Flying with Kids This Summer? 10 Ways to Keep Their Brains Active on the Journey
For many families, the summer holidays begin long before they reach their destination. Whether you’re flying for two hours or twelve, travelling with children can be both exciting and challenging.
While tablets and films are often the go-to solution, flights also provide a fantastic opportunity to keep children’s minds engaged with activities that are fun, educational and screen-free.
Here are ten simple ways to make the journey enjoyable while encouraging learning along the way.
1. Pack Books They’ll Actually Want to Read
A good book can make time fly. Let your child choose a novel, comic or magazine before you travel so they’re excited to read it. Reading helps improve vocabulary, comprehension and concentration, all while keeping them entertained.
2. Create a Holiday Travel Journal
Give your child a notebook and encourage them to write about their journey.
They could include:
- What they see at the airport
- Interesting people they meet
- The countries they fly over
- Their holiday plans
- New words they learn
This develops both writing skills and creativity.
3. Play Word Games
Classic games require no equipment and are perfect for flights.
Try games such as:
- I Spy
- The Alphabet Game
- 20 Questions
- Categories (animals, countries, foods)
- Word association
These help build vocabulary, memory and critical thinking.
4. Make Maths Part of the Adventure
Children can practise maths without even realising.
Ask questions like:
- How long until we land?
- If it’s 3pm in London, what time is it where we’re going?
- How many minutes are left in the flight?
- Can you estimate our speed or distance?
These simple conversations reinforce maths in a real-world setting.
5. Learn About Your Destination
Before you land, encourage your child to discover interesting facts about the country they’re visiting.
Talk about:
- The language
- Famous landmarks
- Local wildlife
- Traditional food
- Currency
- Weather
This builds geography knowledge and excitement for the holiday.
6. Bring Puzzle Books
Puzzle books are lightweight and ideal for travel.
Crosswords, word searches, Sudoku, logic puzzles and spot-the-difference games all encourage concentration and problem-solving skills.
7. Encourage Drawing
Ask your child to draw:
- The aeroplane
- The view from the window
- Their dream holiday
- The airport
- What they hope to do on holiday
Drawing develops observation, creativity and storytelling skills.
8. Listen to Educational Podcasts or Audiobooks
Instead of watching another film, try an age-appropriate audiobook or children’s podcast.
Listening helps improve focus, imagination and language development while giving their eyes a break from screens.
9. Start a Holiday Challenge
Create a list of things to spot throughout the journey, such as:
- A passport
- A suitcase with bright colours
- A pilot
- An aeroplane wing
- A cloud shaped like an animal
- A different language on a sign
Turning travel into a game keeps children engaged from departure to arrival.
10. Talk Together
Sometimes the best activity doesn’t require anything at all.
Use the uninterrupted time to chat with your child. Ask questions about school, friends, hobbies and what they’re looking forward to on holiday.
These conversations help develop communication skills while creating lasting family memories.
Learning Doesn’t Stop During the Holidays
Summer holidays are about relaxing, exploring and making memories—but learning doesn’t have to pause completely.
Small moments of reading, conversation, puzzles and curiosity all help children retain important skills while having fun. By turning travel time into learning time, your child can arrive at their destination entertained, engaged and ready for their next adventure.
At Newman Tuition, we believe learning can happen anywhere—even at 35,000 feet. Whether your child needs support over the summer or wants to prepare for the new school year, our experienced tutors are here to help them build confidence and achieve their full potential.
Contact Newman Tuition today to find out how we can support your child’s learning throughout the summer and beyond.