20 Ways to Keep Your Kids Occupied at the Airport

Traveling with kids can be a challenging experience, especially during long layovers or unexpected delays at the airport. However, with a little creativity and preparation, you can turn airport time into an enjoyable adventure for the whole family. Here are 20 engaging ways to keep your kids occupied at the airport, ensuring a stress-free and fun journey.

1. Explore Airport Play Areas

Many airports around the world have recognized the need for family-friendly spaces and have introduced dedicated play areas for children. For instance:

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and San Francisco International (SFO) feature aviation-themed play zones with interactive displays.
• Singapore’s Changi Airport offers playgrounds, rock climbing walls, and even slides that provide endless entertainment for kids.

These areas are designed to help children burn off energy before boarding, making them calmer during flights. If your airport has such facilities, they can be a lifesaver.

2. Engage in a Scavenger Hunt

Turn waiting time into a fun and interactive game by organizing a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for your kids to find, such as:

• Green suitcases
• Service dogs
• Moving walkways
• People wearing hats

This activity not only keeps them busy but also encourages observation skills and teamwork. You can print scavenger hunt lists ahead of time or create one on the spot based on your surroundings.

3. Watch Planes Take Off and Land

Airports like Frankfurt and Changi offer excellent viewing galleries where families can watch planes take off and land. This activity is not only fascinating for kids but also educational. Use this opportunity to teach them about aviation processes, such as how planes are loaded with luggage or refueled.

For added engagement, consider downloading apps that track flight paths in real-time to show your kids where each plane is heading.

4. Play Classic Games Like I Spy

“I Spy” is a timeless game that can be easily adapted to an airport setting. Focus on objects unique to the environment, such as:

• Departure screens
• Uniformed staff
• Luggage carts

Adjust the difficulty level based on your child’s age, making it a versatile option for families with kids of different ages.

5. Pack an Activity Bag

A well-packed activity bag can be a lifesaver during long waits. Include items such as:

• Coloring books and crayons
• Sticker sets
• Magnetic travel games
• Small toys or figurines

For older kids, consider puzzle books or travel-sized board games like Scrabble or chess. Ensure that all items are lightweight and easy to carry.

6. Explore Airport Art and Exhibits

Many airports feature impressive art installations and exhibits that can captivate both kids and adults. For example:

• Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 has kinetic sculptures.
• Major hubs often host rotating exhibits showcasing local culture or history.

These installations provide an opportunity for children to learn something new while being entertained.

7. Create a Snack Adventure

Snack time doesn’t have to be boring! Turn it into an adventure by exploring different food court options at the airport. You can organize a mini “progressive meal,” where each family member picks one item from different vendors to share.

For healthier options, pack nutritious snacks like fruit slices, granola bars, or trail mix to keep your kids energized throughout the day.

8. Use Technology Wisely

While screen time should be limited, technology can still be a useful tool during travel. Download kid-friendly apps, audiobooks, or movies in advance for offline use. Some great options include:

• Educational apps like Duolingo Kids
• Audiobooks of their favorite stories
• Pre-downloaded episodes of their favorite shows

Make sure to set clear limits on screen time to avoid overstimulation.

9. Bring Travel-Friendly Board Games or Card Games

Compact games like Uno, magnetic chess, or travel-sized versions of popular board games are perfect for keeping kids entertained without taking up too much space in your bag. To avoid losing pieces during travel, store them in resealable bags or small containers.

10. Encourage Creative Activities

Creative activities are excellent for keeping kids engaged while also stimulating their imagination. Some ideas include:

• Origami kits
• Bracelet-making supplies
• Scratch art boards

These activities are typically mess-free and portable, making them ideal for travel environments like airports.

11. Go on a Color Hunt

A color hunt is another simple yet engaging activity for young children. Pick a color and challenge your child to find as many matching items as possible around the terminal—whether it’s red luggage tags or blue seats near the gate.

12. Ride Airport Trams or Moving Walkways

Airports like Changi feature tram systems (e.g., Skytrain) that connect terminals, providing an exciting ride for kids while helping you explore the airport efficiently. Similarly, moving walkways can become a fun mini-adventure if approached with enthusiasm and supervision.

13. Try Physical Challenges or Mini Workouts

If you’re near an open space in the terminal, encourage your kids to do simple physical challenges like:

• Jumping jacks
• Balancing games (e.g., standing on one foot)

These activities help burn off excess energy before boarding while promoting motor skill development.

14. Read Books Together or Listen to Audiobooks

Reading is an excellent way to pass time quietly while fostering your child’s love for stories. Bring along engaging books suited to their age group or download audiobooks they can listen to through headphones.

For younger children, picture books with interactive elements work best; older kids may enjoy chapter books or graphic novels.

15. Let Kids Be Helpers

Involve your children in small tasks during your airport journey to keep them engaged while teaching responsibility:

• Assign them roles like finding gates on signs.
• Let them hold boarding passes or tickets.

This makes them feel included in the travel process while keeping their minds occupied.

16. Play with Travel-Themed Toys

Travel-themed toys are an excellent way to keep kids entertained while sparking their imagination. Some great options include:

• Busy boards with zippers, buttons, and locks
• Buckle toys for toddlers to practice fine motor skills
• Small figurines or vehicles, such as airplanes or trains, for imaginative play

These toys are compact and designed to keep little hands busy in limited spaces like airport lounges or waiting areas.

17. Organize Paper-Based Games

Paper-based games are simple, require minimal supplies, and can provide hours of fun. Classic games like Hangman, Tic Tac Toe, and Dots & Boxes are perfect for this setting. All you need is a notebook and a pen or pencil.

For added variety, consider printing travel-themed activity sheets or puzzles before your trip. These can include word searches, mazes, or connect-the-dots activities tailored to your child’s interests.

18. Explore Kid-Friendly Airport Attractions

Some airports go above and beyond to cater to families by offering unique attractions that kids will love. For example:

• Changi Airport in Singapore features the tallest airport slide in the world, as well as butterfly gardens and koi ponds.
• Chicago O’Hare (ORD) has aviation-themed exhibits designed specifically for children.
• Frankfurt Airport offers family lounges with play areas and interactive displays.

Research your departure or layover airport ahead of time to discover any kid-friendly attractions available.

19. Introduce Journaling or Drawing Activities

Encourage your kids to document their travel experience through journaling or drawing. Provide them with a small notebook and colored pencils so they can:

• Write about what they see at the airport
• Draw pictures of airplanes, people, or interesting sights
• Create a travel diary with stickers or ticket stubs

This activity not only keeps them occupied but also helps create lasting memories of the trip.

20. Plan Quiet Time Activities

As boarding time approaches, it’s helpful to transition into calming activities that help kids wind down. Some ideas include:

• Solving puzzles
• Playing with fidget toys
• Practicing mindfulness exercises like deep breathing

These quiet-time activities can help reduce pre-flight anxiety and ensure your kids are relaxed before getting on the plane.

FAQs: Common Questions About Traveling with Kids

How do you keep toddlers entertained at the airport?

Toddlers have shorter attention spans, so it’s essential to pack sensory toys like busy boards, sticker books, and small puzzles tailored to their developmental needs. Additionally, take advantage of airport play areas or let them explore moving walkways under supervision.

What should I pack in my child’s carry-on bag?

A well-packed carry-on bag is crucial for keeping kids entertained during travel. Include essentials such as:

• Healthy snacks (e.g., fruit slices, granola bars)
• Spare clothes in case of spills
• Small toys or figurines
• Coloring supplies (crayons, markers)
• Headphones for audiobooks or movies
• Travel-friendly board games

Make sure everything is lightweight and easy to access during the journey.

Are there kid-friendly airports?

Yes, several airports are known for their family-friendly amenities. For instance:

• Frankfurt Airport offers dedicated play zones and family lounges.
• San Francisco International (SFO) features interactive exhibits at its Kids’ Spots.
• Singapore Changi Airport boasts playgrounds, gardens, and even a rock-climbing wall.

These facilities make traveling with children more enjoyable and less stressful.

How early should I arrive at the airport with kids?

To ensure a smooth experience when traveling with children:

• Arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights.
• Arrive three hours early for international flights.

This extra time allows for check-in procedures, security checks, bathroom breaks, and exploring kid-friendly areas without feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. With proper planning and creative activities tailored to their interests and energy levels, you can turn waiting time at the airport into a fun-filled adventure. From exploring play areas and engaging in scavenger hunts to enjoying quiet-time activities like journaling or puzzles, these 20 strategies will ensure your journey is enjoyable for everyone involved.

By embracing these ideas and preparing ahead of time, you’ll not only keep your kids entertained but also create meaningful memories that make traveling as a family truly special.