10 Best Airplane Activities For Kids 2026 in the United States

The Cupkin Animal Sticker Book is a fantastic travel companion for kids aged 2 to 8, especially during flights. One of its standout features is the unique lay-flat design, allowing little hands to easily access stickers without flipping pages. This design enhances focus and engagement, making it perfect for long travels. With over 500 stickers and 12 colorful scenes, children can unleash their creativity while learning about different animal habitats, which adds educational value to their playtime. The spiral binding is also a great touch, ensuring the book stays open for uninterrupted fun.

In terms of portability, the book is lightweight and easy to pack, making it a mess-free option for parents looking for quiet entertainment during trips. The activity promotes fine motor skills and spatial awareness, which is a wonderful bonus for young learners while they’re busy creating.

It’s important to note that while the book is suitable for a broad age range, it may be best suited for children between 3 to 5 years due to the complexity of the scenes. Additionally, while the stickers are easy to peel off, there may be some instances where younger children might require assistance, which can be a downside for independent play. As a gift, it appeals to animal lovers and is well-received among grandparents and parents alike, adding to its charm as a thoughtful present. However, for older kids or those who might prefer more interactive or digital play, this might not hold their attention for long periods.

The Crayola Clicks Retractable Tip Marker Set is a solid choice for keeping kids aged 6 and up entertained during airplane trips. Its retractable design means no caps to lose, which adds convenience and tidiness—an important plus for travel. The markers are washable and non-toxic, making them safe and relatively mess-free, though some care is still needed to avoid stains on clothes or surfaces, especially in tight spaces like airplane seats.

With 10 vibrant colors and a cone tip that allows for both fine and broad lines, these markers can engage children creatively for a good stretch of time, helping them practice drawing and coloring skills. The ink is designed to last longer without drying out, which supports longer flights or multiple uses. However, while they are travel-friendly, the set's size (about 6 inches long) might be a bit bulky for very small hands or for packing in very tight travel kits.

The educational value lies mostly in encouraging artistic expression and fine motor skills rather than specific learning content. If you want a portable, familiar, and relatively clean creative activity to keep kids busy on a plane, these markers fit the bill well.

The Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Activity Set is a well-suited option for toddlers aged 3 and up, making it age-appropriate with safe, non-toxic materials. Its mess-free technology is a standout feature, as the special markers only color on the included Color Wonder pages, preventing stains on skin, clothes, or surroundings — a big plus for travel or small spaces like airplanes. The set includes over 30 pieces such as coloring pages, stamps, stickers, and markers, all neatly packed in a compact carrying case that enhances portability and keeps everything organized. This makes it easy to carry and use on the go, fitting well into busy travel routines.

The activity can hold a child's attention for a good stretch, although coloring time may vary depending on the child's interest level. It promotes creativity and fine motor skills, adding educational value without feeling like formal learning. The animal-themed pages and variety of tools provide familiar and comforting content for young kids. One limitation is that once the special pages are used up, you'll either need to buy refills or switch activities, which could interrupt engagement during longer trips. Also, while it minimizes mess, some children might find the markers less vibrant than traditional coloring tools, which could affect their enthusiasm.

This set serves as an excellent, low-stress choice for parents wanting a clean, portable, and engaging coloring activity that suits toddlers during travel or quiet times at home.