10 Fun Airport Games to Keep Kids Busy in 2024! Click & Read

Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. Long layovers, flight delays, and crowded terminals can test the patience of even the most easygoing kids. To ensure a smooth journey, it's essential to keep them entertained while waiting at the airport. Fortunately, you can play plenty of fun and engaging games to keep your little ones busy. 

Here's a list of ten airport games that can help turn tedious waiting times into exciting experiences for the whole family:

 

I Spy

 

Overview:

"I Spy" is a classic game that requires no materials and can be played anywhere, making it ideal for the airport environment. The concept is simple: one person selects an object from their surroundings and gives a clue that begins with "I spy with my little eye, something that is..." followed by a color or characteristic of the item. The other players take turns guessing what it is.

 

Why It's Fun:

• Encourages Observation: Kids pay closer attention to their surroundings, noticing things they may overlook.
• Promotes Critical Thinking: Players must think critically and logically to narrow down their guesses.

How to Play:

1. Choose one player to start the game.
2. The selected player observes their surroundings and selects an item.
3. Provide a hint beginning with "I spy with my little eye, something that is..."
4. Other players take turns guessing the item until someone successfully identifies it.

Tips:

• Vary the clues to keep the game interesting. For example, instead of just colors, you can include shapes or sizes.
• Use the airport environment as inspiration. Focus on items like airplane designs, airport signs, or luggage colors.

 

Travel Bingo

 

Overview:

Travel Bingo is a fun and interactive game in which players mark items on a bingo card as they spot them. This game is perfect for children, as it helps keep them engaged and alert while they wait for their flight.

 

Why It's Fun:

• Encourages Exploration: Kids will look around the airport for various items and experiences.
• Social Interaction: It can be played with family or friends, fostering teamwork and friendly competition.

How to Play:

1. Create bingo cards before your trip with items commonly found in an airport. Items could include "family with kids," "pilot," "airplane," "luggage cart," and "gift shop."
2. Distribute the cards to all players.
3. Set a timer or determine a point at which players can call "Bingo!" when they have marked off an entire row.

Tips:

• You can find printable bingo cards online or make your own. For added fun, adjust the items to reflect the airport you're in.
• Offer small prizes for the winners, like a snack or a special treat.

 

Scavenger Hunt

 

Overview

A scavenger hunt is an exciting way to keep children entertained while they explore the airport. You can create a list of items or activities for them to discover and complete during your wait.

 

Why It's Fun:

• Promotes Exploration: Kids will actively engage with their surroundings and notice things they might not usually see.
• Teamwork: When played in groups, it encourages collaboration and problem-solving.

How to Play:

1. Before your trip, prepare a list of items or tasks that can be found or completed in the airport. Examples might include "find a store that sells toys," "spot someone in a uniform," or "take a picture with a statue."
2. Give each child or group a copy of the list and set a time limit.
3. Kids can cross off items as they find them, and the one who discovers the most items wins.

Tips:

• Customize the list based on the airport's features and include some quirky or fun tasks to complete.
• If you have older children, consider adding clues or riddles that lead to different locations within the airport.

 

20 Questions

 

Overview:

20 Questions is a simple yet engaging game that encourages creativity and critical thinking. One participant thinks of an item, and the other players ask yes or no questions to guess what it is.

 

Why It's Fun:

• Boosts Imagination: Kids can think outside the box and come up with clever questions.
• Flexible: It can be played anywhere and requires no materials.

How to Play:

1. One player selects an object (e.g., "an airplane").
2. The other players take turns asking yes or no questions to figure out what the item is, with a limit of 20 questions.
3. The game continues until someone successfully guesses the object or the players exhaust their 20 questions.

Tips:

• Encourage players to think strategically about their questions, starting with broad categories (e.g., "Is it a living thing?") before narrowing down.
• To keep the game fresh, vary the topics for different rounds (e.g., only animals, things found in the airport, etc.).

 

Storytelling Circle

 

Overview:

The storytelling circle is a creative game that promotes imagination and collaboration. Players take turns adding to a story, building off what the previous person said.

 

Why It's Fun:

• Encourages Creativity: Kids can explore their imagination and come up with fantastical plots.
• Builds Listening Skills: Players must pay attention to what others say to keep the story coherent.

How to Play:

1. Sit in a circle with your travel companions.
2. One person starts the story with a sentence, such as, "Once upon a time, in an airport far away…"
3. Each participant adds a sentence to continue the tale.
4. The story can go in any direction, with players introducing characters and plot twists as they wish.

Tips:

• Encourage silly or whimsical ideas to keep the atmosphere light and fun.
• Consider writing down the story afterward as a memento from your travels.

 

Airport Charades

 

Overview:

Charades is a lively game in which you act without speaking while others try to guess what you're mimicking. It's a great way to burn off some energy while having fun.

 

Why It's Fun:

• Physical Activity: Kids can move around and express themselves creatively.
• Laughter and Fun: The acting can lead to humorous situations and plenty of laughter.

How to Play:

1. Write down various airport-related actions or items on slips of paper (e.g., boarding an airplane, a baggage handler, a pilot).
2. Players take turns drawing a slip and acting out what is written while the others guess.
3. Set a timer for each round, and switch turns until everyone has had a chance to act.

Tips:

• Tailor the prompts to your group's age and familiarity with airports.
• Encourage creative gestures and expressions to enhance the performance.

 

Name That Airline

 

 

Overview:

This game is similar to the classic "Name That Tune," but in this version, players have to identify airlines based on logos, slogans, or other clues.

 

Why It's Fun:

• Educational: Kids learn about different airlines and their brands, fostering curiosity about the aviation industry.
• Friendly Competition: It creates a competitive yet fun atmosphere.

How to Play:

1. Prepare a list of airlines along with clues like their logo, slogan, or a well-known route they operate.
2. One participant reads the clues aloud, and the others try to guess the airline.
3. Points may be awarded for each correct answer, and the player with the most points at the end wins.

Tips:

• Create visual aids or print out logos to enhance the gaming experience.
• For younger children, keep the clues simple and use more recognizable airlines.

 

Simon Says

 

Overview:

"Simon Says" is a classic children's game that can be played anywhere, including busy airport terminals. One player, "Simon," gives instructions that the other players must follow, but only if the command begins with "Simon says."

 

Why It's Fun:

• Encourages Listening Skills: Kids must concentrate carefully to determine which instructions to follow.
• Physical Activity: The game involves moving around, which is great for burning off excess energy.

How to Play:

1. Choose one player to be Simon.
2. Simon gives instructions that the others need to follow only if they start with "Simon says." For example, "Simon says touch your toes."
3. If Simon gives a command without saying "Simon says," players who follow it are out.

Tips:

• Make instructions fun and silly to keep the kids engaged.
• Use the airport environment for themed instructions, such as "pretend to be an airplane" or "act like you're boarding a flight."

 

Traveling Family Trivia

 

Overview:

Family trivia is a fantastic way to bond with kids while learning exciting facts. You can create trivia questions about your travels, favorite family memories, or fun facts about your destination.

 

Why It's Fun:

• Educational: Kids learn new information and expand their knowledge about different cultures and locations.
• Strengthens Family Bonds: Sharing memories and facts can help create a sense of togetherness.

How to Play:

1. Prepare a set of trivia questions related to your family, travels, or the destination you're heading to.
2. Take turns asking questions, and award points for correct answers.
3. Keep the game light-hearted and encourage everyone to participate.

Tips:

• Encourage kids to come up with their own questions to ask family members, fostering creativity.
• Use a mix of easy and challenging questions to keep everyone engaged.

 

Coloring and Activity Books

 

Overview:

While not games in the traditional sense, coloring books, and activity books can provide hours of entertainment for children at the airport. These books can feature travel themes, puzzles, or even drawing prompts.

 

Why It's Fun

• Creativity: Coloring allows children to express their creativity and explore their artistic side.
• Quiet Activity: It's a calm and quiet way to keep kids occupied, making it perfect for crowded airport environments.

How to Use:

1. Bring along a small selection of coloring books, activity books, and coloring supplies like crayons or colored pencils.
2. Set up a comfortable spot in the airport where kids can sit and color or complete activities.
3. Encourage children to share their creations with family or friends once they're finished.

Tips:

• Consider selecting travel-themed books to enhance the airport experience.
• Look for books that are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry.

 

Conclusion

Keeping kids entertained in an airport can be challenging, but with these ten fun games, your family can make the most of your travel experience. From classic games like "I Spy" and "Simon Says" to creative activities like storytelling circles and scavenger hunts, there are endless opportunities to engage young travelers.

Planning ahead and bringing along materials such as coloring books or pre-made bingo cards can further enhance your airport experience. Ultimately, the goal is to transform the time spent waiting for your flight into enjoyable and memorable moments, turning potential stress into fun family bonding experiences.

This content was created by AI