7 travel toys for a 3-year-old on a plane
For a flight, I usually save a few new toys that Liam hasn’t seen before, so there’s something new to catch his interest. If he’s already played with something so much that he’s lost interest, he’s more likely to ignore it on the plane too. These seven picks offer different ways to play, from making a picture to a little game together. They’re all suitable from three; choose a few that fit comfortably in your carry-on.
1. Capgoost dinosaur magnetic puzzle book, 3 in 1
Age: 3 years+
For a child who likes dinosaurs and puzzles, this gives you a small place to put a picture together. The book folds to about 18 cm square and has three puzzles with 25, 30 and 42 pieces. At three, I’d start one picture together instead of expecting them to finish alone. The magnetic surface helps keep pieces in place, but you’ll still want to gather them up carefully before closing the book.
A little way to play: Choose one dinosaur picture and look for the edge pieces together. Leave the other puzzles packed away for now.
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2. Melissa & Doug Water WOW! Vehicles
Age: 3 years+
There’s a nice little surprise in brushing water over a page and watching the vehicles appear. These four pages can be used again once they dry, which is handy when you’re keeping the bag small. I’d fill the water pen after airport security and keep its cap with the book. The tray can still get a little wet, so put the pen away between turns rather than leave it rolling around.
A little way to play: Reveal a little part of the page, then guess which vehicle is appearing before colouring the rest.
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3. Janod Magneti’book Animals
Age: 3 years+
An animal with the wrong legs can be the beginning of a very good silly story. You can copy a card or mix up the magnetic parts, so there’s something to make as well as talk about. The book-shaped box is bulkier than a thin activity book. I’d only take it if there’s room, and put out a few pieces and one card rather than all 30 magnets at once.
A little way to play: Build an animal, give it a name and ask where it might be travelling today.
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4. MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Deluxe Travel Set, 55 pieces
Age: 3 years+
If magnetic tiles are already a favourite, these smaller ones give you a way to bring a little building along. The metal travel case can be part of the play surface, which is useful in a small seat. You don’t need all 55 parts out. I’d start with a handful for flat pictures on the case or tray, then pack them away together. Check the tiles before travelling and leave any cracked or damaged ones out.
A little way to play: Make a flat house or a little colour pattern with a few tiles. Keep the rest in the case and play together.
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5. Crayola Color Wonder Activity Bundle, fairy tales and farm
Age: 3 years+
This is worth considering if your child likes colouring and you’d rather leave ordinary felt tips at home for the flight. Color Wonder markers show their colour on the special paper, so remember to pack those pages. This bundle has fairy-tale and farm pictures plus blank refill pages. I’d take a few sheets and markers in a pouch; you don’t need the whole bundle in the seat pocket.
A little way to play: Let your child choose one picture, or use a blank Color Wonder page to draw somewhere they’d like to visit.
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6. Schleich Wild Life Starter Set, 4 animals, 42387
Age: 3 years+
Liam loves making up stories with his Schleich animals. I really like the quality of this brand, and it’s lovely to see a little world come out of just a few figures. For a flight, I’d pack two animals from this four-animal set. They can have a conversation, look for somewhere to sleep or go on their own journey. A lion and a zebra give you quite a lot to talk about without needing a whole playset.
A little way to play: Give each animal a voice and take turns deciding what happens next. Your lap or the tray can be the whole setting.
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7. Mattel UNO Junior
Age: 3 years+
UNO Junior is small enough to slip into a pouch, and the animal pictures give you something easy to match together. At three, I’d start with the simplest level, leaving out the action and penalty cards as the rules suggest. Keep the draw pile and discard pile close together on the tray, and help hold the cards if needed. It’s a little game to play with your child, with as much help as they want.
A little way to play: Start with Level One and take turns finding an animal or colour that matches the top card. Help your child look through their hand.
View on bol.comWhat are good airplane toys for a 3-year-old?
Think about what they like doing at home: a simple puzzle together, colouring, building a small shape or making up an animal story. Start with a manageable part of the activity, such as one puzzle or a few magnetic pieces. Every pick here has age guidance that includes three-year-olds. Your child may still want you beside them, especially for a puzzle or a little card game.
How can I keep a 3-year-old busy on a plane without a screen?
Alternate a little hands-on play with something you do together, like reading a few pages or matching animal cards. A window, an animal figure and a story you invent can also become a little game. Let your child’s interest guide when you put one thing away and try another.
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