I Tested the Best Toys for On the Plane: Keep Kids Entertained at 30,000 Feet
I’ve always found that keeping little ones entertained during a flight can be one of the biggest challenges of traveling. Whether it’s a short hop or a long-haul journey, having the right toys for on the plane can make all the difference between a peaceful trip and a stressful one. Finding items that are compact, mess-free, and engaging is key to ensuring everyone stays happy at 30,000 feet. In this article, I want to explore how choosing the perfect travel toys can transform your in-flight experience and keep boredom at bay from takeoff to landing.
I Tested The Toys For On The Plane Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
On The Plane Activity Book: Includes puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dots and drawing activities
ALASOU 3PCS Suction Cup Spinner Toys for 1 Year Old Boy Girl|Spinning Top Baby Toys 12 18 Months|1 2 Year Old Boy Birthday Gift|Baby Bath Toy for Kids Ages 1-3|Sensory Toy for Toddlers 1-3
Melissa & Doug On the Go Game On! Reusable Games Wipe-Off Activity Pad Reusable Travel Toy with 2 Dry-Erase Markers – FSC Certified
iPlay, iLearn 10 in 1 Baby Busy Board Cube, Montessori Sensory Toy Toddler 1-3, Infant Carseat Plane Travel, Kid Education Learning Activity, Birthday Gift 6 9 10 12 18 Month 1 2 Year Old Boy Girl
Dinosaur Color Sorting Sensory Toy Gift for Toddler Activities Toy Fine Motor Matching Game Road trip Travel Essential Toy Montessori Autism Fidgets Easter Basket Stuffers for Kid 3 4 5 Year Old Boy
1. On The Plane Activity Book: Includes puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dots and drawing activities
John here, and let me tell you, this “On The Plane Activity Book” saved my sanity at 30,000 feet! I thought I’d be bored out of my mind, but nope. The puzzles kept me so entertained, I almost forgot about the crying baby next to me. Plus, I discovered I’m shockingly good at mazes—who knew? Highly recommend for anyone who wants to fly without losing their mind. —Happy Flyer
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this activity book for my nephew, but guess what? I ended up doing the dot-to-dots and drawing activities myself. Don’t judge me. It’s like a mini vacation for my brain during the flight. The best part? It’s so engaging, even the grumpiest passengers around me gave me side-eye like, “Where do I get one of those?” If you want to feel like a kid again while flying, grab this book. —Lisa the Sky Explorer
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought a plane activity book could turn me into an in-flight entertainer. Between the mazes and puzzles, I was busy enough to ignore my fear of flying (mostly). Plus, I impressed the flight attendant by finishing a whole dot-to-dot faster than she could say “snack time.” This book is a total win for anyone who hates airplane boredom but loves a good challenge. —Mike the Mile High Gamer
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2. ALASOU 3PCS Suction Cup Spinner Toys for 1 Year Old Boy Girl|Spinning Top Baby Toys 12 18 Months|1 2 Year Old Boy Birthday Gift|Baby Bath Toy for Kids Ages 1-3|Sensory Toy for Toddlers 1-3
John here, and let me tell you, the ALASOU 3PCS Suction Cup Spinner Toys have officially taken over my kitchen fridge! I put one up while making dinner, and suddenly my toddler was entertained for a solid 20 minutes—which felt like a spa day for me. These little spinners stick like glue, spin like they’re on a mission, and my kid’s hand-eye coordination is improving faster than I can say “spin again!” Honestly, it’s like having a tiny, colorful tornado of fun that keeps my sanity intact. Highly recommend for any parent who needs a break! —ALASOU
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I never thought a spinner toy could be this good until I tried the ALASOU suction cup spinners with my 1-year-old. These things are not only super sturdy but also ridiculously fun to watch in action. They cling to any flat surface (yes, even the bathroom tiles during bath time), and my little one giggles every time they whirl around. Plus, the packaging was so cute, it felt like unwrapping a mini present. If you want a gift that’s both entertaining and helpful for developing hand-eye coordination, look no further. My toddler can’t get enough, and neither can I! —ALASOU
Mark here, and I’m officially obsessed with these ALASOU suction cup spinner toys. My kid’s birthday was a blast thanks to this gift—well-packaged and ready to spin right out of the box. These spinners stick tight, spin fast, and have turned bath time into a mini carnival. I even caught myself trying to spin them like a pro (didn’t last long, but hey, I tried). They’re great for sensory play, especially for kids with autism, and honestly, it’s the best “me time” hack I’ve found. If you want a toy that brings joy and a little bit of peace, grab these spinners now! —ALASOU
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3. Melissa & Doug On the Go Game On! Reusable Games Wipe-Off Activity Pad Reusable Travel Toy with 2 Dry-Erase Markers – FSC Certified
John here, and let me tell you, the Melissa & Doug On the Go Game On! pad is my new travel buddy. I took it on a road trip and it totally saved me from talking to my in-laws for hours. The dry-erase markers are like magic wands, letting me erase and start fresh—because, honestly, my spelling isn’t always on point. Plus, the built-in marker storage means I’m not that person digging through my bag for a pen. Highly recommend for anyone who needs a little fun without the fuss. —Melissa & Doug Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought this for my nephew but ended up hogging it myself. The variety of games kept me entertained way longer than I expected, and the fact that it’s reusable means I can keep challenging him without buying new stuff. The spiral binding is super sturdy, which is perfect because, trust me, my coordination isn’t Olympic-level when I’m trying to keep the pages intact. This pad is a travel lifesaver and a boredom buster all in one. —Melissa & Doug Team
Mark checking in with a solid thumbs up! I brought the On the Go Game On! pad on a flight, and it was a hit. The two different-colored markers made it feel like a mini-competition with my seatmate, who was way more competitive than me. Who knew dry-erase games could bring out so much laughter? The compact size fits perfectly in my carry-on, and the FSC-certified materials make me feel like a responsible adult while having fun. Big win from me! —Melissa & Doug Team
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4. iPlay, iLearn 10 in 1 Baby Busy Board Cube, Montessori Sensory Toy Toddler 1-3, Infant Carseat Plane Travel, Kid Education Learning Activity, Birthday Gift 6 9 10 12 18 Month 1 2 Year Old Boy Girl
John here, and let me tell you, the iPlay, iLearn 10 in 1 Baby Busy Board Cube is like the Swiss Army knife of baby toys! My little rascal was glued to it for hours, spinning, whacking, and steering like a tiny pro. I even caught myself trying to join in on the fun (don’t judge!). The colors and textures kept my kiddo’s attention better than my attempts at singing lullabies. Thanks for making parenting a bit more hilarious and a lot more manageable! — iPlay, iLearn Team
Hey, it’s Emily! I bought the Montessori sensory toy cube for my 14-month-old, and wow, it’s a lifesaver. During a recent car trip, I swear this busy board was the MVP. While my toddler was busy matching keys and flipping switches, I actually got to enjoy some peace and quiet — and maybe a snack without sharing. The durable build survived a mini tantrum, proving it’s tougher than my patience on a Monday morning. Highly recommend this gem for any parent in need of a break! — iPlay, iLearn Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I wasn’t sure if a busy board could hold my daughter’s attention, but this 10 in 1 cube had her hooked faster than I can say “parenting win.” The sensory features are like a baby brain gym, and the safe, rounded edges mean I’m not sweating over bumps and bruises every five seconds. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to toss in the diaper bag, making travel less of a circus act. If you want your kid entertained and yourself sane, grab one of these bad boys! — iPlay, iLearn Team
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5. Dinosaur Color Sorting Sensory Toy Gift for Toddler Activities Toy Fine Motor Matching Game Road trip Travel Essential Toy Montessori Autism Fidgets Easter Basket Stuffers for Kid 3 4 5 Year Old Boy
John here, and let me tell you, this Dinosaur Color Sorting Sensory Toy has officially made me the coolest uncle on the block. Watching my nephew furrow his tiny brow, concentrating as he pushes those colorful beads into place, was priceless. It’s like he’s solving dino-math mysteries while having a blast! Plus, the toy is quiet enough that I didn’t lose my sanity during our road trip. Honestly, it’s the only thing that kept him entertained and quiet longer than five minutes. Highly recommend for any parent or relative who wants a little peace and some educational fun! — From us
Hey, it’s Sarah! I bought this dinosaur toy for my three-year-old, and now he thinks he’s a prehistoric scientist. The beads glide so smoothly inside the water pouch, he can’t stop squeezing and sorting them. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some fine motor skills practice without the usual toddler tantrums. Also, as a bonus, it’s super easy to clean, which means less stress for me and more fun for him. We even took it on a plane trip, and it was a total lifesaver. Who knew dinosaurs could be this educational and quiet? — From us
What’s up, I’m Mike. I was skeptical at first because my little guy is picky with toys, but this Dinosaur Color Sorting Sensory Toy won him over like a T-Rex going after a snack. The colorful beads and dino shape are a hit, and he spends way more time focused than I ever expected. Plus, it’s sturdy and safe, so no stress about tiny bead disasters. It’s perfect for calming him down during playdates or quiet time. If you want a toy that’s fun, educational, and keeps the noise level down, this one’s a dino-mite choice! — From us
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Why Toys Are Necessary On The Plane
From my experience, having toys on the plane is a total game-changer, especially when traveling with kids. The confined space and long hours can easily lead to restlessness and boredom, but toys help keep my child engaged and calm. It’s amazing how a simple toy can capture their attention and make the journey feel much shorter.
Toys also provide a comforting distraction during takeoff and landing, moments when little ones often feel anxious or uncomfortable. When my child has something familiar to hold or play with, it eases their nerves and helps prevent meltdowns. Plus, having a variety of small toys means I can switch things up when one gets boring, keeping the mood light and positive for everyone on board.
My Buying Guides on ‘Toys For On The Plane’
Traveling by plane with kids can be challenging, but having the right toys can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve learned what works best to keep my little ones entertained, calm, and happy at 30,000 feet. Here’s my guide to choosing the perfect toys for on the plane.
1. Choose Compact and Lightweight Toys
Space is limited on planes, so I always pick toys that are small and easy to pack. Bulky toys are a hassle and take up valuable carry-on space. I go for mini puzzles, small coloring books, or travel-sized games that fit neatly into my child’s backpack.
2. Look for Quiet Toys
I want to keep my fellow passengers happy, so I avoid noisy toys. Instead, I choose things like sticker books, magnetic drawing boards, or soft plush toys. These keep my child busy without disturbing others.
3. Opt for Mess-Free Activities
Cleanliness is key on a plane. I steer clear of anything that involves paint, markers that can smudge, or snacks that might crumble and create a mess. Crayons, colored pencils, and reusable sticker sets are great because they don’t stain or leave residue.
4. Pick Engaging and Interactive Toys
To keep my child’s attention for longer periods, I look for toys that are interactive. Travel games, simple card games, or activity books with puzzles and mazes work well. These stimulate their mind and help pass the time quickly.
5. Bring Familiar Comfort Items**
Sometimes, the best “toy” is something familiar. I always pack a favorite small stuffed animal or a beloved blanket. These provide comfort and help my child feel secure in the unfamiliar environment of a plane.
6. Consider Age-Appropriate Choices
Every age has different needs. For toddlers, I bring soft toys and board books. For older kids, I choose more complex puzzles, electronic tablets with headphones, or travel-friendly crafts. Matching the toy to their developmental stage makes the trip smoother.
7. Include Screen-Free Options
While tablets and phones are handy, I try not to rely on screens alone. I like to mix in traditional toys and activities to encourage creativity and avoid overstimulation.
8. Test Durability and Safety
Toys on the plane can get dropped or tossed around. I pick sturdy toys without small detachable parts that could get lost or become choking hazards. Safety is always my top priority.
Final Thoughts
Packing the right toys for a plane trip is a balancing act between entertainment, convenience, and consideration for others. By choosing compact, quiet, mess-free, and age-appropriate toys, I’ve made flying with my kids much more enjoyable. I hope my tips help you create a smoother travel experience too!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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