What I packed to keep my 3 year old busy on the plane

We recently took a vacation to Boston, and it was my 3 year old's first time flying. Since we'd have two flights each way, I was determined to pack as much as I could in a small space that would keep him entertained. I also wanted some things that would amuse him at the AirBnB where we stayed when we were taking breaks from sight-seeing.

Most of what we took can be seen in the picture above and fit into his child-sized backpack, plus a few other books and small things I fit into my bag. The most popular items were:

Two Usborne lift-the-flap books that he'd never seen before, one on the human body and one on airports. (Most of you know I sell Barefoot Books, but I think Usborne is fantastic too!) We used the airport one for the flights to Boston and the body book for the flights home. I think the fact that he had things to both touch and talk about is what kept him fascinated.

Thank goodness for dollar bin finds! I picked up this Wooly Willy magnetic toy mostly because I know my husband would think it was fun, but my son asked for it over and over on the trip. It was a real lifesaver waiting for our meals at restaurants.

I came across these DIY magnetic fishing game instructions on Unsolicited Advice and it was super easy to make! Perfect for the small space on the plane, and he could reach it even strapped in to his carseat.

I'm sure I could write an entire post on why I love Toobs. Since these were a familiar toy he didn't play with his pets Toob quite as much as some of the newer items, but they still gave him enough entertainment that I was glad I packed them.

Other things we brought:

• I wanted variety in our bedtime stories since we'd be gone for 7 nights, so I packed my favorite preschool anthology The Story Tree, along with a few other bedtime books, plus a pop-up Winnie the Pooh book I found a recent library sale.
• Montessori matching cards held in a small coin purse. I printed these for free from Montessori Print Shop.
• A set of animal lacing cards, which he didn't show much interest in.
• Paper and a small collection of crayons.
• A couple of matchbox type cars.
• A small ball (for playing at the AirBnB).
• Finally, in the interest of full disclosure, my mother lent us her old IPad. I'm not big on lots of screen time for his age, but when in a confined space, it is helpful!

What else do you use to keep kids entertained on trips?

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