Do the words “layover with kids” make you want to re-think your whole holiday and pay a bit more for the direct flights? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. As an adult, long layovers are not something I look forward to and, I’m sure I’m not the only one. Now, imagine being a kid and having to wait hours on end at the airport – it doesn’t sound fun, does it?
It’s important to have a plan of action (plus, a plan B, and maybe a plan C, if all else fails) during long layovers to ensure everyone is kept entertained, fed and in turn, happy. As this article on The Talking Suitcase mentions, “being prepared, getting some rest and turning wait time into game time can help reduce the stress.”
Walk it off
After being inside a plane for a few hours, it’s important to stretch your legs and walk around the airport. To make walking a bit more fun, why not walk like animals or film characters? For instance, walk like a chicken or walk like Frankenstein – everyone will have a blast!
Play games
Discover the wonders of the airport by playing I-Spy. This is a great way to teach your children all about what happens at airports – from the equipment that’s used to prepare your aeroplane before boarding to the equipment around the airport to ensure travellers easily find their gates.
If you are not sure of this type of equipment yourself, why not learn a bit about it beforehand? That way you’ll be able to answer any questions your little ones might have. Visit Aviation Spares & Repairs, aviation equipment supplier, to find out all about the different types of equipment used at airports.
Fill up your stomachs
As we’ve learnt from the Snickers ads, “you’re not you when you’re hungry” and this applies to everyone. Even though a candy bar might seem like a good snack for the airport, I’d recommend skipping the sugar and having a proper meal to ensure that everyone is well-fed.
Choose longer layovers
This might seem counterintuitive but let me quote this article on Smarter Travel, “if a layover is unavoidable, try to make it a long-ish one”. How could this be helpful? You ask. If you have a long layover, you will actually have time to do various activities and maybe even to rest at a nearby hotel, whilst if you have a short layover, you might end up rushing from the aircraft to the gate and then to the aircraft again.
Enjoy airport activities
Many airports offer play areas for children and some also offer various activities for the whole family to enjoy, including aquariums, cinemas and butterfly gardens. This article on Business Insider shares various attractions that can be found at airports around the world, from swimming pools at the Hamad International Airport to an impressive aquarium at Vancouver International Airport.
How do you survive airport layovers with your children?