Airport travel with children often feels like navigating a complex maze filled with long lines, security checkpoints, and endless waiting periods. It doesn’t take long for most kids to go from excited about a vacation to bored and cranky, asking, “How much longer?” Trying to juggle your children, luggage, and personal belongings can leave you feeling stressed and make you dread the thought of doing it all over again when you go home.
When going to the airport feels exciting for children, they’re less likely to complain about the long lines and waiting periods. The happier your kids are, the less likely you are to feel stressed in response, leading to a better experience. This guide explains how to make traveling through the airport fun for kids in practical ways.
Get TSA PreCheck
Security lines can get painfully long, and having to stand around with nothing to do is a worst nightmare for most kids. With TSA PreCheck, you can get into the short line that usually only has a few people in it. This also means avoiding the hassle of removing jackets and electronics from your bags as you hurry through the line.
Keep in mind that TSA PreCheck is only available for national travel; if your family goes abroad, you’ll want to get Global Travel instead, as this service expedites customs processing when returning to the US.
Make It an Adventure
Reframing your airport experience as an exciting expedition rather than a mundane travel requirement captures children’s imagination and builds anticipation. On the day of the big trip, tell your kids about the adventure. If you’re going to a large airport, describe it as feeling like an indoor city.
Once you arrive at the airport, clear security, and locate your gate, the adventure begins! Take a walk with your children to explore some of the shops or restaurants, engaging them in a bit of imaginative play along the way.
Encourage your children to become airport detectives searching for clues about their destination or fellow travelers’ journeys. You can observe license plates in parking structures and count the number of different airline logos you spot. This investigative approach keeps young minds actively engaged while naturally teaching kids about travel, geography, and cultural diversity.
Do Engaging Activities
Another way to make traveling through the airport fun for kids is to engage in simple activities together. Examples include:
I Spy
“I Spy” is a perfect game because it works for people of nearly any age, and you can play it anywhere. If you have to stay by your gate, you and your children can take turns spotting different luggage colors, signs, or other objects. If you have a little bit more time, you can walk around the airport and search for various types of airplanes from different countries.
Read or Color Together
Reading and coloring are other easy options and perfect if you have to stay in one place for a little while. Pack some of your child’s favorite books into their carry-on as well as a coloring book with crayons. You can also create a tailored activity book by printing out coloring pages or word searches related to your upcoming trip.
Pack Toys
You can always bring small toys so your children can play during the airport and plane rides. Choose compact, quiet items like magnetic puzzles, drawing pads with attached pens, small building blocks, or electronic tablets loaded with educational games. These TSA-friendly toys should engage fine motor skills and creativity while staying considerate of fellow travelers.
Bring Surprise Snacks
Chances are, your kiddo is going to want a snack at the airport, and the hungrier they are, the higher the risk of a meltdown. Pack a diverse selection of healthy options, such as trail mix, crackers, dried fruit, and cheese sticks, with occasional special treats that create positive associations with travel days.
As you pick out snacks, think about your children’s favorite options so you can surprise them at the airport. The surprise factor can turn an ordinary snack into a fun moment, helping to keep your children happy and engaged while waiting or during a flight. Likewise, having their favorite treats on hand is a comforting reminder of home in an unfamiliar environment.
Visit the Airport’s Kid-Friendly Areas
Nowadays, many airports feature kid zones with a variety of indoor playground equipment. As your children climb, run, and crawl around, they’ll have a blast staying active with age-appropriate activities.
Additionally, there will likely be other children present, providing your little ones with an opportunity to make new friends and play for a while, which can make the trip even more enjoyable. Best of all, all that playtime helps tire them out, increasing the chances the kids will fall asleep on the plane.
Some airports also have interactive exhibits or viewing areas where children can watch aircraft operations up close. These specialized spaces often feature educational components that teach kids about aviation, geography, or local culture while providing entertainment. Check the airport website to see what kid-friendly areas are available in your terminal before mentioning them to your children to avoid disappointment if the activities are inaccessible.
Give Them Ride-On Luggage
Ride-on luggage combines practical storage with entertainment value, allowing children to transport their belongings while enjoying the journey. These specially designed cases feature sturdy construction that supports a child’s weight while providing wheels for easy maneuvering through airport terminals. These bags also have seatbelts and handlebars so your children stay safe.
Younglingz has a range of ride-on suitcases for kids that your little ones will be excited to use. The durable spinner wheels allow your children to roll through the airport alongside you. We have many fun options, including suitcases with dinosaurs, trucks, unicorns, dogs, and more!
Get on Their Level
Most importantly, remember to get on your child’s level when traveling through the airport. If they want to play a game together, do it. Whether it’s a round of “I Spy,” making up silly stories about where passengers are headed, or racing to the nearest window to watch planes take off, your willingness to engage can make the experience even more enjoyable for them.
When you meet your children in their world of play, you’re not just helping the time pass more quickly. You’re creating memories filled with laughter and fun that will be part of how they remember family travels. With a bit of imagination and your full attention, even airport travel can become a cherished part of the trip for everyone.