Traveling with Twins, 3 Yr Old, 8 Yr Old, and Grandma.

Deck of cards or various card games, small dvd player or laptop to watch a movie, coloring books or activity books / word search for older child. Gum for chewing to pop ears. Don't know about that clay idea - wouldn't want to bring anything on a plane that could cause a mess and, eventual headache. I've travelled a lot with my kids and have never considered bringing it. My son always packs a few hot wheel cars and I pack a couple new items that the kids didn't expect to receive (i.e. coloring books or small toys) is always exciting. Be careful of anything that would be too noisy or beeping or something that will make them fidget in their chairs too much....so that you don't distract other passengers. Keep it easy so that you have fun and aren't exhausted! That's why that dvd is a good idea - one set of headphones w/ two children keeps them attached! Have fun!

I have traveled several times with my two and I can tell you that the portable DVD player is worth whatever the price tag.. for the entrancement it provides!!
Other than that I've brought their favorite blankets and a stuffed friend.
Doodle pads, crayons/coloring books (esp if I tell them they need to draw pictures for whoever..), water pens & sheets, stuff that doesn't matter if you forget it on the plane or in the airport!! Temp Tattoos.. stickers for rewards!
SNACKS>> SNACKS>>> SNACKS>>> enjoy and have fun!!

I went to Ireland recently with my 17 month old. normally, I don't let her see any TV or video but for this 8 hour trip, I made an exception and went out and bought a portable DVD player. she was totally entranced with it and watched Elmo and the Pets 4 times. it was a live saver.

Invest in a portable DVD player that they can watch on the plane and in the airport. I saw one at Target for $99 this weekend. I have a Sony that was about $199, but it has a six-hour battery life. I recently flew from Baltimore to Chicago with my 3.5 and 1.5 boys and I was so happy that I had that. It kept them entertained throughout the wait at Southwest and again on the plane. A great investment. It works in the car too.

Also recommend going to the dollar store and picking up a bunch of cheap "surprises" that you can pull out during the trip. Little toys or treats that keep it interesting.

Yep, a portable DVD player will do the trick. But I traveled with my little ones when there were no DVD players. We brought lots of fun snacks, books, stickers, coloring books and I had bought a few new little toys for them to play with on the plane. Each of the kids had their own little backpack that had lots of surprises that they would enjoy. My one son loved action figures...I got him a few of those...my other son loved little motorcycles...I got him a few of those. Then while we were away I tried to keep them interested in the activities of our trip and didn't let them play with the stuff in their little backpack till we got back on the plane ride home. New stuff is always interesting. Plus if you had a DVD player I'm sure the time would fly by!!!!

When we drove to Disney World with our 3 yr old triplets and our then 19 month old we found the Crayola Wonder Markers (they only color on their special paper) was a life saver!

Portable DVD player was a lifesaver when taking my daughter to Greece--also her favorite books to read to her & the charger or extra battery--I used it at restaurants to & that helped me dine in peace & my daughter ate well too. I never thought of the play do, but I will bring some on the next flight!

Playdough works like a charm. You can make your own (recipe online) and the kids will stay busy for the 3 hours. Bring gum for popping ears and a new coloring book that they will see for the first time on the plane. Good luck and have fun!!

Hi S....I have seen alot of people mention the DVD players which is great.....and yes they work...but when my oldest was little and we flew and he got bored with the DVD player because our plane was late I pulled out a suprise for him. It was a playschool CD player and had a cd meant for his age for him. He kept him busy for awhile. And toys as well from the dollar store as other moms mentioned..Good Luck and have fun