Airplane Toys For Toddlers

*Updated 2025

Why pack toddler toys for the plane?

I’m a big fan of screentime on planes for toddlers old enough to appreciate it. With so many amazing educational apps and fun, kid-centered videos available, I am happy to let my littles play on their Kindle Fires for way longer than I allow at home. If you ask me, exceptional circumstances (such as a 10-hour flight with a jetlagged toddler) call for exceptions. That said, I like to bring along some (small) screen-free toys and activities too for several reasons:

1. Sleep wanted

The blue lights emitted from screens can disrupt the production of melatonin which means it may be more difficult to fall asleep. If you’re hoping for your little one to sleep, you may want to remove screens from the equation an hour before. (you can also utilize the “blue shade” or “night mode” on your child’s device). On the other hand, if you want your little one to stay up longer to adjust to your destination’s time zone, letting them play on a device could actually be helpful.

2. You need a backup plan

Devices can run out of charge, crash, break, etc. Flight delays can drain batteries before you even board and only some planes have charging ports. You don’t want to be stuck on a 10-hour flight with limited ways to keep your toddler busy. Reminder to never rely solely on in-flight entertainment. Many budget airlines or short flights don’t even have in-flight entertainment. I’ve also been on flights where the system goes down for several hours. A friend of mine just returned from an international trip where the entertainment didn’t work at all during the entire flight. Now, that doesn’t mean you need to pack a whole bag or toys or anything; just be sure you have at least two or three things in your carry-on bag as a backup.

3. Airplane toys can be used at your destination

Toys come in really handy for rainy days and long car rides. They can also occupy your toddler while you plan your day sightseeing, get ready in the morning, etc.

4. For comfort

Even toddlers who travel often can become overwhelmed in airports, on planes, etc. If they have a favorite small toy, bring it along to act as a “lovey” (familiar comfort item) – Unless it’s a one-of-a-kind item – then leave it at home for safe-keeping.

5. To avoid screen time

Some parents may choose to not do any screen time at all. Or you may have a younger toddler who you feel isn’t quite ready for screentime. In this case, toys become essential and you will want to bring options for long flights.

Packing Toddler Busy Bags for the plane

The toys usually go into my toddler’s “busy bags.” These are small, bright-colored (aka easy to spot) backpacks that they wear onto the plane and keep in their own seat during the flight. They are great to use at the destination as well! That means whatever toys are going into the bag needs to be pretty small and lightweight. I also added some snacks in a travel container. I carry their sippy cups in my bag since those are a bit heavy when full.

I leave space in my diaper bag for one or two larger items but I don’t want to be weighed down. (For a full list of what’s in my carry-on bag, click here.) The main criteria for selecting a toy or activity for a plane are the size of the item and the average length of time it will keep my toddlers occupied. This will be different for each toddler, so you will need to pick which ones you think will be best for your little one. **Please use your discretion in getting anything with small parts or magnets as these are only suitable for older toddlers who won’t put them in their mouths. Before I get into my recommendations, I want to suggest getting this flight vest if your toddler is under 2 and booked as a lap baby. It has been a game changer for me having my hands free!

Airplane Toys for Toddlers – Top Picks

Planning for an upcoming flight with a toddler can be stressful. Go prepared with space-saving plane toys for toddlers. Here are some of the best plane toys for toddlers; pick a few to pack and have a great flight!

Quiet books

Quiet books are developmental cloth books with buttons, snaps, etc. You can choose from a classic-style quiet book or this adorable occupation-themed one.

Dollar store toys

If it’s new, it’s interesting. If you are lucky enough to have a dollar store nearby, buy a new, small toy or two and surprise your toddler on the flight.

Blocks

Tegu Magnetic blocks (age-rated 1+) come in a travel-friendly pouch, making imaginative play easy on-board. I find it’s better if my toddler plays with them on their lap (or, even better, a toddler seat extender) instead of on the tray table. That way, when they drop the pieces, they will (mostly) land on the seat, and you won’t have to keep bending down and searching for pieces under the seat. The downside is that they are a bit pricey for the amount of blocks you get. They will last forever though, so long as you can keep track of them. We have had ours for seven years now. Crayola pip tiles (age-rated 3+) are another great option for older toddlers. This set comes with more pieces. That means more pieces to keep track of, but also more to play with! I don’t find the box that it comes in very practical, though, so I would suggest buying a different container or small travel pouch for them.

Water wow

What toddler doesn’t love painting with water? The traditional books are great, and so are these educational keychain-style cards.

Tip: To save space, cut the top off of the book off above the spiral. Also, be sure to fill the pen up AFTER security but before you board the plane. I have filled them on the plane many times because I forgot or we were in a rush, but it’s a bit harder not to spill in flight is all.

Spinners

Spinners are the most recommended toddler airplane toy for toddlers on social media, at least, that I have noticed! Like many other toddlers, my little one did enjoy playing with them! They are only useful if you have a window seat though so keep that in mind.

Montessori Busy board

Busy boards are fantastic for developing fine motor skills. Some (like this one) even fold up and have a carry handle.

Reusable Sticker Books

I know some parents are happy to let kids decorate their windows and seat with removable stickers or masking tape but I find it too much work to track and remove tape or anything else that has gone all over the place. I suggest reusable sticker books instead for toddlers. These reusable stickers could be used on an airplane window too if wanted and will come off very easily in the end I just personally wouldn’t want them everywhere else. If you have a bluey fan, they will love this one.

Tip: If your stickers start to lose their stickiness, you can wash them gently in a bowl of water with a small amount of dish soap. Dry face down, and then return to the sheet. It doesn’t work forever but will significantly increase the life of the stickers.

Travel Puzzles

If your child loves puzzles, this will be a hit! This interactive magnetic playbook is fun for all. Thin and magnetic make them great choices for bringing onboard. Another option is the rotating handheld puzzle set.

Boogie Board

When my toddlers were around a year old, they loved their boogie boards. Even though they were on the larger side, I would still carry them around in my diaper bag. We ended up losing one of the pens, though, so I would suggest something like this, where the pen can be attached.

Felt Toys

Every so often, Target puts out felt toy kits in their dollar spot located at the front of the store. We have several including a doctor kit, a jungle set, a train set, and a camping book. They enjoy them all but the Dr kit and jungle sets are the most frequently chosen for their bags. They are all very compact and can easily be thrown into any carry-on bag.

Finger Puppets

Put on a show for your kids, have them put on one for you, have a finger puppet dance party, and practice social skills, the opportunities are endless! You can also make your own puppets with the spare socks or warm slippers you may have already packed on the plane.

Wonder Markers

Mess-free means stress-free. Crayola makes mess-free travel packs with a case (great for car trips) but if you are short on space, you can opt for this smaller travel kit or separately bring a few of their markers with the paper or coloring pages.

Wikki Stix

Perfect for creative play, these bendable reusable sticks can be shaped into anything your toddler can think up! They are also one of the most affordable picks on the list!

Hotwheels/small cars

Cars are good for the plane and great for the destination where there will more room to race! *Small cars are best for older toddlers as the wheels do run a choking risk for younger toddlers in the oral phase.

Flip-board memory game

Even if your toddlers aren’t old enough to play this memory game, this board makes for a great game of peek-a-boo or fun finding a certain animal and can be used for years to come.

Small Toy figures

Small animals, action figures, etc, are great for trips. Magnetic ones can be paired with the tegu blocks or pip blocks too! *Would suggest small magnetic items only after your toddler is no longer putting everything in their mouths because magnets are the last thing you want them to swallow.

Lace toys

Lace toys are great for practicing dexterity and problem-solving, particularly for early preschoolers. Some are large, so make sure you get one small enough to pack in your carry-on.

Buckle toys

Great for young toddlers. My older daughter used to play with this one for an hour at a time when she was younger. I just purchased a second one for my youngest daughter too. I like that it has a functional pocket too to store other small toys in.

Crayons and paper

The classic. I carry washable crayons in my purse so when we get ready to take a trip I just need to add some extra paper. I only carry a few crayons in a small, zipped bag to save space. If I am bringing a writing tablet/boogie board or wonder markers, like the ones above, I often leave the crayons at home, I almost always bring something for coloring though.

 

Magna Doodle

We were given pocket-sized Magna Doodles on a flight with ANA Airlines, which have come in pretty handy.

Play wallet

An old wallet with hotel cards, business cards, reward cards, or even play money inside has proven to be loads of fun. You can buy a play wallet, too, if you prefer. I would absolutely leave the coins in that set home, though, and only bring the cards and play money.

That’s it for airplane toys for toddlers! Do you have anything your toddler loves to take on a plane? This list was long to account for various ages, stages, and interests. In no way am I suggesting carrying this many toys on an airplane! I recommend you pick 3-6 per traveling toddler and put it in their busy bag in addition to 1-2 things in your diaper bag if desired. For a full list of what’s in my baby carry-on bag, click here.

 Quick Helpful Links: 

• The Best Gear for Family Travel to make your trip a bit less stressful.
• Savings on Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts!
• Global SIM cards (buy before you fly).
• Read up on the Benefits of Family Travel. 

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