Guide to Family Layovers: Turning Boring Waits into Fun Family Time

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Layovers: the travel limbo that’s a test of patience... or an opportunity for adventure! If your kids have ever reached ‘boredom level 10’ before the flight even takes off, we’ve got you covered. Turn that waiting time into a family bonding experience (and maybe sneak in some airport ice cream too).

In today’s issue:

• Tips: Making the Most of a Family Layover

• Trips: Destinations That Turn Layovers Into Adventures

• Inspire: Share Our Newsletter 🥰

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Tips: Making the Most of a Family Layover

Let’s face it, layovers are often dreaded when traveling with kids. But with a little creativity, layovers can actually be an exciting part of the journey!

Whether you’re stuck for a few hours or half a day, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids and teens entertained, active, and stress-free. Here are our top ideas for making the most of your family layover:

1. Explore the Airport’s Hidden Gems

Many airports offer more than just terminals and duty-free shops. Large hubs like Singapore’s Changi Airport or Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport have entire areas dedicated to entertainment. Changi boasts a rooftop swimming pool, butterfly garden, and even a free movie theater! If you’re passing through Schiphol, check out the science museum-style exhibits at the NEMO Science Museum pop-up. Before your next trip, research what fun options your layover airport might offer—some even provide free city tours for layovers over 6 hours.

Tip: Use an app like PriorityPass or LoungeBuddy to discover lounge access perks that offer comfy chairs, snacks, and play areas for the kids. (Side Note: There are credit cards that provide lounge access. Check your card's features to learn more.)

2. Pack a Layover Activity Bag

Keep a special layover activity bag ready with small toys, art supplies, or travel-sized games your kids haven’t seen before. For young kids, think of sticker books, magnetic puzzles, or reusable water coloring books. For older children and teens, card games like UNO or a compact travel chess set can be a great way to pass the time. Having new activities or games keeps boredom at bay and turns waiting time into playtime!

Product Suggestion: Check out the Melissa & Doug On-the-Go range for easy, mess-free activities perfect for travel.

3. Plan a Mini Airport Adventure

If you have time to spare, make the layover an adventure in itself. Create a scavenger hunt where your kids have to find specific items or places within the airport, such as the biggest airplane they can see, an international magazine, or a snack from a country you’re flying over. This not only kills time but makes for a fun, family bonding experience. You can even reward them with small prizes from the duty-free shop for completing the scavenger hunt!

4. Stretch It Out

Staying active during a long travel day is key to keeping kids’ moods in check. Many airports now offer designated play areas or even mini playgrounds where kids can blow off steam. But if your layover airport isn’t one of them, no worries—make your own! Play a game of Simon Says, have a stretching contest, or simply walk laps around the terminal. You’ll all feel better after moving around.

App Recommendation: For quick indoor exercises, download Sworkit, which has a “Kids Workouts” category—perfect for getting the wiggles out during a layover. Get the app.

5. Catch Up on Travel Prep

Older kids and teens can use layover time to help plan parts of the trip. Ask them to research upcoming activities at your destination or brainstorm fun family outings. Have them create a list of “must-see” places, and you can even turn it into a friendly competition to see whose suggestion you visit first. Involving them in the travel process makes the journey more exciting and gives them something to look forward to.

6. Consider a Day Hotel

For longer layovers, booking a day hotel can make all the difference—especially for families with young kids. Not only can you freshen up and take a nap, but many day hotels within or near airports also offer pools or playrooms for families. Websites like Dayuse allow you to book hotel rooms by the hour, so you only pay for the time you need. This is a great option for parents who want to recharge before the next leg of the journey.

Tip: Use Dayuse to book your room. Some even have kid-friendly amenities like pools or game rooms.

Trips: Destinations That Turn Layovers Into Adventures

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

With everything from a butterfly garden to a free movie theater and even a rooftop pool, a layover in Changi can feel like a mini-vacation. Your family can explore unique areas like Jewel Changi’s Rain Vortex, the world’s largest indoor waterfall. Layovers here are never boring! Explore Changi.

Istanbul Airport (IST)

If you have a long layover in Istanbul, why not take advantage of Turkish Airlines' free city tour? In just a few hours, your family can explore the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. The airport itself also offers kid zones and lounges where your little ones can relax between flights.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is known for its aviation museum and library, which can entertain kids and adults alike. The airport also features several play areas for younger children. If your layover allows, the BART train will take you to downtown San Francisco, where you can explore landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf or the Exploratorium, a hands-on science museum. Discover SFO

Looking for More? Links We Love ❤️

• 11 Resources Every Parent Should Know— Learn More Here

• 10 Ways to Turn Your Airport Layover into a PLAYover!— Read Here

• The Secret to Better Vacations with Teens

• Get flight deals up to 80% off directly to you’re phone and/or email with FareDrop. Test it out completely free of charge and upgrade for more features.

Whether you’re making the most of a layover with a scavenger hunt or booking a day hotel to recharge, the time in between flights doesn’t have to be a drag. Start turning layovers into adventures and create new memories, even in transit.

Happy Travels,

The Traveling Parents Team

P.S: Be sure to follow us on social media and share your family's travel experiences with #parentstraveleasy

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