Screen-Free Airplane Activities for Kids
Updated June 2026 · 5 min read
Screens are fine, but they don't have to carry the whole flight. Here are the screen-free activities that genuinely keep my kids happy in the air, so the tablet is a backup, not the plan.
Pack a busy bag
- Wrapped surprises, unwrapping buys time and excitement
- Sticker books, coloring, and pipe cleaners
- An audio player like a Tonies with kid headphones for stories and songs
- Window clings and a mess-free activity pad
Play together
- I Spy, 20 questions, and simple card games
- Snack-based games (sort, count, and nibble)
- Make a paper airplane or a story together
- A tray-table scavenger hunt
Build your busy bag
The sticker books, audio player, kid headphones, and quiet activities I pack are in my Amazon storefront.
See my Amazon picks → As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.More travel help
See my long flight with a toddler guide and best travel toys.
Frequently asked questions
What can kids do on a plane without a screen?
Busy bags with sticker books and coloring, an audio player with stories, card games, I Spy, and snack-based games all keep kids engaged without a tablet.
How do I entertain a child on a long flight?
Rotate a busy bag of small activities, play games together, use an audio player, and space out snacks. Keep the tablet as a backup, not the whole plan.
What are good quiet plane activities for kids?
Sticker books, coloring, pipe cleaners, window clings, and audio stories with headphones are all quiet and self-contained.
Janet
Orlando mom of two and the creator behind Planet Janet TV. I share the real gear, trips, and mom-life finds I actually use. Come say hi on Instagram.
The full flight plan
Everything I pack and do to survive a long flight with a toddler.
Read the flight guide →Sources: personal experience flying with kids.