10 Fun Airport Layover Activities for Kids: Easy, Mess-Free, and Travel-Friendly!

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Are you dreading the inevitable airport layover with kids in tow? Don't fret! With a little creativity and some simple supplies, you can turn that layover into a fun-filled adventure for the whole family, transforming those seemingly endless hours into cherished memories. From scavenger hunts to storytelling sessions, there are countless opportunities to engage young minds and keep spirits high amidst the hustle and bustle of the terminal. So, sit back, relax, and explore these ten easy airport layover activities and games designed to entertain kids without any mess or hassle, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey for all. Click the links to shop any items needed directly on Amazon.

1. Storytime with Travel Books: Pack a few age-appropriate travel-themed books in your carry-on. Gather the kids around and let them immerse themselves in stories about airplanes, airports, and far-off destinations. Encourage them to use their imagination to act out the scenes. For a list of travel related story books divided by age click here.

2. Coloring Books: Bring along a selection of coloring books and crayons or colored pencils. Choose ones with various themes like airplanes, summer vacation, or cartoons to suit different interests. Coloring is not only enjoyable but also a calming activity for kids of all ages.

3. DIY Travel Journal: Provide each child with a small notebook and a set of colored pencils or crayons. Encourage them to document their travel experiences by drawing pictures, writing about their favorite moments, or even making lists of things they want to do at their destination.

4. Airport Bingo: Create simple bingo cards featuring common sights and sounds found in airports, such as airplanes, luggage carts, and flight announcements. As you move through the airport, have the kids mark off items on their cards. The first one to get a bingo wins a small prize!

5. Card Games: Pack a deck of cards for some classic gaming fun. Teach the kids simple card games like Go Fish, Crazy Eights, or Uno. Card games are not only entertaining but also help improve memory and concentration skills.

6. Scavenger Hunt: Before your trip, create a list of items for the kids to find around the airport, such as a pilot's hat, a departure board showing a specific destination, or a certain type of souvenir. Give each child a list and let them explore the airport to find all the items.

7. Alphabet Challenge Game: Challenge the kids to find one item for each letter of the alphabet within the airport. For example, A could be an airplane, B could be a boarding pass, and so on. It's a fun way to keep them engaged while also practicing their alphabet skills. Use a simple pack of alphabet flash cards that the kids get to take every time they score a letter.

8. Quiet Time with Audiobooks or Podcasts: Load up your smartphone or tablet with age-appropriate audiobooks or podcasts. Let the kids put on their headphones and listen to stories, music, or educational content while you relax or attend to other tasks. The Amazon Fire Tablet is perfect for this!

9. Simon Says: This classic game is perfect for burning off some energy during a layover. Gather the kids in a spacious area of the airport and take turns being "Simon." Give commands like "Simon says touch your nose" or "Simon says hop on one foot." It's simple, fun, and requires no equipment.

10. Scheduled Mealtime: Plan your layover to coincide with mealtime and enjoy a sit-down meal together as a family. Choose a restaurant or food court within the airport where everyone can find something they like. It's a great opportunity to refuel and spend quality time together before continuing your journey. Or you can opt for home made meals at the gate, which we usually do. For a fun list of ideas for home made meals that are perfect for kids in the airport, read this post.

With these ten easy activities and games, your airport layover is sure to fly by in no time. So pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready for a stress-free travel experience filled with fun and adventure!

Happy travels,

Chavy