Posted on 09 December 2016

Gateways to adventure and far flung lands, airports are nothing if not exciting. Unless you're stuck in one for more than a couple of hours, that is. Even adults, having done five laps of WH Smith and having visited the departure board for the umpteenth time, can get a little bored.

But for kids, airports can be the dictionary definition of dull.

Keeping little ones occupied, somehow – any-how – is not easy, but it's doable.

Here are starttravel.co.uk's top tips for keeping younger travellers entertained in the airport. Note: these tips work equally well in train stations and a host of other travel no-man's lands.

1. Play Follow the Leader

You may look a bit silly, but as a parent you will be used to this by now. Not sure what it is? There's a clue in the title, but if you're still not 100% sure, check this out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Follow_the_leader_(game)

2. Play Simon Says

This can be equally, if not more, embarrassing than Follow the Leader.

3. Play I-Spy

This is another simple game – and can be great in the airport since there is so much to spy. On the downside, the lady with the high-heels (beginning with H) has just gone off to board her plane to Antwerp. Try another.

4. Pack a plane bag

Give each of your children a 'plane bag' containing things like colouring books, pencils and small Lego sets. Don't let them see them beforehand. This should keep them going for, oh, at least five minutes.

5. Mention the airport constabulary

Some parents have suggested that special airport police are on the lookout for naughty children. A powerful preventative measure or a last-ditch attempt to keep your child in line? The choice is yours!

6. Bring snacks

Take along slow energy-release snacks like nuts and raisins to keep your offspring's hunger pangs at bay. Of course, these types of comestibles can look rather tame when the kids know there are Haribo in the airport shop. Go on then, just a small packet…

7. Bring an I-pad or tablet

OK, we've suggested all the old-fashioned stuff that your parents used to do to keep you occupied. Now let's get real: an I-pad filled with colourful, fun games is going to keep the nippers entertained for much longer than Simon Says or I-Spy.

8. Dress them appropriately

Airport environments can be hard to second-guess: A Middle Eastern airport might be super-cold inside, while a northern European airport in winter-time might be over-heated. Dress your child in layers which can be added or removed as and when required. Don't forget that the plane cabin can get chilly too.

9. The teddy-bear secret weapon

For younger kids, hold their favourite toy in reserve for when the waterworks really get going. Don't use your secret weapon too early!

10. Remind them how great flying is

Flying, when you think about it, is a truly fantastic pursuit – one of the amazing things about living in the modern age. If your little ones get too bored, remind them about the wonder of air travel – and get them involved in the process: how many different airplane liveries can they spot; how many other kids do they think will be on the flight?

Soon enough you'll be up, up and away...

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