Flying with Toddlers: From Security Lines to Activity Bags
A well-organized carry-on keeps travel essentials—like mess-free snacks, quiet activities, and a favorite plush friend—within easy reach for little hands.
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The idea of flying with toddlers is enough to give any parent anxiety! You may be worried about how other passengers will react when they see you board, or you might just be concerned about how to keep your little one busy throughout the flight. A well-prepared carry-on bag made just for your child and a set game plan can make your flight so much easier for everyone! Here are some tips you can use for your next family trip.
The Goal of the Activity Carry-On Bag
This bag has one job: keep your kid feeling busy, comfortable, and emotionally okay from takeoff to landing.
That means packing:
Items they can use in a tight space
Activities that don’t roll, spill, stain, or beep
Different categories of items so you’re not relying on one thing for the whole flight
Pick the Kid-Sized Carry-On
A small kid-sized backpack is perfect for flights with toddlers because it fits under the seat, plus your child can carry it themselves. The more pockets it has, the easier it will be to pack little snacks, toys, and surprises for the flight.
When you start shopping for your toddler’s carry-on bag, opt for something with bright colors, whether it’s a favorite cartoon character or a bright print. This will help ensure it doesn’t get mixed up with other kids’ bags in the security line.
Pack the Snacks First
Snacks are maybe the most important part of helping a toddler stay comfortable on a flight. A hungry little one is a grumpy little one, so you want to make sure you allocate enough space in the backpack for their favorite treats.
Choose snacks that are shelf-stable and don’t leave behind a mess. Kid-friendly favorites like goldfish crackers and fruit snacks are always a plus. If you want to bring fresh fruits or veggies, slice and pack them into Lunchable-style snack containers with compartments. Other snacks that work great include:
Fruit puree or applesauce pouches
Suckers (these can help with ear discomfort during the flight)
Yogurt melts (technically these are a baby food snack, but toddlers still love them)
Granola bars
Pack a couple of small sandwich bags to place wrappers or uneaten portions of food so you can keep your area clean until the flight attendant comes by to pick up trash during the flight.
Choose Plane-Friendly Activities for Toddlers
The best activities for toddlers on a plane are the ones that keep them busy without making noise or a mess. Puzzles, reusable stickers (the kinds without adhesive on the back), and activity books are all great choices.
Dry-erase fun (reusable + compact)
A small dry-erase board turns the tray table into an activity station. Drawing, tic-tac-toe, snowman are all fun and easy distractions, and because the dry-erase board is reusable, this one item can keep kids busy for a long time. Pair it with clickable dry-erase markers so you’re not dealing with lost caps.
Card games (the underrated MVP)
Card games are perfect for flights, and they’re small enough to fit into even the fullest backpack. A basic deck works for older kids, and classic kid card games (like Uno/Go Fish style) are great for younger ones. Matching games like Memory are good for kids who aren’t quite old enough to handle more complex card game rules. Pro tip: stash decks in a zipper pouch so cards don’t migrate under seats or look for travel-friendly packaging, like this Uno set that comes in a reusable tin.
“Magic Marker” / mess-free coloring
These are a win because the marker only works on the book pages, so you don’t end up with ink on clothes or seats. If your child loves a specific character, like Bluey, choosing a themed version makes it feel extra exciting. Melissa + Doug Water Wow and Sticker Wow activity books also work and are a lot of fun!
Reusable sticker play
Reusable sticker books are excellent for toddlers and preschoolers. They can stick them on a board, the tray table, or a notebook. (And they feel like a brand-new activity every time you hand them over). Pro tip: pack along a small pack of disinfecting wipes to clean any plane surfaces before using the stickers on them.
A magazine or activity book for older kids
For kids who like to read or browse, a magazine feels “grown up” and can hold attention longer than you’d think. You can also download digital versions on a tablet if that’s easier.
Include Cozy Comforts for Plane Rides
When kids get bored, tired, or overstimulated, comfort can be the fastest fix. A portable travel blanket and travel pillow set make it easier for them to settle in, even if they don’t fully fall sleep. If you bring a tablet along to help them relax, don’t forget headphones.
Toys to Avoid when Flying with Kids
Some toys and foods are a hard no on planes. Some will frustrate the flight crew, while others will disturb passengers:
anything loud or musical
anything with flashing lights
anything with tiny pieces that can spill everywhere (think no LEGO bricks)
anything messy (slime, kinetic sand, paint, permanent markers)
snacks with strong odors
Basically: if it can roll, stain, stink, or beep… skip it. If you pack a tablet or let your child play games on your phone, be sure to bring headphones too.
How to Time Activities During the Flight
If you hand over everything at once to your toddler, the novelty of the activity carry-on wears off quickly. As much as possible, you should make sure all the items in the bag are a surprise. Pass them out at intervals during the flight (timing depends on how long your flight is). Here are some tips you can use if they work for your toddler.
Start with one calm activity during boarding
Pull out snacks after takeoff
Bring out a surprise item when boredom hits
Save one “last resort” activity for the final stretch
This keeps the flight from feeling like one long endurance test.
Don’t Forget the Return Flight
This is the part people forget: kids need a fresh set of options for the trip home. I like grabbing a couple new snacks and one small surprise during the trip (Target, dollar store, a local pharmacy) so the return flight still has novelty. Try to do this before you head out for the airport; buying snacks and magazines once you’re past TSA checkpoints will cost you a lot more.
Planning the Rest of the Trip
Once you’ve figured out how to survive the flight, the rest of the trip often feels a lot more manageable. Having a plan for where you’re staying and how you’ll get around can make travel with kids feel less stressful and more enjoyable.
If your trip includes a hotel stay, you might like this idea for a simple one-day getaway built around a hotel pool. It’s a great reminder that travel with kids doesn’t have to be packed with activities to feel special.
Choosing the right hotel setup can also make a big difference, especially when everyone needs sleep. This breakdown of adjoining hotel rooms versus a family suite can help you decide what works best for your family and your budget.
And if flying is only part of your journey, you may also want to check out this guide to essential family road trip gear for ideas that keep kids comfortable and entertained once you’re back on the road.
