Layovers can be tough on anyone — but when you’re traveling with kids, a 3-hour airport wait can feel like an eternity. While screens can be lifesavers in small doses, it’s not always ideal (or possible) to rely on tablets and phones for entertainment the whole time.
The good news? With a little creativity, you can keep kids engaged, moving, and even laughing — all without a screen in sight. These screen-free boredom busters are simple, low-prep, and perfect for burning off energy and passing the time during long layovers.
1. Airport Spy (Situational Awareness Game)
Turn people-watching into a fun challenge! Have your kids “spy” things around the terminal, such as:
- Someone in a bright hat
- A suitcase with stickers
- A family speaking another language
- A dog in a carrier
You can play this like “I Spy” or make a list and turn it into a scavenger hunt. It’s great for keeping kids observant, alert, and busy!
2. Travel Bingo
Before your trip, print out my airport-themed bingo cards (or make your own!). Include things like:
- Security line
- Flight attendant
- Rolling suitcase
- Departure board
- Baby in a stroller
First one to get five in a row wins! You can even bring small stickers or travel-friendly tokens as markers.
Pro Tip: Laminate them and bring dry-erase markers to reuse again and again.
3. Would You Rather?
This classic game sparks fun and silly conversation. Take turns asking questions like:
- Would you rather fly to the moon or explore the deep sea?
- Would you rather eat airport pizza or airplane peanuts forever?
- Would you rather travel by camel or elephant?
Great for laughs — and it works with toddlers through teens.
4. Airport Alphabet Game
Start with the letter A and take turns naming things you see in the airport that start with each letter.
- A: Airplane
- B: Boarding pass
- C: Carry-on bag
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling competitive, see who can spot the object first! Another Variation is to recall what everyone before you has said for each letter before sharing your own.
5. Drawing Dares
Pack a small notepad or sketchbook and give “drawing challenges” like:
- Draw the funniest airplane ever
- Design your dream luggage
- Sketch what you think the pilot’s lounge looks like
This is a great quiet activity that gets their imagination working — and it’s a nice keepsake from your trip.
6. Packing Memory Game
Place a few small travel items on a seat or tray table. Let your child look at them for 30 seconds, then cover them with a scarf or blanket.
Can they remember what’s missing when you take one away? Add more items to increase the challenge!
7. Story Chain
This one is a favorite of my husband’s, and the kids love it too! Take turns adding one sentence at a time to a silly travel-themed story. Start with something like:
“Once upon a time, a suitcase accidentally got on a flight to Hawaii without its owner…”
Let your kids add twists and characters as you go. Hilarity is almost guaranteed.
8. Quiet Busy Bags
Create a few small “busy bags” with:
- Wikki Stix or pipe cleaners
- Reusable sticker scenes
- Magnetic tangram puzzles
- Mini coloring kits or dot markers
These are easy to pull out when the energy dips or during quieter moments.
9. Mini Movement Breaks
Airports are full of long hallways and quiet corners. When kids get the wiggles, turn a walk into a mini game:
- Walk like a penguin to the water fountain, Hop like a frog to the window…etc.
- Count how many steps it takes to reach gate signs
- Play “Follow the Leader” with jumps, spins, or stretches
Get the blood flowing, then settle back in for another activity. Just remember to be considerate of other travelers around you.
10. Storytime + Discussion
Bring one or two lightweight travel-themed books, and turn reading time into interactive fun. Afterward, ask:
- What would you do if you were in the story?
- What would you change about the ending?
- Where would you go next if you were that character?
Even older kids will engage if the story sparks imagination!
Pro Tip: Have one person act out or Lip sync to the story as you read aloud. This usually involves exaggerated movements and facial expressions and always causes plenty of laughs!
11. Check for Play Areas
So many airports these days have designed specific play areas for kids, making traveling with children more enjoyable! A lot of these spaces feature soft playscapes, climbing structures, slides, and other interactive elements to help kids burn off energy before their flight. Some examples are:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Nashville International Airport (BNA)
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Final Thoughts
Long layovers don’t have to mean long meltdowns. With a little planning and a few of these screen-free activities, you can turn downtime into fun, memorable moments. Bonus: these games encourage creativity, observation, and connection — which just might be better than another episode of Paw Patrol (for all of you).
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