In Reply to: children and planes posted by balibrigi on Saturday, 12. January 2008 at 22:17 Bali Time:
My boys love toy catalogs, if you get a good one it will last them a 4 hour flight(E.L.C; Toys r Us)! In fact that is all I have taken on day time trips for the last 18 months - they never tire of wanting more toys. Older kids I would suggest a gameboy (do they still use these?) or similar. Keep something as a surprise for later in the trip in case they start to bore.
Be wary of too many sweet treats as this can wind them up and try to make sure they are rested for the flight rather than tiring them out. They are unlikely to sleep or settle if over tired and wound up. I don't let them out of their seats except for the toilet or all they want to do is run about.
I also take as little as possible on board so we have free hands and no need to constantly find "stuff". Absolutely agree with dromomaiac that you need to devote the flight to their amusement and not your own.