Airplane Toys & Activities for a One Year Old

Keeping a one-year-old entertained on a plane can be challenging, but here are ten ideas to help make the journey more enjoyable for both the child and the parents!

1. Snacks

There is nothing more fun and distracting to a 1 year old than snacks! Bring a variety of snacks, for the wait in the airport and the plane, so you can always have one handy for when the toddler starts to get bored and wiggly.

If you know you’ll be traveling in a few weeks, you can save 1 small snack pack from each type you buy over the next month, so that you have a good variety of options and all the snacks stay interesting and exciting.

2. Favorite Toys

It may seem obvious to bring their favorite toys, but if possible, begin to hide a few favorites 1-2 weeks before the flight. Then, not only will they have their favorite toys, but they will be twice as excited to see them again since they haven’t been played with in a couple weeks.

3. Interactive books

Choose books with texture, flaps and bright colors to keep your little one focused for as long as possible during the flight.

4. Finger Puppets

These are so fun for little ones to play with in their plane seat, they can use them like dolls for creative play, or you can take a turn and make fun stories for them to watch.

5. Stickers

Bring a small notebook and sheets of stickers and let them go wild! Just make sure stickers don’t get left behind on your seats. 😉 You can also try a fun sticker book like this pack of 3!

6. Water Coloring

These simple water coloring sets are perfect for planes because it’s a mess-free way to let their creativity shine!

7. Balloon

This is the best tip I can share from times traveling with my toddlers. Bring a deflated balloon through security and blow it up once you reach your gate. This is a great toy for your one year old to play with while waiting to get on the plane, and it’s easy to throw away before you get on the plane.

As we all know, the best thing you can bring is your own patience, and make sure you’re ready to switch gears any second that your toddler feels bored.