Best Airplane Toys for Toddlers (12 Months to 2 Years): Real Mom Favorites
Flying with a toddler can feel like an extreme sport—especially when you’re 30,000 feet in the air and your little one decides sitting still is not an option. After a few flights with my toddler, I learned that the right airplane toys can make all the difference. Whether you’re heading on a quick family getaway or a cross-country flight, these are the best airplane toys for toddlers (ages 12 to 24 months) that kept my child happy, busy, and (mostly) quiet in the air.
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What to Look for in Airplane Toys for Toddlers
When you’re choosing airplane toys for toddlers, think lightweight, quiet, and easy to pack. Anything with small pieces or loud sounds is best left at home. Look for toys that:
Encourage independent play
Don’t roll off the tray table easily
Can be wiped down quickly
Offer sensory or fine motor engagement
Don’t make noise or light up
You’ll want a few options that fit different moods—something that keeps them focused, something that soothes them, and something new and exciting to pull out midflight.
MOM HACK: I always pack one or two “new” toys they’ve never seen before. Even a simple $5 find can feel like a big deal when it’s brand new. Wrap it in tissue paper for extra excitement.
🔄 Our Favorite Airplane Toys for Toddlers (12–24 Months)
After many flights, these are the toys that have earned a permanent spot in my carry-on.
Suction Cup Spinners: These small suction toys stick right to the airplane window or tray table and are an instant hit. They’re colorful, spin easily, and keep little hands busy while you get a few minutes of peace.
Montessori Pull String Toys: Suitable from 12 months up to 2 years, these toys support ongoing development of motor skills.
Sticker Books: These books remain a hit from 18 months through 2 years, adapting to the child's growing creativity.
Under 12 Months
At 2 months old: we fed her at takeoff and she fell asleep soon after. When she woke up from her nap she enjoyed looking down the aisle and at the lights on the ceiling. We also brought this ball rattle that she enjoyed (and is easy to pack).
At 4 months old: We needed some more entertainment. She loved the seat back screens (since she doesn’t get any direct screen time at home) and she also loved the spinners above that we could stick to the tray table.
12 Months
At this stage, toys that stimulate sensory exploration and fine motor skills are ideal.
Suction Cup Spinners: These toys can be attached to airplane windows or tray tables, providing visual and tactile stimulation.
Busy Book: Soft books with interactive pages offer auditory and tactile engagement, perfect for keeping a 12-month-old entertained.
Pop Tubes: Pop tubes twist, stretch, and make a satisfying popping sound without being too loud for nearby passengers. Dimpl toys are also a hit for sensory play—simple, colorful, and endlessly entertaining.
18 - 20 Months
As toddlers grow, their play becomes more interactive. Toys that encourage problem-solving and creativity are excellent choices.
Reusable Sticker Books: These books allow toddlers to place and replace stickers, fostering creativity and fine motor skills.
Water Wow Coloring Books: These no-mess coloring books are magic for travel. Fill the brush with water, and your toddler can paint again and again without stains or cleanup. Perfect for quiet play during takeoff and landing.
LCD Drawing Screen: Lightweight, mess-free doodling that’s perfect for little hands and works great on repeat.
First 100 Stickers Book: A sticker book that introduces toddlers to new words and objects, enhancing vocabulary.
2 Years
At two years old, toddlers are more independent and curious. Toys that encourage imaginative play and storytelling are great.
JoyCat Preschool Busy Book: An interactive book with various activities that promote learning and fine motor skills.
Reusable Maze Tracing Boards: Fun, screen-free fine motor activity that works great on the tray table.
Seek & Find Sticker Pad: Over 500 stickers and pages of visual challenges kept us busy for long stretches.
Mess-Free Coloring Pad (Crayola Color Wonder): A no-mess way to color with a favorite character.
Yoto Mini Player + Story Cards: Our go-to for quiet time stories and music without relying on a screen.
Our Travel Tips:
1. Embrace the Power of Snacks
Snacks aren't just for hunger—they're a fantastic distraction tool. On our first flight without a pacifier, having a variety of snacks kept our little one content and occupied.
2. Utilize Window Seats
If possible, book a window seat. Toddlers often enjoy looking outside, and it provides a space to attach suction toys, offering both entertainment and a change of scenery.
3. Pack a Surprise Toy
Including a new or rarely seen toy can captivate your child's attention. We keep out travel toys stored separately and rotate them in sparingly so they are more exciting when they appear for plane rides. You don’t have to buy something new each time, however the novelty can be particularly effective during takeoff or when they become restless.
4. Don't Forget Comfort Items
Bringing along a favorite blanket or stuffed animal can provide a sense of security and help soothe your toddler during the flight.
See More of Our Toddler Content
Travel Car Seat Guide - If you’re still figuring out which car seat to bring for your trip, I wrote a full guide on travel car seats for toddlers. It covers the ones that are easiest to carry through the airport and safest for in-flight use.
Questions About Flying With Toddlers
Flying with a toddler doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and the right airplane toys for toddlers, you can make the experience smoother for everyone on board. These are the toys that have truly worked for us—and hopefully they’ll help your little traveler stay happy and busy from takeoff to landing.
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Look for quiet, compact toys that won’t disturb other passengers. Think suction spinners, water coloring books, reusable stickers, and soft sensory toys.
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Mix it up! Rotate between toys, snacks, books, and short walks down the aisle. Introducing a new toy halfway through can reset their focus.
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They’re allowed, but I avoid them—noise and flashing lights can be overstimulating (and not always appreciated by seatmates). Stick with simple, hands-on toys.
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Most do! Just give the surface a quick wipe before sticking them on. Windows work great too.
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Yes! Most airlines allow you to bring an FAA-approved car seat for your toddler, and it’s often the safest and most comfortable way for them to fly—especially on longer trips. You’ll need to purchase a separate seat for your child and make sure your car seat is labeled “Approved for Aircraft Use.” If you’re unsure which travel car seat to bring, check out my guide to the best travel car seats for toddlers—it breaks down lightweight, easy-to-install options that make flying so much easier.
