Traveling with toddlers can be tough, especially on airplanes. Keeping them entertained and happy is key to a smooth flight for everyone involved. That’s why having the right toys is essential. I’ve been there, frantically digging through my bag for something—anything—to distract my little one. So, I’ve put together a list of the best toddler toys for airplanes based on experience and research. These toys are compact, engaging, and, most importantly, quiet!
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Water Wow! Reusable Water Reveal Activity Pads: Mess-free coloring with water pens.
- Wikki Stix Traveler Playset: Bendable, wax-covered yarn for creative fun.
- Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Play Set: Reusable stickers for imaginative play scenes.
- LeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch: A laptop and tablet in one, with educational games.
- Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Pages & Markers: No-mess coloring that only appears on special paper.
Top 5 Best Toddler Toys For Airplane
1. Water Wow! Reusable Water Reveal Activity Pads
These activity pads are a lifesaver for mess-free entertainment. Simply fill the included pen with water, and watch the colors magically appear on the pages. Once the water dries, the colors disappear, and the fun can start all over again.
Pros:
- ✅ Reusable, providing hours of entertainment.
- ✅ Mess-free, no spills or stains to worry about.
- ✅ Compact and lightweight, easy to pack in a carry-on.
Cons:
- ❌ Pen can sometimes leak if overfilled.
- ❌ Pages can get worn out with frequent use.
- ❌ Limited number of pages per pad.
Verdict: Perfect for toddlers who love to color but tend to make a mess. It’s a compact and engaging activity that will keep them entertained without the worry of spills or stains.
2. Wikki Stix Traveler Playset
Wikki Stix are bendable, wax-covered yarn sticks that can be shaped and molded into all sorts of creations. This traveler playset comes with a variety of colors and a carrying case, making it ideal for on-the-go fun. My kids love making animals and shapes with these!
Pros:
- ✅ Encourages creativity and imagination.
- ✅ Quiet and non-disruptive to other passengers.
- ✅ Reusable and easy to clean up.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit sticky.
- ❌ Small pieces could be a choking hazard for very young children.
- ❌ Can attract dust and lint.
Verdict: A great option for toddlers who enjoy tactile and creative play. They’re quiet, reusable, and provide endless possibilities for imaginative fun.
3. Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Play Set
This sticker play set features reusable puffy stickers and a fold-out background scene. Toddlers can create their own stories and scenes by arranging the stickers on the background. It’s a fantastic way to encourage imaginative play and storytelling.
Pros:
- ✅ Reusable stickers provide hours of entertainment.
- ✅ Encourages imaginative play and storytelling.
- ✅ Compact and easy to transport.
Cons:
- ❌ Stickers may lose their stickiness over time.
- ❌ Some sets have small pieces that could be a choking hazard.
- ❌ Background scene can be easily bent or damaged.
Verdict: Ideal for toddlers who love stickers and creating their own stories. The reusable nature of the stickers makes it a great value for travel.
4. LeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch
This toy is a laptop and tablet in one, offering a variety of educational games and activities. It teaches letters, numbers, shapes, and more. It’s a great way to keep toddlers entertained while also learning something new.
Pros:
- ✅ Educational and engaging content.
- ✅ Two-in-one design offers versatility.
- ✅ Volume control to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires batteries.
- ❌ Can be a bit bulky.
- ❌ Screen is small.
Verdict: Perfect for parents who want to combine entertainment with education. The variety of activities and the two-in-one design make it a great choice for travel.
5. Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Pages & Markers
These coloring pages and markers are designed to be mess-free. The markers only work on the special Color Wonder paper, so you don’t have to worry about your toddler coloring on anything else. It’s a stress-free way to let them express their creativity.
Pros:
- ✅ Truly mess-free, markers only work on special paper.
- ✅ Encourages creativity and artistic expression.
- ✅ Compact and easy to pack.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires special Color Wonder paper, which needs to be repurchased.
- ❌ Limited color selection in some sets.
- ❌ Markers can dry out if not capped properly.
Verdict: An excellent choice for parents who want a mess-free coloring option. The special markers and paper ensure that your toddler can color without making a mess on the plane.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right toddler toys for an airplane trip requires careful consideration. You need to think about size, weight, noise level, and engagement factor. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choice:
- Size and Weight: Opt for compact and lightweight toys that won’t take up too much space in your carry-on bag.
- Noise Level: Avoid toys with loud sounds or music that could disturb other passengers. Quiet toys are your best bet.
- Engagement Factor: Choose toys that will keep your toddler engaged for an extended period. Reusable sticker books, coloring pads, and interactive toys are great options.
- Mess-Free: Consider mess-free options like Water Wow! or Crayola Color Wonder to avoid spills and stains.
- Educational Value: Look for toys that offer some educational value, such as letter and number recognition, shape sorting, or problem-solving.
- Durability: Make sure the toys are durable enough to withstand being dropped, thrown, and generally manhandled by a toddler.
- Age Appropriateness: Always check the recommended age range for the toy to ensure it’s safe and suitable for your child.
- Pack a Variety: Bring a selection of different types of toys to keep your toddler interested and entertained throughout the flight.
FAQs
Q: What are the best types of toys for keeping toddlers entertained on a plane?
A: Reusable sticker books, mess-free coloring pads, interactive toys, and small building blocks are all great options. Look for toys that are compact, quiet, and engaging.
Q: How many toys should I bring on a plane for my toddler?
A: It’s a good idea to bring a variety of toys, but don’t overdo it. Aim for 3-5 different toys to keep your toddler entertained without overwhelming them (or you).
Q: Are electronic toys allowed on airplanes?
A: Yes, electronic toys are generally allowed on airplanes. However, make sure to check with the airline about their specific policies regarding electronic devices during takeoff and landing. Also, remember to bring headphones to keep the noise level down.
Q: How can I prevent my toddler from getting bored with their toys on the plane?
A: Rotate the toys throughout the flight to keep your toddler interested. Introduce a new toy every hour or so to maintain their engagement. You can also incorporate the toys into games or activities to make them more exciting.
Q: What should I do if my toddler gets restless or fussy on the plane?
A: Try offering a snack, reading a book, or walking around the cabin (if permitted) to change the scenery. A change of pace can often help to calm a restless toddler.
Conclusion
Finding the right toys can make all the difference when flying with toddlers. By choosing compact, engaging, and quiet options, you can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable flight for everyone. Remember to consider your child’s interests and preferences when selecting toys, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best. Safe travels!
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