Tips to Deal With Kids on Layovers
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Airport layovers can be boring for even the most frequent traveler. It becomes more challenging when you are traveling with kids. No matter how beautiful and nice the airport is, a child's excitement about vacations does not get satisfied and causes discomfort to parents during layovers.
But with a little planning and smart thinking, you can turn the boring layovers into fun for kids as well as for the family.
Here are a few tips to help you manage hours between flights:
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is crucial for a smooth layover experience with kids. Make sure to pack essential items like snacks, games, and comfort items. Have a list of activities ready to keep your kids entertained. For example, bring coloring books, portable games, or download their favorite shows on a tablet. Refer to these tips for packing essentials.
Explore the Airport
Walking around the airport can keep kids busy and physically active. Turn exploration into a game by creating a scavenger hunt. Look for interesting areas like viewing decks or art installations. During a layover in Singapore, we turned exploring the airport into a game. The kids loved finding different landmarks, and we even discovered an indoor garden that became our favorite spot. Smaller airports like San Jose SJC, Portland PDX, Chicago MDW, or San Diego SAN have limited areas, so plan accordingly. Check out this guide for more ideas on exploring airports with kids.
Utilize Play Areas
Look at the airport map to see if there are any child play areas or exhibits you could visit. Some airports have designated play areas for kids. When walking around, keep an eye out for these spots and let your kids play there. For toddlers, create a mini-play area in a less busy section of the airport with natural boundaries like chairs or windows. Refer to this article for more tips on utilizing airport play areas.
Relax in Airport Lounges
Airport lounges offer many benefits for families, including clean bathrooms, comfortable seating, free food and drinks, and Wi-Fi. Some credit cards offer free lounge access, so it's worth looking into if you're a frequent traveler. Lounges provide a more comfortable and clean atmosphere, which is especially beneficial for young children. Read about the advantages of lounges here.
Enjoy a Meal
When waiting with kids for a flight, make sure to have meals at regular times. Find a restaurant or food shop to buy meals for your kids and yourself. Many airports have dining areas where you can sit, relax, and enjoy your food. Eating at a table makes it easier for kids to eat comfortably. In Tokyo, we found a great family-friendly restaurant in the airport. Having a proper meal together not only filled our stomachs but also gave us a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of travel. For recommendations on airport dining options, see this guide.
Book a Nearby Hotel
If your layover is more than nine hours, booking a hotel near the airport can make a significant difference in how you and your kids feel upon arrival at your destination. A hotel room provides a comfortable space for rest and relaxation. Many airports have family-friendly hotels nearby. For specific hotel recommendations, check out these tips.
Be Prepared for Delays
Prepare for unexpected delays by packing extra supplies and having contingency plans. Bring additional snacks, entertainment options, and comfort items to keep your kids occupied. Staying calm and flexible can help manage the stress of delays. When our flight was delayed for several hours in Atlanta, I was glad I had packed extra snacks and a few surprise toys. These little preparations made the delay much more bearable for everyone. Learn more about handling delays with kids here.
READ MORE: Preparing Kids to Fly
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