Keep Kids Engaged At Airports: Creative Ways To Explore

Keeping kids entertained at the airport can be a challenge, but with a little creativity and preparation, it can be done. From screen-free play to crafts and art ideas, there are plenty of ways to keep little ones engaged while waiting for a flight. Whether it's helping a toddler practice opening and closing a window shade or bringing along some finger puppets for a game of peek-a-boo, parents can find ways to make the airport experience fun for their children.

Window shade games

Another idea is to bring some finger puppets and use the window shade as a backdrop for a puppet show. You can sing songs and play games with the puppets, keeping your child entertained for a while.

If you have some wrapping paper, you can also try a fine motor activity. Loosely wrap a small gift or toy in the paper and let your toddler practice unwrapping it with both hands. This will help them develop their fine motor skills while also keeping them occupied.

For older kids, you could turn the window shade into a creative canvas. Bring some stickers, crayons, or markers, and let them decorate the shade with drawings or patterns. This activity will allow them to express their creativity and pass the time in a fun way.

Feeding and sucking

Feeding your baby on take-off and landing is a popular way to reduce the potential for ear pain. If your baby doesn't want to eat, the sucking motion of a pacifier usually does the trick. If you're bottle-feeding, you can also try giving your baby a bottle during these times.

If you're nursing, you can try to time your feeds so that they coincide with take-off and landing. This way, you can reduce the potential for ear pain without having to use a pacifier or bottle.

If your baby is old enough to eat solid foods, you can bring along some snacks to keep them entertained during the flight. Soft foods like bananas, avocados, and yogurt are easy to eat and can help keep your baby occupied.

You can also try giving your baby a pacifier to suck on throughout the flight. This can help soothe them and keep them calm, especially if they're feeling tired or overwhelmed.

Crafts and art

Another idea is to bring some dot stickers or some scribble art for your toddler to give to the flight attendant as a "gift". You can also ask your toddler to bring their trash to the back of the plane and throw it away in the flight attendant's trash bag.

If you have a window seat, you can help your toddler practice opening and closing the window shade. This is a great way to keep them entertained and also teaches them about cause and effect. You can also go to the back of the plane with your toddler and ask for a cup of ice together. This will keep them occupied for a little while and is a fun, unique experience for them.

If you're looking for a more portable option, you can bring some colouring books or drawing pads and crayons. This will allow your kids to be creative and express themselves while also keeping them entertained for a long period of time. You can also bring some stickers for them to decorate their drawings or the plane window.

Finger puppets

To make finger puppets, you will need some small pieces of fabric or paper. You can cut out simple shapes, such as animals or people, and then glue or tape them onto your fingers. You can also add some simple features, such as eyes, a nose, and a mouth, using markers or paint.

Once you have made your finger puppets, you can start to play with them. You can make up stories or songs about the characters, or you can act out simple scenes. For example, you could have the finger puppets introduce themselves to each other, or you could have them go on an adventure together.

You can also use finger puppets to play games with your kids. One game you can play is "Guess the Puppet." In this game, you put on a finger puppet and have your child guess which character you are pretending to be. You can give them clues, such as the character's name or what they like to do. Another game you can play is "Puppet Show." In this game, you and your child take turns putting on a puppet show for each other. You can make up a story or act out a scene from a favourite book or movie.

Visiting flight attendants

If you have a window seat, you can also entertain your toddler by helping them practice opening and closing the window shade. Say "open, close" as they do it with your hand over theirs.

You could also take your toddler to the back of the plane and ask for a cup of ice together.

If you're looking for screen-free play, try finger puppets. You can sing songs and play games like peek-a-boo. Wind-up toys are another great option, as toddlers love to hold them and stop the motion with their hands.

If you're travelling with a baby, it's a good idea to feed them on take-off and landing to reduce the potential for ear pain. If they don't want to eat, a pacifier can help with the sucking motion.

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