Keeping kids entertained on flights

Octobergirl

There was a thread on here I think, about the little things taken on flights or journeys to keep children entertained. I can't find it, so wondered if anyone had any ideas that have worked well. I'm trying to fill a 4 hour ferry trip with a 4 & 7 year old. I remember food snacks featuring heavily, I also have books, magazines, card games, colouring/ sticker books.......

zagfles

I doubt you'll have an issue on a ferry - it's not like a flight with hardly any room to move about. We've been on loads of long ferry crossings, they usually cater really well for kids, soft play areas, tables/crayons etc for colouring, children's entertainer, and even without that a ferry is a big exciting place for kids to explore! Ours always preferred ferry crossings to flights.

Dunroamin

Octobergirl wrote: »

There was a thread on here I think, about the little things taken on flights or journeys to keep children entertained. I can't find it, so wondered if anyone had any ideas that have worked well. I'm trying to fill a 4 hour ferry trip with a 4 & 7 year old. I remember food snacks featuring heavily, I also have books, magazines, card games, colouring/ sticker books.......

There's usually so much to see and explore on modern ferries that it'd be a shame to exoect children just to sit and colour. I'd also go easy on the snacks unless you know that they're really good travellers.

valk_scot

Modern ferries usually have a children's area, with soft play and videos. And there's lots to see and do. You can fill up a good half hour at each end just watching the docks while the ferry leaves and comes into harbour.

neverdespairgirl

A ferry is a much better option than a plane, I agree! They can move about, for a start.

The worst age on a flight is about 12 months to 3, I think. Worst for the parents / guardians and other passengers, I mean!

Janepig

Dunroamin wrote: »

There's usually so much to see and explore on modern ferries that it'd be a shame to exoect children just to sit and colour. I'd also go easy on the snacks unless you know that they're really good travellers.

I'd second that - I've always been really ill on ferries, even a short one like Dover to Calais. Ewwwwww

Jx

BitterAndTwisted

I've accompanied three young children aged from 2 to 6 on long-haul flights more than once. They each got to pack a little rucksack with their own choice of blankie/teddy/games and puzzles. When the entertainment-value of those began to pale it was down to word-games and a sitting-quietly and not kicking the seat in front competition. Bribery and promises of treats at journey's end worked as well.

MrsAtobe

Dunroamin wrote: »

There's usually so much to see and explore on modern ferries that it'd be a shame to exoect children just to sit and colour. I'd also go easy on the snacks unless you know that they're really good travellers.

Much better to throw up the contents of a full stomach, than an empty one, in my experience. I managed to tear my oesophagus (sp?) when there was nothing to bring up. That wasn't fun, and neither was the diagnostic procedure or the recovery afterwards.

ecgirl07

Do a scavenger hunt list of things to see/find on the ferry!

plumpmouse

These look good