Engaging Family Travel Tips for Surviving a 5-hour Flight

If you are determined to keep the trip screen free you have to be ready with lots of activities to make it happen! Here are a few things that we do in order to prepare for long flights without devices:

1. Pack a TON of different activities.

Start by packing a mix of activities that cater to different interests and attention spans. For younger kids, consider activity books, sticker sets, or simple craft kits. Older kids might enjoy puzzles, word games, or even a new book to dive into. Our kids love audio books from audible (click here for a free trial!) Rotate the activities to keep things fresh—when one starts to lose its appeal, switch to another.

2. Keep the Creative Play Going

Creative play is a great way to pass the time. Bring along colored pencils and drawing pads, or invest in reusable drawing boards like a Boogie Board. Encourage your kids to draw what they see outside the window, create their own comic strip, or write a short story about their trip. We love bringing journals along for them to color and write about their adventures. Here is a list of some of our favorite creative items! Check out some of our favorites HERE!

3. Interactive Games are Where it's At!

Interactive games can be a lifesaver. Simple card games like Uno or Go Fish are easy to pack and fun for all ages. If your kids enjoy word games, try a round of "20 Questions" or "I Spy." For something different, consider magnetic travel games that won't get lost under the seat! Here are some more ideas :)

4. Snacks, Favorite Snacks, AND SURPRISE Snacks :)

Never underestimate the power of snacks! Pack a variety of healthy snacks that take time to eat, like trail mix or cut-up fruits. You can also create a "surprise bag" for each child, filled with small, individually wrapped toys or treats that they can open at different points during the flight. Here are some of our favs!

5. Storytime with Audible

Bring along a few audiobooks or read-aloud books for some story time. Choose a new book they haven’t heard before to keep them interested. If you're feeling creative, make up your own stories together, letting each child add to the tale as you go along.

6. Try to Let Them Move Around

Let them move around as much as possible. Trips to the bathroom, stretching in their seats, if you have a layover walk laps through the airport. This will help them get the wiggles out and be more comfortable.

-------

Flying without screens can be scary and feel overwhelming but with some fun stuff to do and a good vibe, it can be a cool and satisfying time for you and the little ones. The best way though to have a fun trip is to keep it interesting, keep the kids engaged, and let go of your expectations. Try to go with the flow as much as possible, especially on travel days!

this post contains affiliate links