It’s the season of summer holidays, which means that many of us are taking the opportunity to venture off on a sunny vacation abroad.
Unless you have organised a staycation at home, you will likely be heading off on your holidays through the airport. However, with the huge increase in passengers, as well as some airline strikes, you might be looking at a long stint in the airport before you reach your final destination.
If you’re travelling with little ones, this can sound like a nightmare situation, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep them occupied. Below, we have devised a list of tasks, challenges and entertainment options to help your young children through the boredom.
So, whether it’s a long delay, an unfortunate cancellation or just a simple long-haul layover, try out some of these top tips:
Pack a bag
Parents typically pack a bag full of entertainment for their little ones for the flight, but don’t be afraid to pull it out early during a delay! Before you travel to the airport, fill a backpack with all of your child’s favourite toys, dolls and teddies. Alternatively, you can also include activities such as colouring books, puzzles and sticker books. Endless hours of fun!
Screen time
Usually, we would recommend keeping screentime to a minimum. However, when you’re faced with a huge travel delay, you have to bend the rules a bit! Ahead of your holiday, download many of your child’s favourite films, TV shows and video games. To prepare for all situations, make sure to also include a portable charger and a set of headphones.
Scavenger hunt
Just like hide and seek, but with objects instead of people! Airports offer a huge scope for adventure, especially if you’re travelling within a major city. To pass the time, you can give your little ones a list of things to hunt down. Choose a wide mix of targets, including things such as a departures board, a specific shop, a certain colour of luggage, or a specific airline plane.
I Spy
Similarly, I Spy can easily pass huge chunks of time! Instead of choosing items that would be easy for your little ones to figure out, try and pick mystery items that will leave them searching for a while.
Go exploring
If you’re looking to tire out your child, a big walk around the airport will definitely help! Many airports also have kid-friendly areas and play zones for them to run around freely.
Have a picnic
If you’re able to find a spacious spot in the airport, why not set up a little picnic for you and your loved ones? Airport food can be expensive, so be sure to load up your luggage beforehand with all of your favourite snacks and treats to share with your little one.
Do some shopping
Whether it’s letting them smell the perfumes in duty free, treating them to something new, or picking out an intriguing book for them to read, airport shops are full of entertainment for you to help pass the time.
Do some drawing
When in doubt, set up some paper and crayons! Instead of bringing individual sheets of paper, we would recommend taking a blank notepad with you, so that your child can create and draw to their heart’s content.
Reading time
If your child loves to read, set aside a few of their favourite books to take with you to keep them occupied. Or, if they love discovering new stories, you could arrange some new books to surprise them with, in case of a delay.
Inform them of your plans
If your child isn’t already clued in on your travel plans, then they will be desperate to know what adventures await them when they arrive! While you wait for your plane, take your little one through your plans for your trip abroad. You could even pull up some maps and images online for a visual aid.
