Tips for keeping littles busy on long flights.

2025/11/19 Edited to

... Read moreFlying with toddlers can feel like a Herculean task, especially on those long-haul flights! I know the struggle – trying to keep little ones engaged without relying solely on screens can be tough. But after many trips, including that 6-hour journey with my 2 and almost 4-year-olds, I've found a few game-changers that truly made a difference. One of my absolute favorite discoveries for keeping them busy, especially for encouraging some independent play, was a combination of toy cars and road tape. My son could sit there for a surprising amount of time, creating his own little highways on the tray table. The dinosaur-themed tray cover was a double win here; it not only contained the cars but also provided a fun background for his adventures. I found that if I introduced a few cars at a time and then rotated them, it kept his interest piqued without him getting overwhelmed. It's amazing how a simple setup can foster such focused play! Then there are the quieter, fine-motor skill builders. Pipe cleaners were a huge hit with my 4-year-old. We brought a small bag of colorful ones, and she spent ages bending them into shapes, little animals, and even tiny glasses for her stuffed toys. It’s incredibly mess-free and sparks so much creativity. Another fantastic find was the "Scratch Fantastic!" activity book – a dollar store gem! These are perfect for mess-free drawing and artistic expression, and the stylus is easy for small hands to manage. Along the same lines, reusable sticker books, like the Mickey and Minnie Mouse ones we found, offer endless fun. They peel and restick, so the activity can last for the entire flight and beyond. Now, let's talk about those wonderfully tactile squishy toys. I often get asked, "Can you bring squishies on a plane?" Absolutely! They're generally fine to bring in both carry-on and checked luggage. They're soft, quiet, and can provide a great sensory outlet for toddlers. I picked up a few vibrant ones from the dollar store (or similar places like Dollarama if you're in Canada!), and they were a big hit. My little one spent a good 10 minutes just exploring the textures and shapes of a car-shaped sensory toy with buckles. These little items are fantastic for calming restless hands and providing a quiet distraction. Lastly, don't underestimate the power of novelty. Introducing a new toy or activity every hour or so, even if it's just a few pipe cleaners or a different squishy, can make a huge difference. I always pack a variety of items, some familiar and some completely new, to keep things fresh. These simple, often budget-friendly, finds truly turn a potentially stressful flight into a manageable, even enjoyable, experience for everyone. Happy travels, fellow parents!

1 comment

gabby ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡'s images
gabby ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

i love this because it’s such an amazing way to limit screen time, and still give them good stimulation! i’m taking notes!! you’re doing great!! 🥹

Related posts

Direct Flights from The U.S To The Caribbean
Some flights are seasonal and some only operates on certain days of the week. Happy Travels✈️ #vacation #vacationtips #TravelDeals #caribbeantravel #travel
C H A N ✨

C H A N ✨

24 likes

A woman performs hip thrusts with a dumbbell, illustrating an exercise to avoid 'Chair Butt.' Text overlay emphasizes preventing glute flattening from prolonged sitting.
An illustration depicts office workers sitting, with skeletal overlays showing poor posture and glute atrophy, labeled 'Dead Butt Syndrome,' highlighting the effects of prolonged sitting.
Text lists and describes key exercises to strengthen glutes, including Glute Bridges, Squats, Lunges, Clamshells, and Step-Ups, to combat the effects of prolonged sitting.
Tips for Fixing a Flat Butt from Sitting too Long🥞
🧠Understanding Dead Butt Syndrome and Why It Happens🧠 "Chair Butt" / “Dead Butt Syndrome” is a term used to describe the physical changes that happen to your glutes (butt muscles) when you spend long hours sitting. When you're seated, the glute muscles remain largely inactive. Over t
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

4595 likes

How to find the cheapest flights possible
How to find cheap flights👇 🐇Use the Hopper app This app helps you find the cheapest flights possible and even notifies you when prices of the flight you want rise and fall. This is how I found a one-way flight from NYC to Italy for only $280! 📆Fly during the off-season During the busy
Sarah Close

Sarah Close

310 likes

How to get cheaper flights✈️🤑
#flights #travel #traveltips #savemoney #save
Frugal Buddy

Frugal Buddy

550 likes

The secret to keeping berries fresh for 2 weeks!
Stop throwing money away! If you buy berries in bulk, but they always go bad Here is a simple way to Make your berries last up to two weeks! Discover the secret to making berries last two weeks and say goodbye to wasted fruit! 🍓🍇🍒 Our expert tips and tricks will help you extend the shelf lif
KISSparkles

KISSparkles

6371 likes

An airplane wing over clouds with the title text "BEST APPS FOR FINDING Cheap Flights PART 1" and the Lemon8 logo.
The 'Going' app logo and text instructing users to enter their home airport to find deals, set against an airplane wing over clouds.
A map from the Going app displaying various roundtrip flight prices to European cities, with an airplane wing over clouds in the background.
BEST APPS FOR FINDING CHEAP FLIGHTS - PART 1
Going has been my new favorite app for finding flight deals! This app is very simple to use! 1. You start by selecting your home airport. 2. Get alerted when there are good deals from your home airport 3. Create a watchlist to be alerted when there are deals to specific cities 4. Use their
Niki ◡̈ global guru

Niki ◡̈ global guru

138 likes

Travel Tip Tuesday: Flights✈️🌎
In addition, if you don’t mind traveling Spirit, Frontier or Allegiant… Purchasing your tickets at the airport counter will eliminate some of the passenger fees, reducing your overall ticket cost 😊😊 #flightsforless #flights #TravelDeals #tips #TravelHack #travelhacks #airlines
Tashay

Tashay

1215 likes

Flights UNDER $350 Roundtrip from D.C.
I have FREE travel resource at the 🔗 in my instagram bio if you’re wanting to book cheaper flights ☺️ • #CheapFlights #affordabletravel #budgetfriendlytravel #travelonabudget #blackgirltravel #traveldeals #familytravel #traveltipsandtricks #travelchallenge #travelwit
K.Janea’

K.Janea’

199 likes

✨Busy Girl Guide: Toning Upper-Body✨🚫No Bulking⏳💪🔥
If your goal is to develop a toned and defined upper body without adding excessive bulk, you’re in the right place. Here’s my guide that combines targeted workouts with insights into muscle engagement, diet, and overall fitness strategies to help you achieve a lean and sculpted upper body as a
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

100 likes

Things To Do On Long Flights
Some people love the excitement of travel- walking through the airport, sitting on the plane, looking at the beautiful clouds through the window, etc. Personally, I don't enjoy this experience much, and wish for time to go by faster on flights so I can be at my destination. If you are like me,
CHRISTINA

CHRISTINA

101 likes

Is cooking keeping you from losing weight!? 🤓
If you think you’re too busy to cook healthy meals, this is for you. These cooked sticky white rice bowls are perfect for busy moms and women on the go. One bowl is 290 calories, 6g protein, and 67g carbs. Just add steamed veggies and chicken, and you have a balanced, nutritious meal in minutes.
CynSin✨

CynSin✨

2085 likes

how to find flights ✈️
I have so many places on my bucket list but I also have so much to pay in student loans.. here’s how I make both happen! google flights searches ALL flights to find you the cheapest available price!! you can look at flights anywhere and the price graph is so helpful for comparing dates #travel
sarah 🪴

sarah 🪴

399 likes

Best Days to Book the Cheapest Flights
If you’re trying to save money on flights, the day you book and the day you fly matter a lot more than you think. I’ve been tracking flight deals for years, and these are the tips that consistently help me find the lowest prices. Start with when to book: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the c
Kevin’s Templates

Kevin’s Templates

8 likes

Two women stand against wooden doors, one in a black jacket and lavender skirt, the other in a cream sweater and black pants, illustrating friendship tips for busy people.
An overhead view of various brunch foods, including avocado toast and coffee, accompanies text advising to plan the next hangout during the current one.
A white vase and pen are next to a digital 'Sachel Bucketlist' showing activity ideas like 'top golf' and 'movie night,' illustrating a shared activity list.
how I maintain my friendships while being BUSY 🌿🌸✨
I've been prioritizing friendships a LOT this year. I realized just how important it is to have solid connections in my life! With that being said... nurturing relationships take time. I have a lot of things I want to pursue (9-5, content creation, other hobbies) and with that, often have a pac
Sarah Jolie 🌸

Sarah Jolie 🌸

71 likes

HERE’S HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR HOLIDAY FLIGHTS ✈️
🎄With the holidays approaching, we all start planning when to visit family or take that dream vacation with loved ones. 💸But to avoid overpaying and make the most of the holidays, some advanced planning is required, especially when it comes to flights. 👉🏼Depending on your destination, the bes
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

441 likes

MY FAVORITE TIP FOR FINDING CHEAP FLIGHTS
It is without a doubt that flight costs make up the biggest expense of any trip…my best advice to keep flight costs low is to choose a destination based on where you can find the best flight deals. Go into planning a trip without a specific location in mind. The best way to find cheap flights quick
Niki ◡̈ global guru

Niki ◡̈ global guru

6879 likes

An airplane at an airport gate with another flying above, promoting February travel tips and flights from $80 to cities like Miami, New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
A flight search result showing options for Chicago to New York, with prices starting around $93.81 for flights on Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, displayed over a street scene.
A flight search result showing options for Atlanta to Orlando, with prices at $48.13 for Frontier Airlines flights, indicating limited seats available.
✈️ How to Score the Cheapest Flights
1️⃣ Stick to the "Mid-Week" Window Avoid the Peak: Fridays and Sundays are the busiest for business and weekend travelers, making them the most expensive. Best Time to Book: Try to book and fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Mid-week flights are often 15%–30% cheaper than weekend departures.
Happy Travel

Happy Travel

9 likes

BEST APPS FOR FINDING CHEAP FLIGHTS - PT2
This app helps find good flight deals, but also helps to make them more affordable by allowing you to pay a small deposit when you book, and the rest in installments as you go. This app is amazing! They will break down the payments for you, and after you submit the final payment, you will receive y
Niki ◡̈ global guru

Niki ◡̈ global guru

696 likes

The image shows an airplane wing from a window view, flying above clouds, with the text 'Tips for Cheap Flights 💕' overlaid, indicating the article's topic.
This image displays the Skiplagged flight search interface, showing fields for origin, destination, dates, and a 'Search Flights' button, highlighting its feature to find hidden-city fares.
The image presents a flight search form, likely from Airfarewatchdog, with fields for departure city (Oakland), dates, and travelers, emphasizing finding flight deals.
Tips for Cheap Flights 💕
said: ✈️ Need a cheap (or last-minute) flight? I got you. Here are little-known hacks & underrated places to find crazy-good flight deals 👇 🍋 Matrix (ITA Software) — flight search engine built by Google engineers. 🔍 Use it to build custom routing combos & complex itineraries. Book the r
Nandi Cola

Nandi Cola

566 likes

Best Times to Book Flights for the Lowest Prices
Flight prices change constantly, but these general timing guidelines can help you avoid overpaying. I use this as a starting point, then stay flexible depending on the trip. Save this before your next flight search 🛫 #TravelTips #FlightDeals #TravelPlanning #BudgetTravel #TravelInspo
Livii

Livii

244 likes

Best traveling Hacks for cheap flights!💸
Finding cheap flights ✈️ during spring break can be veryyy challenging due to increased demand, but here are some hacks that might help⬆️✨ I hope these hacks help you find cheap flights this Spring Break!, also, don’t forget to stay vigilant for delas and discounts to find much better deals!!💸
Virely💖

Virely💖

65 likes

A view from an airplane window showing the tarmac and other aircraft, with a cartoon airplane graphic and the text 'HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS' overlaid.
An image displaying the Google Flights interface and the Skyscanner logo, illustrating two recommended platforms for finding affordable airline tickets.
A calendar view from a flight booking site showing June dates with varying prices, highlighting the 'Flexible Dates' option to find the cheapest travel days, with June 21st and 22nd showing the lowest prices.
Tips to Find Cheap Flights
Everybody loves a good deal, especially when it comes to traveling and flights since they can be quite expensive. There are ways to help find the cheapest flights possible for upcoming trips and save money on travel. Here is how I do it (using my home airport of HNL for these examples): 1. Use
Shady.G

Shady.G

1418 likes

More flights = less problems 🥰
#flight #travel #traveltips #travelrecommendations #travelhumour
__destinydavis_

__destinydavis_

697 likes

3 tips to keeping your room clean
If you’re anything like me, you know it can be easy to let things pile up and use your room as a drop zone. Here are some ways I am able to keep my room clean, even on busy days! ⭐️ I built the habit of picking up every night before bed - having this routine helps me avoid things piling up ⭐️
kaylen faye

kaylen faye

8404 likes

How I Find Cheap Flights Without Stress
Finding cheap flights doesn’t have to be stressful. I usually compare fares across multiple apps, but my favorite is Google Flights. I track prices, stay flexible with dates, and check nearby airports even small changes can save big and make travel more enjoyable. ✈️ #travel2025 #lemon8challe
Livii

Livii

5 likes

How to score the cheapest flights ✈️💸
I’m sure you’ve been wondering is there some secret to getting cheaper flights. Luckily Investopedia has analyzed both when you should book your flight and also what days you should travel, in order to make sure that you’re getting the lowest pricing on your flights. In terms of general travel,
Kylie 💸🫶🏻

Kylie 💸🫶🏻

27 likes

Flights UNDER $300 Roundtrip Pt. 2 😜
Travel UNDER $300 PART 2 😜 ✨ SAVE & SHARE ✨ I have been to each one of these places and a tiiiimmmmee was had EACH & EVERYYYY time 💅🏿 Let me know if you plan on going & what you want to see more of below ☺️ 1. #Skyscanner .com 2. From (ORF/RIC) 3. Where: (Everywhere) 4. When
K.Janea’

K.Janea’

1948 likes

An airplane wing over clouds at sunset/sunrise, with text overlay announcing "NEW RULES FOR FLIGHTS REFUNDS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!" under "WORLD TRAVEL."
An airplane wing over a city at dusk, with text stating "THE NEW RULE: Airlines now have to fully refund you when your flight has significant changes, and you don't accept a rebooking."
An airplane wing over clouds and land, with text defining "WHAT ARE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES?" including time changes, airport changes, increased connections, and service class downgrades.
Now You Can Get Fully Refund on Your Flights✈️☝🏻
✈️ Last year, I was supposed to go to Hawaii with my family, but our airline kept us in the airport for over 30 hours, cutting into our vacation time. With connections and hotel nights lost, we canceled the rest of our trip, and the saddest part? They didn't give us a full refund for our very e
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

53 likes

The Secret to Keeping My Kids Busy for Hours! 😱🧸
​If you're a tired parent looking for a way to entertain your little ones without a screen—this is for you! ✨ ​I found these amazing sensory toys that are perfect for developing fine motor skills and keeping them engaged. 🧠 these fun water play sets, they are a 10/10 in our house. ​Why we lov
Natalia | The Natalia Edit ✨

Natalia | The Natalia Edit ✨

9 likes

Save 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 $100 On Flights 🤑🤑🤑
Did you know there are “sweet spots” to when you should purchase your flight tickets? I’ve purchased tickets for as 𝐥𝐨𝐰 as $𝟐𝟒!!! I’ve found the 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 time to purchase tickets are 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 Sunday & Tuesday morning. How early is early you ask? About 3am-5am when most people are sleeping.
K.Janea’

K.Janea’

1040 likes

How to actually find cheap flights ✈️
Alright y’all, I’m definitely NOT in the business of keeping travel secrets. So, here’s how you REALLY secure those cheap flights: 📅 First things first— Do Not fly out on weekends unless you want your wallet to cry. Shoot for Tuesdays and Wednesdays for those low-key, budget-friendly vibes. 🕵🏾‍
Nyah Misfit

Nyah Misfit

116 likes

A title slide with an airplane wing over clouds at sunset, stating 'THE ABSOLUTE BEST TIME TO BUY FLIGHTS TO YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRIP'. It includes 'TRAVEL', 'HACKS', 'FLIGHTS' labels and 'lemon8 @yourcitygal' branding.
A 'FLIGHT HACKS' slide detailing best times to buy, cheapest, and most expensive travel periods for Europe, Africa, Asia, and South Pacific, set against an airport tarmac background with an airplane.
A 'FLIGHT HACKS' slide providing flight booking and travel timing advice for the Middle East, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, with an airport tarmac and airplane in the background.
HERE’S HOW YOU’LL SAVE 💲💲💲 WHEN BUYING FLIGHTS
✈️ We all know that in order to get the best #flight deals, you need to plan and buy them in advance. 🌎 But did you know that different regions around the world have a specific window in which you can actually get the best deals? 👉🏼 Swipe to see the best time to buy international airline
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

5406 likes

How to Book Cheap Flights to Europe ✈️
After traveling to over 20 countries and my mom being a travel agent- here are my best tips when trying to book the cheapest flights to some of the top countries in Europe! 📍 City/Country: France - Best time to buy: 150–170 days in advance - Average round-trip fare: $550–$700 - Best day
Millie Britt

Millie Britt

17 likes

7 TIPS FOR SMOOTHER TRAVEL
Traveling soon? ✈️ Check out my top 7 tips for smoother travel and stress-free flights! Flying can be fun and exciting, but it can also quickly turn into a day from hell if one little thing goes wrong. I have found that these general rules of thumb can help you avoid headaches when things turn f
Niki ◡̈ global guru

Niki ◡̈ global guru

77 likes

8 tips to traveling with kids!
Traveling with kids can be an amazing adventure, but it can also be challenging if you’re not prepared. With a bit of planning and the right mindset, your trip can be smooth, fun, and stress-free. Here are some helpful tips for making your next family getaway easy and enjoyable: 1. Plan Ahead, B
Tarita

Tarita

8 likes

Building a Big Booty with a Busy Schedule🍑⏳🔥🍑
Building a bigger, stronger booty while navigating the hectic life of a college student might seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it's totally achievable. You don’t need endless hours in the gym or a huge budget—just smart planning and a bit of creativity. This guide dives deep into
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

91 likes

Your guide to finding cheap flights✈️
I created the ULTIMATE guide for finding flights, whether you’re looking for cash bookings or learning travel points. Maybe you want to find the cheapest flight, or upgrade to first class for less! I’ve compiled all of the possible tips and tricks you need to know in a simplified way, so you ca
Kristen ✧ Travel Guides

Kristen ✧ Travel Guides

8 likes

Finding Affordable Flights
Do you struggle finding affordable flights? Here are some of the tricks I've learned over the years to help save some money on flights. Happy traveling + follow @emilytravelsalot for more travel tips! ✈️🌎 #findingaffordableflights #affordableairfare #affordableflights #savingmon
Emily Travels

Emily Travels

20 likes

A person takes a selfie, surrounded by skincare product bottles at the top. Text overlays highlight skincare goals: 'Brighten and Soften Texture,' 'Dewy & Glowy Skin,' and 'Treat & Prevent Acne,' with the title 'YOUR 2025 GUIDE TO CLEAR & GLOWY SKIN'.
A text-based image outlining the first four daily essentials for dewy skin: cleansing, adding vitamin C, staying hydrated with hyaluronic acid, and not skipping sunscreen, providing brief explanations for each step.
An image displaying various skincare products categorized into four rows: Cleanser, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and SPF, showcasing different product types within each category.
2025 Skincare Tips for Dewy, Glowy, Clear Skin✨🧴🫧💧
Whether you’ve got dry like myself, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, this post is packed with the details and science behind a glowing complexion! 🍋 Let’s dive deep into exactly how to build and customize your routine for maximum results. ⬇️ ✨✨✨Step 1: Master the Art of Cleansing✨✨✨ C
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

53 likes

August 2025 Flights Under $400
Where to fly this August if you’re bougie and on a budget. Every destination in this post is under $400 (besides Italy but whats a $1 😂) roundtrip, leaving from NYC. Which one would you book? #budgettravel #traveldestinations #2025traveldestinations #traveltips #travelrecommendations
Danni Ventura

Danni Ventura

4972 likes

Young & broke travel: booking flights ✈️
Young & broke travel: how to find cheap flights✈️ Apps/websites to use & tips: 📍Skyscanner Great website for searching the cheapest flights anywhere and/or with flexible dates. It shows a very wide variety of flight options, including many unpractical/unreliable self-transfer optio
Iisa Hero

Iisa Hero

58 likes

A scenic view from an airplane window at sunset or sunrise, overlooking forests and fields. The image features the title "How to Book Cheap Flights" as a mini travel guide.
An airplane wing over a blue ocean with islands, featuring a screenshot of a flight search engine's "Explore Everywhere" tool, showing options to find destinations by price.
An airplane wing against a warm sky, displaying a flight comparison website's interface for comparing dates from Los Angeles. Text advises booking months ahead and avoiding daily flight checks.
How to Book Cheap Flights ✈️
As a frequent traveler, here are some of the things I do to snag the best airline deals: 👉🏼 Check out Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Airline websites for promos. If you’re just browsing use the first, if you’re almost sure you want to book - use the 2nd or 3rd. 👉🏼 Book 6 months ahead. Flight
reisha

reisha

97 likes

A title image showing an airplane wing against a sunset sky, with text overlayed: "SAVE MONEY ON FLIGHTS WITH THESE 3 GOOGLE FLIGHT HACKS."
A laptop screen displaying Google Flights, highlighting the 'Explore' tab with a map showing various flight destinations and prices, illustrating the first hack.
A laptop on a desk with a coffee cup, showing a flight search interface, emphasizing the 'Track Prices' feature as the second hack for saving money.
3 Hacks to Save Money with Google Flights
🤑 Offsetting large expenses when traveling can help you save a significant amount of money. When it comes to the things we spend the most on during a trip, it usually comes down to flights and accommodation. ✈️ So, I wanted to share my top 3 hacks that I always use when buying flights, which hel
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

41 likes

An airplane wing is visible above a sea of white clouds, with a blue sky in the background. The text overlay reads "HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON FLIGHTS SWIPE" with a red pin icon and an arrow pointing right. The bottom left corner shows "Lemon8 @savewithtyler7."
An airplane wing is seen above clouds, with a blue sky. Text overlays include "Use the website 'Sky Scanner.'" and "You can compare flights from over 1,200 travel companies & book the cheapest one!". A search bar graphic for "Sky Scanner" is also present. "Lemon8 @savewithtyler7" is at the bottom left.
An airplane wing is shown with mountains and a blue sky in the background. A yellow speech bubble says "Skiplagging" with a winking emoji. Pink text boxes explain skiplagging as booking a flight with a layover at the desired destination and its associated risks. "Lemon8 @savewithtyler7" is at the bottom left.
How To Save Money On Flights! ✈️
Here are some ways to save money while flying. 💙 Use the website “Sky Scanner” to compare flights at hundreds of travel companies! Find the cheapest one that works for you & book it. 💙 Skiplagging. This is when you book a flight with a layover in the city you want to go to. You get off a
Tyler

Tyler

35 likes

See more