PLAN THE FUN WITH THE FREE KIDS ACTIVITIES PLANNER! AND RECEIVE ACTIVITIES EVERY WEEK!Forget the iPad, you'd be better off giving your children Play-Doh to keep them entertained on a plane, according to new research.A social experiment led by Professor Robert Winston found that old-fashioned fun is all you need to keep children happy in-flight - contrary to popular belief.The research comes as parents revealed that their biggest concern when flying was keeping their children entertained, with 60 per cent admitting they fail to keep kids distracted for more than 30 minutes. Building blocks: Finn Garrett and Professor Robert Winston get to grips with Lego on board the flight A quarter of parents surveyed said they worried about their children disturbing other passengers, while more than half were nervous about disrupting their youngster’s sleepingBritish Airways conducted the social experiment in response to the survey, by placing 30 youngsters on a flight for two hours with a selection of toys.
The children, aged two to 10, were given 90 minutes playtime and observed by scientist and TV personality Robert Winston and a team of educational psychologists. Entertained: Cathy West and Elodie, 2, play with stuffed toys and Play-Doh on board the lfight The surprising findings revealed that it was actually the cheapest toys that kept the children occupied for the longest. THE TOP 10 TOYS TO TAKE ON A PLANE 1. Magnetic travel game 8. 9. Finger puppets 10. Play-Doh and toy-of-the-moment Loom Bands topped the list with 80 per cent of children and 70 per cent of parents saying they would take these on a flight in the future. Both toys, costing just 74p and £1.99 respectively, kept more than half of the children occupied for longer than 40 minutes. The most popular toy among two to five year olds was Play-Doh, while Loom Bands were a firm favourite with the five to 10 year olds. Timeless classics such as Lego and Top Trump cards also scored highly with this age group;
keeping them entertained for an average of 37 and 33 minutes respectively.Professor Winston, said: 'Although the temptation is for parents to play a film in the hope that their child falls asleep, activity based toys, such as lego, sticker books and travel games are also a great way to keep them engaged. 'Bringing out a different toy at regular intervals is guaranteed to keep them quiet for longer than 90 minutes.' Simple pleasures: The study, which also included participant Archie Sturt, 3, with his mother Nicola Sturt, found children don't need high-tech games to be entertained DR VIVIAN HILL'S TOP TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE FLIGHT1. Have drinks to hand they can sip on for take off and landing so they don't concentrate on the air pressure; which can affect children moreBuy new toys and games for the flight as newer toys entertain them for longer3. Bring out different toys at regular intervals. Wrapping them and giving them as presents works really well4. Concentrate on packing activities as opposed to static objects such as dolls and cuddly toys 5.
Think of games with extended play. Finger puppets and activity cards are both toys that can be drawn out to last a lot longer6. Think about games that you don't need to carry. Verbal games like I Spy and Twenty Questions are good ways to pass the flight time7. If it's an evening or night flight take pyjamas. for bed will help avoid disrupting their sleep pattern. Dr Vivian Hill, educational psychologist from the Institute of Education, said: 'Toys that spark the imagination and encourage creativity, rather than static toys like soft toys and dolls, are proven to keep children occupied for sustained periods.' Ian Ellis, toys buyer at John Lewis, said: 'Loom bands have been hugely popular. We started selling them at John Lewis a couple of months ago and in the last few weeks we have really seen them take off. It has been such a big playground phenomenon with children wanting the newest colours and sets, we will be introducing more to our range as the trend continues.'
The 15 Best Toy and Game Stores in New York CityCreated by Foursquare Lists The LEGO StoreSuper friendly staff. Clean and well-organized store with great Lego sculptures. I must get all the LEGO sets...ever...always.Great for gifts and office toys!Big "bulk pieces" wall where you can fill a cup with a mix of any pieces you need. Left with a LEGO Delorean...could easily spend way too much here. Disney StoreDon't let the smaller product selection fool you. Almost every product is awesome (couldn't say the same about the 5th Ave old store). e to Disney Store Times Square for our Stylish Ever After event on Fashion’s Night Out, 9/8, 4-11 PM. Discover Pixie Dust, our newest fragrance, making its global debut.It's New Year's 2012 in Times Square! Check out our website for the OFFICIAL news, schedules, FAQ's, & everything you need to know about celebrating NYE in Times Square! The LEGO StoreCan't go wrong with the Lego store. Go there with your kids or be a kid at heart. Check out the build of Rockefeller plaza on displayCheck out the Rockefeller Center LEGO sculpture!
As touristy as they are, the oversized Lego sculptures, including the model of Rockefeller Center, are really cool. Kidding AroundWonderful selection, including a wooden train set in the back. My son loves it. Also pretty good kids book selection.Such sweet and helpful staff members. Was really overwhelmed by the selection but asked for help and had a gift for my niece in no time.Readers' Poll winner of The Village Voice Best of NYC 2012 Best Toy Store! Toy TokyoGive yourself time to look up and down each display. Thousands of awesome toys and vinyl art to see, both big and small. 100% fair prices and helpful staff if you can act respectful.Best Japanese / urban toy store in Manhattan!!Winner of Best Toy Store in the Village Voice 2011 Best Of issue! Check the comtemporary design pieces from toy and graffiti artists. myplasticheartReally nice designer/vinyl toy shop off the beaten path. Friendly owners and really nice selection.a very small but usually crowded place that specializes in urban vinyl figures, occasionally they have awesome events such as signings with artists such as Scott Campbell and art shows.
Great staff and awesome stock! The Compleat StrategistOne of the very best and oldest gaming stores in the country. They have it all, including a fantastic collection of Pathfinder books and a wonderful staff. Ask the staff for the "Local Publishers" sBought a giant d20. This ushers in a new era of efficient decision making on a plush scale.Balloon SaloonFun store to look around and buy a unique gift!Great gag gifts here!Certain Koons masterpieces can be found here. ThinkGeekA great place for their assorted pop figures and art work, as well as geeky accessoriesLots of neat things, however the drawbacks are that it's pretty stuffy and the items tend to be overpriced.The store is OK. The people who work there are kinda rude and uppity. If you don't look like a "nerd" they kinda blow you off. State NewsGreat for bakers! Seasonal selection is great! Cookie cutters and baking cups always in full supply. My go to in a fixGreat card selectionAll in one party needs. Staff is very helpful. Dinosaur Hill ToysAwesome collection of children's books.
Mix of classics and never-seen-before gems.Cutest toy store ever. Nicest owners too, and they have this really adorable shaggy dog that just walks around while you shop. They have a lot of throwback toys. It makes you feel like a kid againCritics' Pick winner of The Village Voice Best of NYC 2012 Best Toy Store Playing MantisAdorable, unique, wood toys. Expect to spend a lot. The quality is worth it though.For parents who hate modern toys, check out this TriBeCa shop, which features tons of wooden toys and old-school children's books.Really amazing unique kids toys. All wooden and natural, a must for that special kid in your life (or husband/bf) Kidding AroundBrimming with unique gifts, Kidding Around is not to be missed when traveling with your family through Grand Central. Unlike kitschy tourist shops, most toys here are made to last a childhood. Original and real Toy Store.Wooden toys,cloth dolls,trains,puzzles! And I found Olivia! Image AnimeFabulous store, very helpful staff! Good for all your anime needs, but they don't carry manga.