What Airplane Models Do Kids Like?

by Nick Jones Art Director

There are so many toys, kids could play with these days. There are toy cars, dolls, stuffed toys, toy cartoon characters, and so much more. But, it is, without a doubt, that airplane models have a special place in the kids’ hearts.

The impression kids have of an airplane is a very good one. They believe that only the best, bravest, and most skilled individuals can fly a plane. It also helps that many cartoons, movies, and other films portray a good image of the aviation industry, making it their dream to be an actual pilot in the future.

Do kids like airplane models? The answer is almost a giveaway. Of course, they do!

There’s a perfect airplane for every kid. Non-flying airplane models are used by kids to fuel their imagination and play-pretend on the different scenarios they are in, while flying airplane models (RC-type) are either used to feel the exhilaration of flying an airplane as if they are actual pilots.

Now, what kind of airplanes models do they prefer?

Kids don’t exactly have the best knowledge when it comes to the specifics of an aircraft model. But they do know what it looks like, and they recognize it almost immediately.

Lazy Town Mayor’s Airplane

Kids who binge-watch old shows, as well as kids of the 90s know the popular television show called, “Lazy Town,” which revolves around a pink-haired girl named Stephanie, the niece of the mayor of that town, who tries her best to teach the extremely lazy residents to move, groove, and never miss any physical activity - which is beneficial to their health.

In the show, the mayor is seen flying a bulky, red-yellow-white plane, which looks very fancy and sporty. Kids who have this airplane model probably pretend they are in Lazy Town together with Stephanie and Sportacus, watching over the residents, and the evil Robbie Rotten.

F-16 Fighter Jet Airplane

Children who want to pilot their own aircraft will find joy playing with a fighter jet, especially if it has colorful flashing lights, and realistic jet noise! This is perfect to keep any kid occupied, and best to play with the other kids or siblings around.

A fighter jet can soar across any hard surface with high-speed wheels. It can also easily change directions, if an incoming missile, is on its way. Used by the military in real life, these airplane models are surely cool, and will make any kid playing it feel like he or she is on a mission. Why do kids like fighter jets, you ask? Well, there are many cartoons and films depicting an actual air battle using fighter jets.

Of course, airplane models such as these do not have a realistic look of the F-16 fighter jet. Some details are modified, and edited, to make it appear more kid-friendly, and non-violent. Usually, jets, which are mass-produced and sold as kids’ toys have a bright color, stirring it away from the scary and intimidating original look of the airplane.

Airflow Fantasy Flyer Pedal Plane

Small and simple airplane models make for great toys. But if you have a slightly bigger airplane toy kids, could ride, and pilot for real, they would definitely freak out! Such airplane models are available, and of course, for a more expensive cost.

There are many foot-to-floor riding airplane toys used by toddlers. It’s very appealing, and fun for them to ride. While these toys cannot take off from a runway, or perform a landing, kids can simply use their feet to move the airplane and let their minds take flight. Most of the pedal planes are made of steel so it’s very durable.

Parents don’t really need to buy this for their kids. While it is a great act, there might be playhouses in some areas which has something close to this, that the kids may try. It is best to check the local parks, malls, and indoor playhouses to see if they have any ride-on airplane models your kids could play with.

Avenger’s Quinjet

Today is the age of superheroes, and mega villains. Marvel and DC are both enjoying a massive success, thanks to the comic book adaptation of their different heroes, made evident in the previous decade that just passed. Fortunately for them, the success goes way beyond film theaters, and also extends to the model toy industry.

The Avengers’ Quinjet is probably one of the most iconic aircrafts used in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is actually a technologically advanced S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) jet, which is frequently used by the Avengers, as well as different STRIKE teams, for transportation. Quinjets possess remarkable flight capabilities, despite being lightly armed.

Kids will definitely love playing with an airplane model from the Avengers film! They can just think they’re filling the shoes of Captain America, or even Phil Coulson!