Traveling with kids is fun if you plan ahead. Otherwise, it can be draining, tiring and drive you on the verge of madness. Especially if you’re travelling by plane.
I prefer traveling by car because we are independent and can stop anytime and anywhere in case Chloe-Sofia is not well or needs a potty break. When she gets a bit older, I want to switch to
Traveling by plane is my least preferred alternative. After two hours, Chloe-Sofia gets bored and the trouble starts. But if we want to visit my parents in the Czech Republic or Alex’s family in Costa Rica, we don’t have a choice. So how to survive a plane trip with
Here is a shoppable list of toys and tools that we always bring with us for long-haul travel (more than 12 hours). I am sure that with these toys, traveling with kids can be fun for anyone.
Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.
Diane Ackerman
SKETCH PAD AND PASTEL COLORS
- The basic and most affordable travel entertainment for kids. Especially if you travel by train or plane. It always works. ALWAYS.
MAGNETIC DRAWING OR DRY ERASE BOARD
- We took dry erase board on a long haul flight last year and Chloe-Sofia had a lot of fun with it. This year I wanted to get
magnetic drawing board but couldn’t find it in Geneva. But they are easy to find online:
STICKER BOOKS
- Our number one option to survive traveling with kids. Both my nephew and Chloe-Sofia love sticker books. Our current favorites are French sticker books series that feature three girlfriends dressing up for different occasions. There are about 400 stickers (clothes, animals, and accessories) in each sticker book and she can dress up the girls as she likes.
- I know, it is not very intellectual but she likes it and the other sticker books available in Switzerland are not as nice and the stickers don’t hold as well.
LEGO OR DUPLO
- Contrary to your first thought, they’re very practical. You just have to store them safely. As much as I avoid using plastic in any shape and form, ziplock bags proved to be the most practical so far. Another option is to use a small cloth bag that you can tie.
- It’s worth to take Lego/Duplo with you on the plane if you’re seated in the front row. More leg space = your child can sit down on the floor and the pieces won’t get lost as easily.
FINGER TOYS
- That was our popular on flight entertainment when Chloe-Sofia was smaller. Finger toys are practical because they are small, easy to pack and more fun for children who are restless. You can also involve your little one in the play to make it more interactive and engaging.
PUZZLE
- Here I will give the same advice for transporting and storing as for Lego/Duplo. Chloe-Sofia loves this brand (she has already mastered 4 + years) and it keeps her calm and occupied for several minutes. It may seem short but even five minutes feels like heaven if you have an active two-and-half-year old.
PLAY-DOH
- I was not sure if I should recommend it but we do take Play-Doh with us as the last resort. Chloe-Sofia loves modeling and creating animals and cars (OK, our creations don’t resemble animals nor cars, you just need to have a vivid imagination).
- I am not a big fan because she likes to eat it and there always a lot of mess left for us to clean.
Play is the highest form or research.
Albert Einstein
STEM TOYS
- These two toys are for older children but as I believe in the importance of introducing both girls and boys to STEM disciplines equally, I included them.
- I always find it annoying when people say that Chloe-Sofia is beautiful – I don’t want that she thinks that beauty is all that matters. There is an expiry date on “beauty” and it is very important for girls to learn as young as possible that while beauty fades, no one can take what’s in your brain.
What toys or games do you take with you when you travel with your child/kids?
