Plane activities for 1 year olds can make your flight smooth and enjoyable. Keeping a toddler entertained on a plane is easier with the right activities. From interactive books to finger puppets, I’ve got you covered. Read on for the best tips to keep your little one happy during the flight!
Plane Activities for 1 Year Old: 14 Things To Do
Plane activities for 1-year-old can include interactive books, soft toys, and finger puppets. Bring snacks and a sippy cup for hunger and ear pressure relief. Stacking cups, travel puzzles, and playdough offer great engagement. These activities ensure a smooth, enjoyable flight for you and your toddler.
Take Interactive Books
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Interactive cloth or board books |
| Safety Considerations | Ensure books are sturdy and have no small detachable parts |
| Duration | 15-30 minutes |
| Space Needed | Can be done within the airplane seat |
One of the best ways to keep your baby entertained on a plane is by bringing along interactive books. Cloth or board books with interactive elements like flaps, textures, and bright colors are perfect for sensory exploration. These books are not only fun but also educational.
When I traveled with my baby, interactive books were a lifesaver. They loved touching the different textures and lifting the flaps to see what was underneath. It’s a simple yet engaging activity that can keep your little one busy for quite a while. Plus, it’s an excellent way to introduce them to new words and concepts.
Bring Teething Toys
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Teething toys made of safe materials |
| Safety Considerations | Ensure toys are large enough not to pose a choking hazard |
| Duration | As needed throughout the flight |
| Space Needed | Very little, suitable for lap play |
Coloring
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Crayons and coloring book or mess-free coloring pad |
| Safety Considerations | Use non-toxic crayons or water-based coloring tools |
| Duration | 15-30 minutes |
| Space Needed | Can be done within the airplane tray table |
Coloring is a fantastic way to keep your 1-year-old entertained on a plane. You can bring crayons (it’s parents’ first choice). Other ones are coloring books, or mess-free coloring pads like those by Water Wow. These pads only need water to reveal colors and designs, making them a clean and fun option.
I love using Water Wow pads because they are mess-free and reusable. My child enjoys watching the colors appear like magic with just a brush dipped in water. It’s a simple and engaging activity that can keep them busy for a long time without the worry of spills or stains.
Sticker Books That Your Kid Loves
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Sticker book with favorite themes |
| Safety Considerations | Ensure stickers are size-appropriate and non-toxic |
| Duration | 30-45 minutes |
| Space Needed | Minimal, ideal for seat or lap activity |
Stickers are another great way to keep your toddler occupied during a flight. Sticker books are fun and can engage a toddler’s creativity for a long time. You can find sticker books with various themes that your child loves, like animals, cars, or their favorite characters.
When I travel, I always pack a few sticker books. My child loves peeling the stickers and placing them in the book or on a piece of paper. It’s an easy and quiet activity that provides endless entertainment.
Portable Music Players: Play Children’s Songs or Nursery Rhymes
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Portable music player and headphones |
| Safety Considerations | Volume control to protect hearing |
| Duration | Varies, can be used intermittently |
| Space Needed | Very little, just the size of the device |
Bringing headphones or a portable music player can be soothing and entertaining for your little one. You can play children’s songs or nursery rhymes that they love. Music can be calming and help them relax or even fall asleep during the flight.
I always bring a small music player with a playlist of my child’s favorite songs. It’s amazing how a familiar tune can instantly calm them down and make them feel more at home. Whether it’s a fun song to sing along to or a gentle lullaby, music is a wonderful way to keep your child happy and entertained.
Create a Small Photo Album
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Photo album filled with family pictures |
| Safety Considerations | Ensure album corners are smooth and safe |
| Duration | 20-30 minutes |
| Space Needed | Can be viewed on the lap or seat |
Creating a small photo album for your 1-year-old can be a wonderful activity. Fill it with pictures of family members, pets, and familiar objects. This can be comforting and engaging for your child as they look through the pictures and recognize familiar faces and things.
I made a small photo album for my baby, and it worked wonders during our flight. They loved pointing at the pictures and hearing me name each person or object. It’s a great way to keep them entertained and connected to home while traveling. Plus, it’s a lovely keepsake for them to look at even after the trip.
Play with Soft Toys
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Soft plush toys |
| Safety Considerations | Choose toys without small parts or loose elements |
| Duration | 20-40 minutes |
| Space Needed | Minimal, suitable for lap and seat play |
Soft toys are another fantastic option for plane activities. Bringing a few of their favorite plush toys can provide comfort in a new environment. These toys are great for cuddling and imaginative play.
I always pack a couple of my child’s favorite plush toys. They love playing pretend games, hugging their toys, and even using them as pillows for a quick nap. Soft toys are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a convenient choice for travel.
If your child is teething, teething toys are essential. These toys can soothe sore gums and provide comfort during the flight. Look for teething toys that are easy to clean and made of safe materials.
When my baby was teething, having a teething toy on hand was a game-changer. It helped calm them down and kept them occupied. I prefer silicone teething toys because they are easy to clean. Some even come with clips, so you don’t have to worry about them falling on the floor.
Eat Small Snacks
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Small, easy-to-handle snacks in resealable bags |
| Safety Considerations | Choose age-appropriate and non-choking hazard snacks |
| Duration | As needed during the flight |
| Space Needed | Minimal, can be done within the seat area |
Snacks are a must-have when traveling with a toddler. Things like cereal puffs, sliced fruit, and cheese sticks are perfect. Snacks can help manage hunger and serve as a distraction during the flight.
I always pack a variety of small snacks in resealable bags. My child enjoys munching on them, and it helps keep them occupied. Snacks also come in handy during takeoff and landing, as chewing can help relieve ear pressure. Just make sure to have some wet wipes on hand for any clean-ups.
Sippy Cups
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Sippy cup filled with water or child’s favorite drink |
| Safety Considerations | Use spill-proof cups |
| Duration | Use as needed for hydration or during takeoff/landing |
| Space Needed | Minimal, fits within the seat area |
Sippy cups are essential for keeping your child hydrated during the flight. They are also helpful for relieving ear pressure during takeoff and landing. Drinking from a sippy cup can make the changes in air pressure more comfortable for your little one.
I never travel without a sippy cup for my child. It’s easy for them to use, and I don’t have to worry about spills. I fill it with water or their favorite drink and encourage them to sip during takeoff and landing.
Keeping your little one entertained is key on a plane, but what if they’re not feeling well? Before you fly, check out these handy tips on Traveling With a Sick Child: Essential Tips for Parents to make your journey smoother.
Stacking Cups
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Set of small, lightweight plastic stacking cups |
| Safety Considerations | Ensure cups are free from sharp edges |
| Duration | 20-30 minutes |
| Space Needed | Minimal, suitable for tray table or seat floor |
Stacking cups are fantastic for keeping your 1-year-old busy on a plane. These small, lightweight plastic cups can be stacked, nested, and used for sorting.
It’s a simple toy, but it offers endless fun and keeps them engaged for a long time. Plus, they don’t take up much space in your bag.
Window Clings: Fun for Decorating Their Immediate Area
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Reusable window clings |
| Safety Considerations | Ensure clings are free from toxins and are large enough to not be a choking hazard |
| Duration | 15-30 minutes, can be reused |
| Space Needed | Only requires the window or tray table area |
Window clings are a great way to entertain your little one while they’re sitting by the window. These reusable stickers can be placed on the airplane window, tray table, or even on the seat in front. They are fun for decorating and can be easily removed without leaving any residue.
When I discovered window clings, they quickly became a favorite travel activity for my child. They enjoy sticking and peeling them off repeatedly, creating their little scenes. It’s a fun and mess-free activity that keeps them entertained.
Soft Building Blocks
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Set of soft building blocks |
| Safety Considerations | Check for non-toxic materials and sturdy construction |
| Duration | 20-40 minutes |
| Space Needed | Minimal, good for lap or small surface play |
Soft building blocks are another excellent option for plane activities. These blocks are easy for little hands to grasp and can be used to build simple structures. They are lightweight, soft, and safe for young children to play with.
I love bringing soft building blocks on flights because my child enjoys stacking and knocking them down. They are great for developing motor skills and creativity. Plus, because they’re soft, I don’t have to worry about them making noise or causing any disruptions on the plane.
Solve Travel-sized Puzzles
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Small, easy-to-handle puzzles |
| Safety Considerations | Ensure pieces are large enough to avoid choking risks |
| Duration | 15-30 minutes |
| Space Needed | Can be done within the seat area |
Travel-sized puzzles are perfect for keeping your 1-year-old entertained on a plane. These small puzzles are designed for little hands and help develop problem-solving skills. They are usually simple and come in various fun shapes and pictures.
When I travel, I always bring a few travel-sized puzzles. My child enjoys fitting the pieces together and seeing the final picture. It’s a great way to keep them busy and engaged. Plus, it helps improve their concentration and fine motor skills.
Play With Finger Puppets
| Criteria | Details |
| Required Materials | Set of finger puppets |
| Safety Considerations | Choose puppets without loose parts |
| Duration | 15-25 minutes |
| Space Needed | Very little, ideal for confined spaces |
Finger puppets are a fantastic way to entertain your toddler on a plane. These small puppets fit on your fingers and can be used to play out stories or just for fun interaction. They are lightweight and easy to pack.
I love using finger puppets during our flights. My child is always fascinated by the little characters and enjoys watching me create silly voices and stories. It’s a fun and interactive way to pass the time and keep your little one happy.
Once you’ve mastered keeping your 1-year-old happy on the plane, you might be thinking about where to take them next. Explore 20 Must-Visit Places with Your 2-Year-Old: The Ultimate Family Travel List for great vacation ideas.
Conclusion
Traveling with a 1-year-old doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right activities, you can ensure a pleasant journey for both you and your child. Here are the key takeaways:
- Interactive books and soft toys are great for engagement.
- Snacks and sippy cups help with hunger and ear pressure.
- Window clings and finger puppets offer quiet, creative play.
- Stacking cups and travel-sized puzzles develop motor skills.
- Playdough and soft building blocks provide sensory fun.
With these activities, your next flight with your toddler will be a breeze. Enjoy your travels and make wonderful memories together!