Uh, that’s a terrible feeling. You sit in the seat of the plane, the treadmill is firmly planted in front of you, a shiver of fear runs down your spine. How will I survive this eight-hour flight? I have been there, I felt, my friends. But, fellow travelers, fear not! This isn’t a battle against boredom, this is an adventure waiting to take off (pun intended). We eat movie remakes and stale food and turn them into long, memorable trips.

Is little crew on board?

We all know that little people can be entertained for hours. But parents, don’t worry! We’ve got some tips up our sleeves to turn you into the coolest in-flight entertainment system ever.

Travel-size antique games: Think board games like checkers or tic-tac-toe, but scaled down for an airplane tray table. Bonus points for creativity! Use pretzels or M&Ms as play pieces (just make sure they aren’t a projectile hazard!).

Window Wonderland: Turn that window into a portal to another world! Describe cloud shapes, create stories for the scenarios below, or play the classic game of “I Spy” with landmarks and other objects you see

DIY Bingo: Feeling crafty? Whip up a bingo card with travel-themed frames like “plane wing,” “sleeping passenger,” and “cloud formation.” Mark the square when the younger children see it in worms. The winner gets bragging rights (and possibly another travel souvenir!).

Travel journal time: Stimulate their imagination with a notebook and some colored pencils or crayons. Encourage them to draw pictures of airplanes, airports, or anything else that inspires them. You can also turn it into a collaborative story, where everyone adds a phrase or illustration to build the story.

Magnetic Madness: Little travel-sized magnetic toys are a lifesaver to keep little hands busy. Magnetic testers or travel bingo are perfect because the pieces will not move when there is turbulence.

Games for adults (and kids at heart!).

Let’s face it, even adults sometimes need a little entertainment on long flights. Here’s how to create your brainwaves:

BrainTeaser Bonanza: Put on some brainteasers, Sudoku puzzles, or crossword puzzles to keep your mind sharp. There are also tons of great puzzle apps you can download already.

Listening Challenge: Put on your headphones and test your listening skills! Challenge yourself to identify the sounds you hear on the plane. Is it a roaring engine, a moving wheel, or a fellow passenger eating dessert?

Movie marathon with a twist: Download a few movies or shows, but add a fun twist! Take turns acting out scenes, pausing to say what happens next, or even doing a funny movie commentary.

Travel Journaling for Adults: Take this time to reflect and write. Share your thoughts and feelings about the trip, jot down ideas for future trips, or start writing short notes.

Mindfulness on the go: Air travel can be a great opportunity to practice mindfulness. Download a guided meditation app or just focus on your breath to clear your mind.

Bonus tips for a successful flight

Pack an Activity Bag: Fill it with adventure-sized games, puzzles, books, and coloring supplies to keep everyone entertained.

Download online content: Be prepared for limited Wi-Fi! Before that happens, make sure you have movies, games, or audiobooks downloaded to your device.

Get up and move: Take every opportunity to stretch your legs. Walk around the room when allowed, or do some simple stretches on a chair to get comfortable.

Snack Attack Strategy: Pack a variety of healthy foods to eliminate hunger and avoid relying solely on airplane food. Trail mix, protein bars, and fruit are all good options.

Embrace the journey: Instead of dreading flying, view it as part of the journey. Relax, spend time with your loved ones, and use it as an opportunity to connect with yourself and create lasting memories.

So, there you have it! With a little planning, these fun activities can turn a long flight into a fun trip. Now, buckle up, get creative, and let the flying fun begin!

A wonderful journey!

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