So I went to google. "How to entertain kids on a flight" produced lots of ideas. There were plenty of electronics suggestions but even my kids would get bored of DS's, movies, and iPad games in 71 hours. Others must be on shorter flights because their lists included coloring books, puzzles, books, etc. So I took off on a trip to the Dollar tree to see what I could find. It happened to be the day after Easter so I stopped by Walmart to see what they had on sale too. So here is what I found:
Yes, that looks like a lot I know! But remember...I am trying to fill 71 hours. I know my kids well enough to know that if I put all of this into a bag for them to rumage through that it would entertain them for about 15 minutes...if I was lucky! So I divided it up. Here is what I have:
In their backpacks (that they will have access to as soon as we get on the first plane) I have a notebook that I made them that includes internet printoffs that I put in page protectors. I purchased them dry erase coloring pencils and dry erase markers to use in these notebooks. I included some educational things (shhhh...don't tell them they will be learning!), some coloring pages, and even a printable road map for a matchbox car that I found here. I also included some fun straws for their drinks on the plane, bubble gum eggs (for take off and landing), pencils, coloring books, crayons, and sticker books. One of my favorite items that will always be available to them is the Girls/Boys Doodle book that I found on amazon. It gives the kids ideas on what to draw by asking questions like: "Who is driving the car?" Love these books!
Hopefully these will entertain the kids until we board the plane that will take us across the Pacific ocean. On this plane the kids will sleep (hopefully without the help of the doctor approved sleep aide) and wake up refreshed and ready to be WOW'd by my creativity in their activity packets. Because I am sure my kids will not boast of my craftiness and the passengers on the plane with us will only remember the few times my kids were not obedient and quiet...I post this only to hopefully help some poor soul who may be looking for ideas on how to entertain children on long trips. So here I go. Here are my 19 packets. Each come with instructions on a manilla envelops (in funny poem form - please humor me on my lack of poem writing ability). I found all of these activities at the Dollar tree, Walmart, or Dollar General for $1 or less each.
(1) Window clings - They will stick, they will cling, and if you let them, good fun they'll bring
(2) DIY puzzles - These puzzles are fun and small. Drawing your own is fun for all.
(3) Crazy looks - People may glare over there books, but draw those people with funny looks. (option: give the picture to the person as a souvenir)
(4) 3-D books - These books have glasses that help the pictures pop. Remember to take them when the plane comes to a stop.
(5) Sticky mosaics - Ready to create some pieces of art? You better get them open so you can start.
(6) Modeling clay - ABCs and 123s. There is lots to make when you play with these.
(7) Foam puppets - Stick puppets are fun to make. Let's see how long they take.
(8) Maps of U.S. Books & crayons - We're leaving the country but still love the USA. Color these books and read what they say.
(9) Paper bag puppets - When we fly in the air you may start to feel sick. But these puppets will distract you as you peel and stick.
(10) Scratch and see - Scratch, scratch, scrath and see. It is still a mystery.
(11) Sticker creations - Create a picture using the stickers in here. The beach and dinosaurs are ever so near.
(12) Oragami - Oragami is folding paper into a shape. No need for scissors and no need for tape.
(13) Hand puppets (tattoos) - When all else fails, you have your hand. Use it to tell a story as we takeoff and land.
(14) Googly eyes - Can you draw lots of crazy faces? Can you make them located in different places?
(15) Stamps - Stamps are easy and stamps are fun. They are simple to use on the run.
(16) Card games - Card games are fun to play. These will help pass the day.
(17) How to Draw books - Do you want to learn to draw? So you can draw pictures for Mamaw?
(18) Hanimals (hand tattoos) - You hands are fun but add your fingers too. The 2 of you will have a zoo.
(19) Fuzzy sticks - Bendalbe sticks are easy to take. Think of all the things you can make.
So that is all. That's what I came up with. Again, my poems may be cheesy but hopefully they make the kids smile when all smiles are lost. If you find yourself in my shoes (God bless you!), I hope you find comfort in this list. And hopefully when I report back, it will show successful in keeping the kids occupied. But for the passengers of the 6 planes we will board...I pray that you show mercy on my kids (and me!)
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