Tips for keeping a toddler entertained in an airport

It’s chaos — but it’s also kind of wonderful. Because travelling with little ones, while unpredictable and exhausting, can be genuinely fun when you lean into it. Airports become playgrounds for imagination: conveyor belts are “luggage trains”, moving walkways are “magic carpets”, and every plane taking off is a new story waiting to happen.

So fear not. With a bit of strategy, a handful of fun ideas, and the right attitude, you can turn that long wait at the gate into part of the adventure — not just the bit you have to survive. Here’s how we do it.

Scout the play zone

Some airports genuinely have hidden gems — dedicated play areas where tiny feet can burn off some energy. These spots are gold. If possible:

• Use your airport’s website or map to locate the play area ahead of time (so you’re not wandering around while your toddler spots it).

• Head there once you’ve cleared security — ideal timing: generally after the “we’ve just arrived” hyper-burst and before the “we’re about to board” meltdown.

• Bring a wipe or small mat so your toddler can sit or crawl comfortably if it's a soft-floor zone.

If your airport doesn’t have a formal play area, pick a quiet corner near windows or away from major crowds and let them scoot or toddle safely under watchful eyes.

Plane-spotting: entertainment with a view

You don’t need toys for this one — just a decent vantage point. Find a spot by a large window (bonus if there’s a café table so you can sit too). Encourage your toddler to watch:

• Planes taxiing and taking off.

• Baggage trucks, fuel trucks, service vehicles buzzing around.

• Luggage movements on the carousels (depending on visibility).

Make it interactive: “Can you spot a red suitcase?” or “How many wheels does that big plane have?” It becomes a little game, keeps them curious and engaged — and time passes with actual interest.

Active games that won’t get you booted out (usually)

Waiting in queues or strolling through terminals can be long, and toddlers are built for action. Here are some simple movements you can sneak in:

• Ask them to do as many star-jumps as they can in one spot (with plenty of space around).

• “Stand on one leg while counting to five” — hop in if you need to model it.

• Walk “like a penguin”, tip-toe “like we’re sneaking past the sleeping dragon”, or “march with your suitcase like you’re a train conductor”.

These little bursts of energy help reduce cabin-restless toddlers later. And they’re fun — especially if you join in and make a bit of a show.

Let them loose (ish): the terminal version of playtime

We know you can’t let them sprint wild, but a short “run-around” before boarding is gold. Here’s how to do it safely:

• Pick a less busy part of the terminal (away from major flows).

• Set a timer — say “two minutes of zooming and then we’ll look at planes again”. This gives structure so you still feel in control.

• Use a colourful backpack or suitcase as a “go” signal: “When I raise the backpack, you’re on go!”

This helps them burn some energy, which means calmer behaviour once you find your seats.

Terminal safari: explore the scene

Airports are full of interesting moving bits — escalators, moving walkways, big windows, interesting lights — use them!

• Let them ride a moving walkway and feel the glide.

• Find escalators and make it a mini-adventure: “Let’s see if we can count how many steps it has!”

• Encourage them to “potter” around (under your supervision) — they’ll walk slower, see more, ask questions.

This turns a potentially dull wait into a mini-exploration. There’s fascination in the everyday airport chaos when you give a toddler permission to be curious.

Scavenger hunt: keep the eyes busy

A simple list, printed or verbal, turns waiting into a mission. Try a toddler-friendly version:

• “Find something blue”

• “Spot someone wearing sunglasses”

• “See an escalator moving up”

• “Locate a suitcase on wheels”

You can carry a little clipboard or even use your phone camera: ask them to snap a photo of each item. It feels like a game, builds excitement, and keeps waiting time purposeful.

Suitcase fun + toy stash strategy

Ride-on suitcase: If you’ve got one (like the beloved Trunki), this is a win: your toddler can ride, pull, push it — and you can transform it into their mini-vehicle.
Toy stash strategy:

• Consider saving some new toys for the plane itself — then use a couple of simple toys in the airport for shorter waits.

• Use one small toy (diggers, soft animals, small cars) for airport queues; then surprise them with a “special plane toy” when you board. The novelty helps.

• Make the toys easy to access so that you’re not rummaging through bags when the toddler announces they’re “bored now”.

Queue tactics: divide & entertain

When you land in a long check-in or security queue, it’s tempting to all stay bundled together — but splitting roles works wonders.

• One parent/guardian stays in the queue with bags and documents.

• The other takes the toddler slightly away (within sight) and plays some of the games above: "Simon Says", “I‐Spy”, or the scavenger hunt.

• Then swap once you’re nearer the front. This keeps the toddler occupied and reduces the “we’ve been here forever” gloom.

Queue games: simple, low-prep, big win

You don’t need fancy items to kill the time in a queue. Here are tiny games that pack big entertainment:

• Simon Says: “Simon says touch your nose”, “Simon says hop on one foot”.

• Whisper Story: One of you starts a sentence: “We’re in a jungle airport…” then your toddler adds a bit, you add a bit, until you reach the front.

• Echo Game: You say a sound or movement (clap-clap-stomp) and they imitate. Keep it going as long as you can.

These are especially good when you can’t move much — they keep your toddler engaged, laughing, and most importantly, less likely to start the “are we there yet?” meltdown.