Flying with children can be an adventure in itself — especially when you’re determined to avoid handing them a tablet before takeoff. While inflight screens and mobile games offer quick solutions, there’s something rewarding about unplugging and finding more mindful ways to keep young travelers engaged. With the right mix of creativity, planning, and classic games, a screen-free flight can become part of the vacation fun.
Bring Back the Magic of Analog Games
Not every game needs a power button. Some of the most absorbing distractions come in compact, travel-friendly formats that encourage focus, patience, and logic. One standout? The timeless Slide Puzzle — a game where players must move tiles into the correct order by sliding them into the empty space. It’s tactile, quiet, and surprisingly addictive.
Before your trip, you can play Slide Puzzle to introduce your child to the concept. Or better yet, grab a pocket-sized physical version from a toy store and surprise them with it mid-flight. It’s a screen-free win that exercises their brain without feeling like homework.
DIY Entertainment Kits
Build a small entertainment bag just for your child. It doesn’t have to be fancy — a zip pouch with a few activity books, coloring sheets, a pencil, stickers, and one or two logic games (like the Slide Puzzle or a travel Mancala set) goes a long way. Include surprises they haven’t seen before to add novelty and spark interest during a long flight.
Engaging Verbal Games
Use your imagination and surroundings to play simple games together. Classics like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” or “Would You Rather?” need nothing but your voices and a little curiosity. You can even invent your own airplane-themed game — “Guess the Destination,” “What’s in My Suitcase,” or “Flight Bingo” (spot a red suitcase, a snoring passenger, or the captain’s announcement).
Make It a Challenge
If your child is competitive, frame the flight as a mission: how many puzzles can they solve before landing? Can they beat their previous Slide Puzzle record or solve a mini maze in under a minute? A timer or a basic score sheet can gamify the experience in a fun and motivating way.
Don’t Forget the Power of Conversation
Airplanes offer rare uninterrupted time together. Ask your kids questions you usually don’t have time for: “If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?” or “What would your dream airplane look like?” These conversations often lead to deeper connections — and maybe even a few giggles.
In-Flight Entertainment Without the Screen
- 🧩 Slide Puzzle – A logic game you can play online before the trip or in handheld form during the flight
- 🎨 Coloring or sticker books
- ✏️ Sudoku, mazes, or dot-to-dot printouts
- 🃏 Travel card games like Uno or Go Fish
- 🗣️ Word games and riddles with no materials needed
With a little creativity and planning, you’ll find that time in the air doesn’t have to mean screen time. Instead, it can be full of quiet challenges, shared laughter, and maybe even a new favorite game that comes along on your next adventure too.
