Cathay Pacific editors' tips for keeping children entertained on holiday

Family holidays are wonderful opportunities to make lifelong memories – but keeping kids happy along the way can make or break the experience. 

Our Cathay Pacific editors know a thing or two about travelling with children. Below, they share their tips for keeping little ones entertained on a trip, along with the items they’d be lost without. Whether you're navigating a long-haul flight, facing a long layover or squeezing in a nap at the hotel, these creative ideas and engaging toys will allow you a moment to recharge or a chance to bond as a family.

To try them yourself, browse Cathay Pacific Premium Play Collection , featuring toys designed to engross and educate your young explorers. From an interactive kids' camera to a travel-friendly aviation chess set, our thoughtfully curated selection turns downtime into playtime – adding fun wherever you go.

Click and capture 

“They say that travel broadens the mind, and I’ve found that’s true for kids. When they come back from holiday, it feels like all those new experiences and sights have created new connections between synapses; new ways to see the world. But of course, it can’t be all non-stop sights. There has to be downtime – for the parents, if not the kids. It’s always useful to have a spare toy or two they can absorb themselves in, with minimal parental input required. 

I recently got my four-year-old son his own mini camera, and he’s delighted in snapping anything and everything he sees. Maybe he has some talent, in a kind of abstract sense – I’m thinking of creating a little mini exhibition for him at the end of the year.”

Cathay Pacific recommendation: is your little one a photographer in the making? Nurture their creativity and curiosity with our Cathay Pacific kids’ digital camera. With up to 32GB of storage, removable accessories for customisation, and two special photo frames featuring iconic Hong Kong landmarks, this compact travel companion makes every trip picture-perfect.

• Adam White, Content Director

Pack and play

“Prior to the arrival of our son, my husband and I used to travel whenever and wherever we wanted. Like so many clueless new parents before us, we declared having a child wouldn’t stop this. In all fairness, it didn’t; but trips now require a lot more preparation and flexibility on our part – and, of course, some great activities in our back pockets.

Getting an excitable child to sit still is famously a challenge – and never more so, it seems, than at a restaurant table. Ensuring you have the appropriate toys for the situation is key. Drawing is great, but getting pen ink all over the table is not. Ink-free sketch pads or “magic pens” that only appear on specific paper are a brilliant alternative. Our son also loves playing with transport models – cars, buses and aircraft all attend our meals these days. But my top tip? Having fun. If you’re having fun with your kids, I guarantee they’re having fun with you, too.”

Cathay Pacific recommendation: young aviation enthusiasts will adore our new Cathay Pacific aircraft blind box collection. Each mystery box contains one of six miniature aircraft bearing incredible true-to-life details, plus a trading card packed with fun facts. From the legendary Betsy to the latest addition to our fleet, these aircraft hold a special place in Cathay Pacific’s history – you’ll want to collect them all.

• Charlie Robertson, Managing Editor, Digital

Fun on-the-go

“Some of my most cherished childhood memories are of my family and I playing board games and parlour games. My mum taught my brother and me Filipino games like Sungka and Unggoy-Unggoyan, and we’d spend evenings bent over Scrabble, Monopoly or Ludo boards. Now, I love recreating these moments for my daughter.

When she was younger, we’d make up songs while on the road, or draw from our surroundings to play eye-spy. She loved games that tapped into her creativity, like Mad Libs and drawing challenges. Now that she’s a little older, I try to balance her screen time with brain teasers and travel board games – especially ones we can play together. We’ve had great laughs over Pictionary and Exploding Kittens. These precious bonding moments remind me a lot of my own childhood. That’s why, whenever we go on a family holiday, I make sure to pick up a few travel games for those relaxed evenings in our hotel room.”

Cathay Pacific recommendation: take a trip down memory lane with the Cathay Pacific aviation chess collection, a tribute both to the iconic Chinese pastime and to Cathay Pacific’s own heritage. You can choose from two styles: a magnetic travel set perfect for on-the-go play; or a large foldable version with cushioned counters and dice for fun at home, in your resort, or even during an outdoor picnic.

• Roberliza Eugenio, Content Editor

More Cathay Pacific recommendations

Something for teenagers 

Bored on a flight or at your hotel? Shuffle things up with our Cathay Pacific Destination playing cards. Featuring iconic landmarks from cities we fly to and packaged in a sleek tin with one of four sleeves, this deck makes every game night, layover, or beach day a classy affair.

Something to take home 

Our Cathay puzzle provides an activity and souvenir in one. Crafted from high-quality materials, this 1,000-piece jigsaw can withstand the grip of your enthusiastic youngsters and even survive light spills. The finished artwork is a beautiful tribute to our shared love for travel.