Alexis
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That's so wonderful of you to think ahead like this because many mothers don't! I've experienced some of the most nightmarish flights because of those mothers too!
Will they have homework to complete? If so, then they could do that. Coloring books? Toys R Us usually has an abundance of travel games. Just make sure they don't have annoying noises. |
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Candice A
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There are a lot of good suggestions list there above. A few amendments though
- Coloring is not always a good idea lots of kids take the opportunity to Color on the plane. Crayola has those new mess-less coloring kits which I would recommend.
- If you bring a portable DVD player make sure you have headsets for it. It bothers other passengers to have to listen to Dora the Explorer for 6 hours. That and your flight attendants might ask you to turn it off. All depends on who your flight attendants are though.
- Cards are always overlooked as a good game and there are lots of games you can play with only one deck. Keep in mind that any games you bring might have lots of pieces that might get lost in between seat backs and on the floor.
- Bring their favorite snacks too because most airlines charge for things these days (unfortunately).
- I once saw a family who brought along paper dolls for their kids to play with.
Hope that some of this was helpful
Other stuff non Keep-them-busy related that you should know about:
- If you are going to bring liquids keep them under 3 oz or they will get confiscated at security
- Most airlines let special assistance and families with small children board first. So if you think that it might take you a little longer to get settled take advantage of that for sure
- Try not to let your kids kick the seat in front of them. That pre flight pep talk that another member mentioned would be a good time to go over that.
- The best one is lead by example. When the seatbelt sign comes on make sure that you put yourse on and then get your kids to. All too often I see parents let their kids up to go to the bathroom when the sign is on. Ultimatly it's up to you, but the sign goes on for a reason. It might be light turbulence which isn't a big deal but every now and again it will be for last min severe turbulence which even I can't walk around in without ending up on the floor.
Ok I think I covered some of the main Things that you should be mindful of.
Oh crap! I almost forgot the most fun thing!!!! If you do pre-board and it's wayyy earlier you can ask the flight Attendants if your kids can say hi to the pilots. The pilots don't mind EVER and it's way fun to look at all the controls up there. Some of the pilots at my work even let kids play with some of the buttons or make an announcment on the PA.
Enjoy your flight! |
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iiidontknowdoyou
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They are more than old enough for you to have a good talk with them about proper behavior on an airplane. That it does not include them crying and screaming or fighting over things! That they have to STAY SEATED and STAY QUIET! Take plenty of snacks, books, drawing supplies, a portable dvd if you have one and their pillows. Tell them if they misbehave on the plane they will be in big trouble and won't be able to do the fun stuff they want when they get there and then if they do act up, follow through on the threat! Nothing is worse than paying out good money for a plane ticket only to find yourself being cooped up with loud misbehaved children and the parent not doing anything about it! |
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Reed
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psp or cross words or i spy that's a good one or just keep them up all night so they sleep ha-ha |
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mouse_726
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If they like to color or draw get them some new crayons or markers and give it to them on the plane. Find some inexpensive and quiet toys at a dollar store for them. If one or both of them like to read, let them each pick out a couple of new books that you then put aside in a carry on for them. See if you can find a portable checkers game and/or a deck of cards or other card game (Old Maid etc) that they can play together.
If they have any kind of hand held video game make sure that it is charged up (or you have extra batteries) the night before. Also make sure that they have headphones along or can turn the sound off on the game. Same thing with a portable DVD player and/or Ipod or other MP3 player. Talk with them ahead of time about respecting others travelers in terms of making noise and that there will be times that they can't use handheld games/DVD players/Ipods etc.
Have them help pack their carry on with snacks (although no drinks as you can't take them through security), games etc. Tell them that they will have to carry it so that they are selective about what they take. If either of them has a beloved stuffed animal or blanket, be sure to bring that as well. |
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ndc40
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A portable DVD with their favorite movies. |
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#1Patriot
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2 words Nyquil and Benadril ! Knock em out cold! |
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mlb217
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KidcoreToys.com has some great card games and water game activities that could occupy your children on the flight. Another idea would be to bring along some crayons, paper, and pencils and have them draw or write stories.
I hope this helps!
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Katie B
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I took my 4 & 6 year olds across country last year. Bring some coloring books, snacks, and definitly video games. You kids are old enough to behave themselves. Also, don't forget the gum! |
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Tree
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At that age they shouldn't be as hard to entertain as kids under 5. They can talk (or fight quietly), listen to ipods, do school work, read kid magazines, kid books, etch a sketch is great, hand held video games, etc. |
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TiaRanita
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first and foremost.......from experience, do not sit them together, sit between them. Really cuts down on the "She touched me! He took my crayons!" etc....
I took my kids to a toy store and let them pick out something that didn't break the bank, I approved of, and would take up some considerable time to play with. I told them it was specifically for the trip. The anticipation of finally getting to play with it on the plane took up a lot of the flight time.
Make sure you also pack a few things you can print offline that they are interested in. Just Google for example: SpongeBob SquarePants coloring sheets, Dinosaur Crossword Puzzles, etc. What ever they are interested in do a google and see what you can come up with.
The flights also only serve a package of pretzels and a beverage now. Big deal......so be prepared to pack a few of their favorite snacks that they seldom get as a special treat. Remember they do not allow liquids on board anymore so don't pack beverages or it gets tossed in the trash unless they are specifically bought in the airport.
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whhhitney
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when my parents divorced me and my brother would have to fly from florida to maine all the time before my dad moved to MD. but anyways my mom would always get us those search word books, they would keep us busy the whole plane ride. coloring books are good too |
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I <3 you!
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go to www.funfun.org |
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Nikki
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Depends on what they are into. puzzles are hard to do on plane trays but books, video games, PSP, DVD player.
Also if you flight has " in flight " programs, then there are games and cartoons. that you can find out by calling ahead and asking what you may get on that plane.
Last but not least, SNACKS! and lots of them. Not so much sweets to make them hyper though... you don't want them running around.
Good luck.
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bcastil9889
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A good, old-fashioned NyQuil chugging contest! |
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Billy bob jr.
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buy an portable dvd player. Pop in their favorite movie. |
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