Family Travel: An Airport Scavenger Hunt
With spring break and summer travel right around the corner, many families are booking flights right now.
Whether you book your flights online, like I do, or you speak with an agent, there is always the risk of a long layover or last-minute cancellations leaving you stuck in an airport with kids for a long period of time.
I speak from experience when I say that if you are not prepared for this possibility, than it will be a huge bummer. BUT, if you are prepared, than it can be a super fun bonus to the trip – a few extra hours in a different city (well, airport anyway!). Remember perspective is everything! 😉
We have had a few long layovers over the years. I remember totally dreading the first one, 3 hours in Chicago O’Hare with a 1 y/o and 2 y/o. Oh, and did I mention I was the only adult? Yup, I was terrified.
But my love for adventure was stronger than my fear. I made a little plan, packed us up and went for it. I knew Hubby would be there waiting for us on the other end and I only had to survive 3 hours in Chicago alone with the babies.
We survived (and actually had a blast)! Over the next few years, I sort of developed a little routine for getting stuck in the airport (or having a layover) with the kids. Click here to find out how I handle tantrums in the airport – because yes, it has happened! Read on to find out what we do while waiting!
What we do when we have a long layover or get stuck in an airport
- The very first thing I do is find a quiet spot (or the yoga room if I am in an airport with one), spread out our blanket and do the exercises found here. Exercising at the Airport lets the kids get a good stretch in and some of that bottled up energy out.
- We start our Airport Scavenger Hunt. An airport scavenger hunt is a great game for layovers, as it is easy entertainment. We have put together a list of things you should have fun finding in any airport! Click the link below to get the free, downloadable, printable version of our scavenger hunt to bring with you. All you need to remember is the pen! This is an easy list for all members of the family. If your littles are not reading yet, then you read it for them, let them find the item and then help cross it off the list.
- Don’t be afraid to use this time as excellent teachable moments. I have included some things on the list that should spark some interesting conversations. Have fun and encourage your kids to learn. It is a great way to pass the time!
Click below to get your free, downloadable, printable Airport Scavenger Hunt for Families
An Airport Scavenger Hunt for Families
If it is easier to read it now for you, then here is the list for your Airport Scavenger Hunt:
- An airplane landing
- An airplane taking off
- A place to check gates & times
- A baby-changing station
- A recycle station
- A shoe-shine station
- A Pilot
- A flight attendant
- A stroller
- A person with a red carry-on bag
- A pizza place
- A currency exchange booth
- A fresh-pressed juice
- A local newspaper or magazine
- A person with a giant, silly hat on
- A person wearing sunglasses
- A sleeping person
- A person wearing a suit and tie
- A dog
- A place to buy soft pretzels
- A teenager wearing ear phones
- A flat escalator
- An elevator
- A security guard
- A happy baby
- A woman in high heels
- A man in flip-flops
- A person with a guitar
- A construction cone
- A person wearing a Minecraft shirt
- A person wearing one of the Disney Princesses shirts
3. Grab a local snack! It is fun to try new foods when traveling, don’t be afraid to let your littles try something local too! This is how we eat healthy at any airport.
And before you know it, your next flight will be boarding!
Cheers and safe travels!
Malibu Mama Loves Xx
Hi There! Let's Share ✩ Explore ✩ Awaken together! I am a Mom, true friend, vlogger who travels, raising conscious kids to appreciate life. Welcome to the Malibu Mama Loves Conscious Living Lifestyle!
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February 24, 2016
What an ingenious idea! Gonna share with my mom friends!
February 24, 2016
Thank you! 😉
February 24, 2016
Great idea! Fun to find you via #citytripping – hope you can also link up for Travel Tuesday on my most recent blog post!
February 24, 2016
The scavenger hunt is such a great idea!! I’m traveling with my 10 month old this spring. She’s still a little young for a scavenger hunt but will definitely keep this in mind for future trips!
February 24, 2016
Thanks! Your 10 month old is lucky to have an awesome travelin’ mama!! Safe travels! Xx
February 24, 2016
That’s a really clever idea – I have managed to skip too many layovers so far, but I know my daughter loves anything disguised as a game, so I’m going to hang on to this for a potential stopover this year. #citytripping
February 24, 2016
I love this post. You have surely a positive approach to things, which are for others probably quite irritating 😉
February 25, 2016
Thank you! Perspective is everything and lucky for us, we get to choose our perspective! Safe travels!!
February 25, 2016
A fantastic list to help all us parents get started with creating our own scavenger hunt for a layover.
February 25, 2016
I hadn’t thought of doing an airport scavenger hunt (or exercising-didn’t know they had yoga rooms) will take this post into consideration for our next trip! Thanks for linking up with #TravelTuesday
February 26, 2016
Another person who didn’t know about yoga rooms. Must have a nosy round the next airport. We usually head for the children’s room, if there is one, but I do wonder if that isn’t just asking for a massive cold/ stomach bug on arrival. Must try out the scavenger hunt option instead! Great idea!
February 29, 2016
What an awesome idea this is!! Never thought of creating an airport scavenger hunt. Usually I just try to find a playground in the airport but not every airport has them. I’ve pinned this great idea up. Thank you for linking up for #TravelTuesday!
February 29, 2016
What an amazing idea! It certainly beats the iPad which can become our default. My daughter has a cute camera so could take pics of them all (although maybe not the ones of people! Great to find your blog – thanks for linking to #citytripping