Screen-free ways to keep children entertained in airports

Keeping children entertained can be tricky at the best of times. And in modern times, keeping them entertained without a screen is even harder. 

But there are times when we need to dig deep as parents and help our kids to pass the time. Some of those moments are trips in the car, waiting in line, and of course, waiting at the airport. 

And how tempting are airports for children?! Wide open spaces to run, large masses of carpeted areas, and lots of chairs to climb. Of course this is not ideal. And we certainly don’t encourage it. 

Airports that are full of entertainment

There are many airports around the world that are fine to be waiting at for a long time, and that offer entertainment for children.

These are our Top 3 international airports that the kids have the most fun in. 

1. Changi Airport, Singapore

This giant airport is my personal favourite airport to be in with children, especially younger children. Not only does this airport have playgrounds and children’s changing and toilet facilities, there is so much to see and do.

Depending on how long you have and what terminal you are waiting in for your flight, will depend on what you can do. 

Terminal 2 is great for older children. Here you will find a free Entertainment Deck featuring game consoles to use, a free movie theatre that shows family friendly movies, and an Enchanted Garden. 

In Terminal 3, there is another free movie theatre. You will also find a butterfly garden and a koi pond. 

2. Hamad International Airport, Qatar

Firstly, I will start by saying this is a very expensive airport so if you find that you will be staying at this airport for more than a few hours, I recommend being prepared with snacks, either from home or from the plane. You will find water fountains to refill drink bottles though. 

But other than that, this is a fun airport to be in. As you wander through the terminal, large bronze looking statues are everywhere you look. And some of them have been made into playgrounds for the kids. While this is the main child-friendly activity, the kids never seemed to be tired of it, and then several years later, asked specifically to go back to the climbing statues. 

3. Schiphol  – Amsterdam Airport

After you go through the security check in Europe’s 3rd busiest airport, you will be met with some really cool and fun experiences for children.

If you have visited Amsterdam with kids, you would have sure to have visited the NEMO Science Museum. If you haven’t, then you will be able to get a taste of the museum with 8 interactive experiences. Not only will the kids be entertained for ages, they will be learning too! On the first floor next to the food court, you will find a kids playground too. 

But what if the airport we are at is not child-friendly?

Since the first big trip we did with the kids when they were 2 and 4 (8 ½ years ago), we have always been prepared for non child friendly places, and long waiting times. And the children didn’t have screens then either. 

During these 3 months of travelling, we had countless minutes of waiting time. Waiting for planes, trains, cabs, buses, and in ride queues at Disneyland. And don’t forget waiting for food when kids are HANGRY!

Waiting for flights, especially international flights, were the longest. We were also travelling light, so other than a small notepad and pen, and a deck of Uno cards, we didn’t have a lot with us for entertainment. 

So what did we do to keep the children entertained in airports?

What we did then, and what we do now has not changed one bit! These are our 3 best ways to keep our children entertained in airports, lines, and at restaurants, without screens.

1. Uno

No matter if we are going on a camping weekend, or a 2 month backpacking trip, ‘Uno’ is always on the list. Even when packing light, you can always fit in a deck of cards. Uno can be played by children of all ages (and adults) and can be played anywhere from an airport floor, to a beach club, to travelling on a bus

2. Paper and pen games

Just a notebook and a pen is all you need to pass the time. We have played hangman, pictionary, and noughts and crosses. We have also used the paper to make chatterboxes with our own unique questions. 

3. No-object games

Games that can be done anywhere are my favourite! Think about those times where all you have is your words and yourselves! Waiting in lines, take-off and landing, nice restaurants – all of those times that your kids will probably say they are “bored”. Think “I Spy”, “20 Questions” and “Simon Says”. These types of games can be done from toddlers to teenagers, with a never ending amount of scenarios. 

Final Thoughts

Making  sure you think ahead and be prepared before you depart, is the  best way to keep children entertained in airports, and more. 

With my background in early childhood, I have so many of these types of games and activities handy when we travel anywhere. And I feel so selfish keeping them to myself! 

I have turned my favourite 24 games and activities, into a screen-free BOREDOM BUSTERS idea sheet. You can get your FREE copy by subscribing now at the bottom of the page.