Originally Posted by Solarmoon

A seven year old is on the verge of being able to begin to appreciate what is possibly the single most entertaining invention known to man: a deck of cards.

Bring 3 decks (two of which are identical on the back) as this will allow you to have many hours of fun, including the "let's make sure we have a complete deck" game.

A seven year old can easily play "War" and "Speed" (if you go easy), fun two player games for kids and tolerable for grownups. When they hit sixth grade (and know +,-,*,/, and raising to a power), you can introduce them to the wonder that is "24" (if they have a mathematical bent that is). And then there are the many variations of Solitaire. Get a book of card tricks. Try to make card houses on the tray tables (doesn't work very well, so discuss why), etc...

When the cards get boring, break out the coloring books and crayons. And then rip out the pieces of paper to make Origami with. Between that, meals, naps, and "what does that cloud look like," there is more than enough for two long-haul flights.

Why is everyone immediately jumping to electronic entertainment? Why not just say Benadryl if you want to knock them out.