Planes have been a long-standing thing at our house — paper airplanes, plane games & flying with kids.
My son was BIG into paper airplanes as a kid and both of our kids became proficient travelers by the time they were five.
But I think my fondest airplane memory will be one that happened when my daughter was young — she had this special family game she would ask use to play — Going on a Plane!
She would set up 2 chairs next to each other and pretend we were flying off to Disney World (we visited there a number of times as my parents live about an hour from the park) or some other far off place from a book we read.
It’s one of those adorable moments that I’ll remember because she & her “flying companion” would have these elaborate conversations about places they would visit and things to do. Sometimes she would take Nani or her older brother; other times, her favorite stuffed animal would go with her.
So today’s book & activity collection is All Things Planes — for kids who enjoy traveling, flying or wanna-be pilots!
Paper Airplanes & Plane Crafts for Kids
Pretend play is so important for kids — they develop communication skills, practice problem-solving while they play and can practice scenerios that they might not otherwise expreience in real life.
These airplane activities & books are just perfect if you’re planning a plane trip or the kids are nuts about flying! We’ve included links to the details for each activity & affiliate links to items we recommend. You will find an (*) next to the projects you see in the collage above.
Awesome Airplane Activities for Kids
I just LOVE this paper airplane game that can be played inside! | Sewing Mama Raeanna
Make a Craft Stick Plane | The Pleasantest Thing *
Watch a fun movie about airplanes — try the Disney’s Planes
Create an Indoor Runway for your planes | Mom Endeavors *
Older kids will think creativing this Paper Airplane Launcher is just as much fun as flying them! | Frugal Fun for Boys *
Turn a cardboard box into a Plane | Repeat Crafter Me *
And if you have BIG plane fan in the house, they’ll definitely enjoy this Melissa & Doug Pilot Costume Set
Free Paper Airplane Printables
Each of these links will take you to free airplane printables the kids will love putting together!
Paper Jet Plane | Dover Publications
How to Fold the Very Best Paper Airplane | Creative with Kids
Free Airplane Coloring page | Free Kids Coloring Page
8 Paper Airplane Designs | Ray Ferrington
And aren’t these adorable — Paper Airplane Valentines! | Skip to My Lou
And you know I’m a big fan of pairing books with activities sooo…..
Kids Books about Planes
Here’s a few of our favorite plane books!
Planes Fly!
Flight School: How to Fly a Plane–Step by Step
Richard Scarry’s A Day at the Airport 
My Plane Book (Smithsonian)
The Little Airplane – Mr. Small prepares for his big flying adventure – a classic plane read by a great author!
Flight: A Pop-Up Book of Aircraft 
Planes At The Airport
Read a few of them while playing the activities or before watching a movie about planes for some extra learning!
Happy Flying!
MORE PRETEND PLAY IDEAS FOR KIDS:
40 FREE Pretend Play Printables
How Pretend Play Leads to Science Exploration