know about Rosee RiggsMy Profile

    • September 10, 2022 / 11:27 PM

      This is such a fantastic game. Me & my hubby were also brought up when money was tight, but we still had loads of fun.

      Our little one does have a tablet, but we try to watch educational programs. That isn’t always the case though! I kind of love and hate the tablet at the same time.

  2. September 10, 2022 / 11:22 AM

    So true! These are the ways to keep toddlers entertain on a long flight. I remember when I was a little child I used to carry crayons, coloring and storybooks with me while I travel. It is to keep me entertained on a long flight. And I remember most airlines used to give child passengers toys and coloring books too.
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    • September 10, 2022 / 11:24 PM

      That’s lovely of the crew to keep children entertained. It is so important. Even adults don’t like waiting around in an airport.

  3. September 24, 2022 / 12:01 PM

    This is a great list!! I especially like the games with magnets. Very helpful suggestions to be able entertain a toddler on a long flight, which I can imagine is no easy feat! Thanks for the tips!

    • September 24, 2022 / 9:27 PM

      The games with magnets are amazing and I am so glad I found ours before we left.

    • October 20, 2022 / 11:19 AM

      Colouring books are amazing – I also have loads of adult ones!

  4. The Blog Standard Parent
    October 23, 2022 / 9:11 PM

    Really helpful suggestions here. I am looking into holidays with my two year old and it will be her first flight. I will certainly be keeping these suggestions in mind! Thanks for posting!

    • October 30, 2022 / 10:30 PM

      Glad you found the tips useful. It was our first flight. Good luck with your first flight with a toddler.

  5. November 18, 2022 / 2:18 PM

    This is something I’m sure I’ll have to do eventually and I bet every parent is super daunted by the prospect of taking a toddler on a long haul flight but these are all great ways to be super prepared for it!

    • November 20, 2022 / 10:51 PM

      It is a daunting feeling, but so worth it for all the amazing memories.

  6. November 18, 2022 / 2:39 PM

    I have never/will never have to travel with a toddler but reading this I can see how much planning has to go into it. I think it’s great that people are encouraged to travel with young ones; great tips and info!

    • November 20, 2022 / 10:50 PM

      There is so much planning but it is all worth it!

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