Travel tips for flying with kids often focus on activities and games for the actual flight with no mention of the hours of time spent waiting at the airport before the flight takes off. Planning or these forgotten moments of time and set a positive tone for the rest of the journey and ease the stress of waiting in the airport.
Waiting at the ticket counter. It is sticker time! Pack a variety of stickers in a convenient spot and pull them out when you arrive in the ticket line. Let the kids decorate your luggage with stickers. It keeps them entertained and makes it easy to spot your luggage on the baggage claim carousel. Inexpensive stickers work best for this – you need a large quantity and cheap stickers are usually easier to remove.
Waiting to clear security. This is a great time to use powers of observation creatively by playing counting games. Count the number of people wearing hats, wearing red shirts, or talking on the phone. Use your imagination and keep the game going until the kids start to lose interest. If you are still waiting in line, switch to balance or stretching games. See who can stand on one leg the longest, touch toes or run through a series of static stretches.
Waiting to board the plane. Time for exercise! Pause at an empty gate and start a series of agility and running games. Walk like fairy, hop like a bunny, race to a pole or spin in circles. Try to expend as much energy as possible prior to boarding the plane.
Waiting to take off. Once your family boards the plane there is generally still anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour before take off. A mini activity kit with a crayons, coloring book and a few small toys will bridge the gap. Once the plane takes off it is time to bring out the activities for the flight.
By planning for the waiting time in the airport, you ensure a smooth start to the journey.
Visit Jenny Untermeyer’s store before flying with kids for a premium selection of activity kits, travel games, and tips for traveling with kids. Everything you need to make your next trip an adventure to remember.