Things to Keep Kids Busy on an Airplane: Elementary Edition
Even if your kids love their iPads, there’s often a point mid-flight when screens stop doing the heavy lifting. Batteries die, eyes need a break, or they’re just ready for something different. After more flights than I can count, I’ve learned the fix isn’t packing more stuff, it’s packing smarter. A few special, travel-only activities that actually hold attention.
My big kids are recently 8 and 10. They carry their own backpacks and handle their own in-flight entertainment. This makes travel days smoother for everyone.
I’m sharing specific things to keep kids busy on an airplane that have worked for our family time and time again. On short flights, long-hauls, and everything in between, including low-mess toys, games, and activity books. If you want to stop overpacking and still keep your kids engaged, start here.
Jump to: Paper & Drawing, Busy hands things, Activity books, Magnetic Options, Card Games, Screens, Books, Suggestions by flight length, Staying organized, What NOT to bring, FAQs
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What to pack for kids on a plane without overpacking
Even with big kids, it’s easy to panic-pack “just in case” and end up hauling a mini toy store through the airport. I don’t do that anymore.
My sweet spot is 2-4 non-screen items for my middle kid, and usually only 1-2 for my oldest (plus iPads). I choose exactly what to bring and how many based on how long we’ll be in transit. Also, keep in mind layover times, train rides, long car rides, and any other transiting.
A trick is that I rotate what goes in their backpacks. If I pack the same things every trip, the novelty fades faster. Some of our best options are also travel-only toys. I store them away at home and only take them out for flights. That single boundary keeps them feeling new, without always buying new things.
Because my kids manage their own backpacks, I’m not controlling what they do minute-by-minute. I see it as a skill-building, responsibility workout. They decide when to switch activities, manage their iPad battery life, and they keep track of their own stuff. Yes, including the clean-up and re-packing.
Next, I’ll break down the exact categories that work best. Starting with the simplest one that consistently beats everything else for us: paper and drawing supplies.
For the younger days, these were our best toys for travel in the baby and toddler years.
Paper wins every time
If I could only pack one non-screen option for a flight, it would be plain paper. It’s the biggest win in our house for how long it holds attention, and it works anywhere you’re stuck and sitting still. Flights, trains, restaurants, gate delays, you name it. My kids will draw, design, make lists, do math problems, play tic-tac-toe, invent games, and somehow fill a book each trip.
What we pack
- Small spiral sketch pads with plain, unlined paper (their strong preference)
- A small pouch with a subset of writing utensils
- Erasable pens – new discovery, we’re loving how they write and how shockingly well they erase
- Washable retractable markers – no cap is one less thing to lose
- Coloring books for easy, low-effort entertainment that still feels satisfying
The screen-free “tablet” that feels like a travel hack
This is the one that consistently surprises me. The LCD drawing tablet holds attention for hours. We’ve brought one tablet for an entire day trip from Osaka, and it still carried the entertainment load through long stretches of sitting.
Why it works so well on flights
- It’s quiet, slim, and light
- There’s no mess, no caps, no crumbs of eraser bits
- Kids can switch between doodling, writing, and games without needing a new setup
What my kids actually do on it
Mine use it for way more than drawing:
- The dot game and tic-tac-toe
- Story planning and comic panels
- Maps, mazes, and “design your own” everything
- Keeping score for card games
Activity books that buy you real time
This is the category that helps when kids want a break from screens but still need something that feels absorbing. Activity books are also easy to rotate trip-to-trip, which helps keep up the novelty factor.
Maze or dot books for deep focus
A good maze book or connect-the-dots book are some of the simplest ways to get long, uninterrupted stretches of concentration. My kids will flip page to page for a while, and it’s naturally low-mess and tray-table friendly.
Hidden picture books
Hidden picture books are great when kids don’t feel like creating anything, but they still want to stay busy. They’re engaging without being too hard, which is exactly what you want mid-flight.
Dry erase activity books for repeatable entertainment
A dry-erase activity book is a strong choice if you travel often and don’t want something that gets used up on one trip. It’s nice since it resets instantly and can feel fresh many times.
Brain teaser and puzzle books for kids who love a challenge
If your kid likes logic, patterns, and “figure it out” activities, a brain teaser style book can hold attention longer than you’d expect. This is a great option for older elementary kids who want something that feels more grown-up than easy “busy work” activities or coloring.
Magnetic and tray-table games that don’t explode everywhere
If you want toys to keep kids busy on a flight without spending half the trip fishing pieces out from under the seat, go magnetic. These are some of my favorite “travel-only” picks.
Magnetic men, the real MVP
These magnetic men are hands-down one of our best purchases. They’re so simple, yet oddly satisfying, even to me. As an open-ended toy, there’s no “right way” to play, so they keep kids engaged again and again.
They saved us in Panama when our Bocas del Toro to Panama City flight was delayed for more than two hours in a bare waiting room with nothing but metal seats and a bathroom. All three kids stayed happily busy, making endless configurations like it was their job.
Mini magnetic chess for older elementary kids
A mini magnetic chess set is a great option for kids who like strategy and longer play sessions. It’s also one of the few games that can hold attention in a sustained way on a long-haul without needing constant resets.
Travel magna tiles for the builders
A travel-sized magna tile set lets the builders work on the go without needing a huge surface area. They now make special travel packs of smaller tiles in a tin, which works really well as a base for building.
Busy hands games for kids who need something to do
Some kids can’t just sit and watch. They need a physical task. This category is gold for flights because the following things are quiet and self-directed.
Kanoodle and Kanoodle Genius
These are some of my favorite travel toys for kids because they’re small, contained, and genuinely challenging in a satisfying way. Kanoodle is great for quick wins, while Kanoodle Genius is the step-up option that is smaller, but can hold attention longer for older elementary kids who like a real puzzle.
Rubik’s Cube
A Rubik’s cube is a classic for a reason. It keeps hands moving without making a mess. Even if they’re not speed-solving, they’ll tinker with it for surprisingly long stretches. This is the only thing my 9-year-old used on our most recent 3 and 5-hour flights; he didn’t even touch his iPad, only the cube.
Nanoblocks mini building sets
This option is not perfect for plane travel in my opinion, but it’s worth mentioning because for certain kids it works. My middle child is a master LEGO builder.
Small LEGO packs or even mini Nanoblock packs can work well for a flight IF your child can maintain focus on building and can keep track of the tiny pieces. Typically, I recommend avoiding toys with tiny pieces. But as they get older, hopefully their responsibility increases.
Mini Simon game
This (adorable) miniature Simon game is perfect for solo play in quick bursts. It’s a great option when a kid wants a break from drawing or reading but still needs something structured to focus on.
Classic cat’s cradle
Cat’s Cradle is the definition of low effort, low mess, and high payoff. It takes up almost no space, works in cramped seats, and keeps hands busy without bothering anyone nearby.
Card games and compact games that work for siblings
Card games are one of the easiest entertainment activities. My kids will sometimes play together, other times solo, but cards are my go-to when I want them interacting instead of zoning out.
And yes, I know. Cards can go everywhere. I still pack them anyway (but only one card game per backpack). They know they have to pick them up, otherwise they’re gone. And honestly, the act of picking them up becomes part of the activity.
UNO is the reliable classic
UNO works for a wide age range, it’s easy to restart, and it doesn’t require a big setup. It’s also one of the best options for siblings because it creates a shared focus without needing a ton of space. I appreciate this specific version because the tin holds form better than the standard cardboard box, so it lasts much better for travel. It’s also easier to put the cards away in the tin.
Spot It! for fast, high-energy rounds
Spot It! is perfect when attention spans are low, and they want something quick. The rounds are fast, it’s easy to reset, and it’s fun without being loud.
OK Play for strategy without a complicated setup
OK Play is small, simple, and surprisingly addictive. It’s a great travel game for older elementary kids because it feels like strategy, not “kid stuff,” and it works well on a tray table.
Mad Libs for silly teamwork
Mad Libs is an underrated flight activity because it’s social without being chaotic. It’s also great for siblings who like to play together. One kid is reading, and another kid is coming up with words, and everyone is laughing at the result.
Books
A note about books. When they were younger, I would pack books for flights, but as they’ve gotten older, we rarely do. The reader in me cries a little, as reading on flights is my personal favorite go-to activity. But practically, it doesn’t often make sense for us at this stage.
My elementary kids usually fly through a chapter book in a few hours or less and aren’t interested in re-reading it. Yet, they’re stubbornly resistant to larger books that may last longer. So at this stage, it doesn’t make sense to pack a book that will only last a couple of hours, or heave a bunch that may last but will weigh us down.
If you have a heavy reader and it feels worth it for your family, though, books are awesome travel entertainment. Personally, my Kindle is my non-negotiable, never-left-behind travel item. If you have an avid reader, a Kindle could be a great investment for travel, as it’s light and they can read endless books this way.
The screen savior
Whether you’re a heavy-screen, light-screen, or completely screen-free family, travel days are not like regular days. I’m permitting you to give yourself some grace. Don’t feel stuck to your same rules at home while you’re up in the air. Every family gets to make their own rules. No need to feel bad or guilty about whatever choice you make for your kids.
Many planes have seatback monitors, so even if you don’t bring a screen, there may still be one in front of your kid.
We let the rules fly, and let our kids go screen crazy on flights. This is their only free range, limitless screen time. (Big caveat: they do not have internet access.)
For quicker flights, they usually stay on their screens most of the trip. For long-haul flights, however, they switch it up. Because really, it’s too long for anyone to stare at a screen the entire trip.
I didn’t want to buy my kids brand new iPads, instead we invested in older generation refurbished ones, which has worked out great.
What to pack for kids on a plane by flight length
I like having a go-to strategy, so I’m not reinventing the wheel every time we fly. While my kids carry their own backpacks and manage their own activities, I haven’t let them fully pack their own bags yet. This is less about me controlling the entertainment and more about choosing a smart lineup they can handle independently, and also so it isn’t too much stuff.
Under 3 hours
Keep it light. You want easy wins and easy cleanup.
- 1 paper option (sketch pad, activity, or coloring book)
- 1 hands-busy item (Rubik’s cube, Kanoodle, mini Simon)
3 to 7-hour flights
This is where rotation matters. Two hours in, they’ll want something different.
- 1 paper option + pen/marker pouch
- 1 magnetic or tray-table toy (magnetic men or mini chess)
- Optional shared game (UNO or Spot It!)
- If we will have some downtime at our destination, I’ll bring the game since they can play it in our accommodations. If our plans are go go go, though, I’ll keep the cards at home.
8+ hour flights and long-hauls
Long-haul is all about variety without overpacking. I try to choose options that last longer.
- 1 deep-focus option (Kanoodle Genius, mini chess, maze book, dots book)
- 1 paper or drawing option (paper/sketch pad or LCD drawing tablet)
- 1 magnetic or building option (magnetic men or travel magna tiles)
- 1 social option for sibling play (UNO, Spot It!, OK Play, or Mad Libs)
How to keep everything organized when kids manage their own backpacks
One-at-a-time rule
Before they switch activities, the current item has to go away. This prevents everything from going everywhere, losing pieces, and having a massive cleanup at the end.
Small pouches make everything easier
Packing cubes and small pouches help keep smaller items tidy and contained. I put pens and markers in a small pouch, the little magnetic men in another pouch, and bulkier items in a packing cube.
For flat items like paper, books, and writing tablets, I just slide them into the backpack. For miscellaneous toys, I try to pack everything together in a single packing cube so they’re not floating around.
I try to use pouches and cubes that are clear or have see-through sections so we can easily know what’s inside.
What not to bring on a plane with elementary kids
A lot of “travel toys for kids” look great online, or work amazingly at home, but it doesn’t work out once faced with the tiny tray table. Here’s what I skip now, especially for ages 6-10.
Anything with a million tiny pieces
If it requires crawling under seats to complete it, it’s not coming with us. This is also why I’m picky about LEGOs and other building sets. If your kid can’t realistically keep track of parts, save it for home.
Loud, clicky, or repetitive noise toys
Even if your kid loves it, the people around you will not. And on a long flight, noise fatigue is real.
Toys that roll
Dice, marbles, tiny balls, anything that can escape and travel down the aisle. You really don’t want to be crouching under the seat trying to retrieve this and that.
Anything that needs a big surface area
If it needs a full table to play, it won’t work on a tray table (and they’ll end up frustrated). Stick with smaller flat books, magnetic options, and compact games.
Anything that requires constant adult involvement
If you’re trying to rest, read, or manage a travel day, avoid activities that only function if you’re fully engaged the whole time. Big kid travel toys work best when they can self-direct.
FAQs about keeping big kids busy on a flight
How many toys should I pack per kid for a flight?
For elementary kids, 2-4 non-screen items per kid is usually plenty (plus the iPad). More than that tends to create clutter and decision fatigue. Variety matters more than quantity.
What are the best toys for plane rides when you’re trying not to overpack?
Go for things that are flat, contained, and restartable: plain paper or a sketch pad, one solid activity book (mazes or connect the dots or hidden pictures), one hands-busy puzzle (Kanoodle or a Rubik’s cube), and a compact card game.
What if my kid only wants the iPad?
That’s fine, especially on long-haul. I still pack a couple of non-screen options because there’s almost always a moment when they want a break, the battery dips, or they just need something different. The goal isn’t to replace screens, it’s to have an easy Plan B.
What’s best for siblings who want to play together?
Card games are the easiest win: UNO and Spot It! work well without a big setup. OK Play is great if they want something more strategic, and Mad Libs is perfect if they’re in a silly, collaborative mood.
What works best for long-haul flights?
You want one deep-focus option (mini chess, Kanoodle Genius, maze book, connect the dots book), one drawing option (paper or LCD tablet), and one social option (cards). That mix gives them enough variety to rotate without overpacking.
What should I pack if we won’t have tray tables for part of the travel day?
Stick with lap-friendly options: activity books, paper, Cat’s Cradle, Kanoodle, Rubik’s cube, and compact card games. Avoid anything that needs building space.
Are these only for airplanes?
Not at all. These are the same things that work during train rides, long waits at the gate, airport delays, and those restaurant stretches where food takes forever.
Pack less, entertain better
If there’s one takeaway from all of this, it’s that you don’t need a giant bag of stuff to get through a flight with big kids. A few smart, low-mess options, especially the “travel-only” ones, go a long way when screen break is needed, or kids want something different.
Rotate what you pack, keep it contained with simple pouches, and let your kids manage their own backpacks. It’s lighter on you, and it’s good responsibility practice for them, too.
If you want to keep planning smoother travel days, head over to my family travel planning tips next. Also, get inspired by somewhere new, and explore family-friendly destinations.
