Want to pass time at the airport with kids using something easy and fun? Take a look at these creative airport activities including a fun printable airport scavenger hunt for kids. Print this airport treasure hunt, take it on your trip, and turn your layover into a game.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a short or long layover, trying to entertain kids in the airport can feel like an uphill battle. The truth is, if your child is not used to traveling, the airport experience might be very exciting to them. There are plenty of things to see and come across and a child’s imagination will go wild exploring the new place. The experience itself might be enough of a distraction.
There are times when parents might want a structured activity. If you are looking for something easy, simple, and fun, we have your answer. Take a look at these creative ideas for entertaining kids in the airport and make sure to print this super fun set of airport scavenger hunt games and activities.
How do you entertain kids at an airport?
When a new environment is not enough, there are plenty of ideas for airport activities to entertain young kids. This can include visiting a play area, grabbing a quick bite, playing with electronics, or going on an airport scavenger hunt.
First, consider your environment. Does the airport have something you don’t typically have in your area? This could be trams or trains. If you have a long layover, allow your kids to ride them. People movers allow for a lot of people watching.
Second, outline your day. It’s important to say on a regular food schedule of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are changing time zones, try to adapt to the new food pattern of your new city. This is the best way to adapt to a time change.
Third, create an adventure with made-up games. This can include games of I Spy, Mother May I, Simon Says, count the… (fill in the blank), scavenger hunts, and more.
More fun ideas for long layovers with kids…
- Ride trams and trans
- Eat new foods
- Make friends with other families
- Visit a play zone
- Find a quiet corn and play electronics
- Count airplanes in the air
- Plan your vacation
- Take walks
- Start a travel journal
- Play card games
- Draw
One of our favorite ways to pass time during an airport layover is by going on an airport scavenger hunt.
Airport Scavenger Hunt Ideas
We have two airport treasure hunt ideas for young kids. Each item has a photo with it which makes it perfect for early readers and non-readers.
Airport scavenger hunts are great for
- Boredom busters. They provide active to a layover.
- Problem-solving skills. They provide a list of things to find and might include teamwork.
- Adventure. They guide children through a new space to get to know a new physical environment.
Play this airport activity with preschoolers, kindergarten, and young kids. Teens can pair with little tykes and guide them through the fun airport boredom buster.
Airport Scavenger Hunt Checklist
This scavenger hunt will help kids familiarize themselves with their environment while keeping them busy before waiting for the flight.
In this scavenger hunt, find things like food, people, and pretty common items you find at an airport. Players will all try to find the same item and complete the checklist first.
The list of airport scavenger hunt items includes…
- Security Check
- Pilot
- Stroller
- Suitcase
- Escalator
- Airplane in the Sky
- Pet Carrier
- Airplane Ticket
… and more!
That’s not it, there is a second scavenger hunt too. Focus on sights, sounds, shapes, colors, and more.
Five Senses Airport Scavenger Hunt
Our first scavenger hunt is pretty specific. Find each and every item on the Aiport Scavenger Hunt List. The second airport treasure hunt allows you to be a bit broad with your answers. In fact, each person will have a different item checked off for this airport scavenger hunt checklist.
There is no literacy requirement for the five senses scavenger hunt. In these scavenger hunt examples, find things like shapes, textures, and colors. It’s a bit like “I Spy” in the airport. Each player will have a different answer to items they find.
The airport scavenger hunt list of things includes…
- Oval
- Blue
- Smooth
- Eight
- Smells
- Sounds
… and more!
Grab a few supplies and follow a few directions to get started.
Supplies
Few supplies are needed for this airport activity. Grab the following.
- Something to Write With
- Printable Airport Scavenger Hunts
You have the option to laminate and play with a dry-erase marker for multiple uses. It is recommended you print on cardstock for a sturdy surface.
That’s it! Visit the airport for the fun. You can use it on this trip and the next trip.
How to do the Airport Scavenger Hunt
It’s really simple to get started and the instructions are simple. Before your travels, make sure to download and print the airport scavenger hunt PDF. When you are packing for your trip, add the scavenger hunt to your carry-on bag. It’s not a bad idea to bring something to write with too like a pen, pencil, marker or crayons. That’s it. All that is needed is your printable airport treasure hunt and a writing utensil.
Once you are past airport security, let the adventure begin! This scavenger hunt is great airport entertainment for kids.
FAQS
Let’s answer a few questions before you buy.
Are there scavenger hunt rules and variations?
Yes! Completely make this adaptable scavenger hunt your own. This scavenger hunt game can be a one-player or multiplayer game. Families can play together (cooperatively) or you can play individually (competitively). If you have a short layover, extend the game over the entire trip instead of one layover stop. If this is a competitive airport game, consider adding things like when the game starts, when the game stops, or if you need photographic evidence or word-of-mouth counts. You can even have a meeting point at your stop time to compare answers. Whatever you choose, make this airport game work for your set of travel companions.
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Where can this scavenger hunt be done?
This scavenger hunt is perfect for most minor and major airports. All the items listed should be available in most places. If there is an item no one on your team can find, then skip the item and consider it a free space.
Play in the following airports…
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Portland International (PDX)
- Tampa International (TPA)
- Sacramento International (SMF)
- Indianapolis International (IND)
- Harry Reid International (LAS)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI)
- Washington Dulles International (IAD)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
… and more!
Do I have to print this scavenger hunt?
Honestly no though printing the scavenger hunt does make it a bit easier. If you find yourself with a flight delay, purchase and download the PDF file. Open your PDF viewer on your phone and play immediately. This no-fuss activity adds a perfect airport activity for unexpected long layovers.
Is there a scavenger hunt prize?
That’s up to you! The prize can be the glory of winning. Or when you get to your location, the winner can pick out the best souvenir or the restaurant of their choice for dinner that evening.
Airport Scavenger Hunt Printable
Planning to spend some time in an airport with your family? Layovers in the airport make the perfect home base for scavenger hunts.
This indoor scavenger hunt set is the ideal kid’s activity for a fun airport adventure. Get to know a new environment while you wait for your next flight!
The set comes with two variations for older and younger kids or extend the family fun activity and do both! Both of these scavenger hunts can be laminated for multiple uses. It is recommended you print on cardstock for a sturdy surface.
This is a non-editable Airport Scavenger Hunt PDF document.
Download the Printable Airport Scavenger Hunt Worksheets
Free Airport Printables
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How to Print at Staples
Don’t have a printer? You can print at your local print shop or your Staples Printing Center. Watch this video for how I print my PDF documents at Staples.
More Airplane Ideas for Kids
The adventure doesn’t end with the layover. There are other great travel ideas for kids. From the airplane to the car, to the hotel, adventure awaits.
Once you board your plane, you will want a few fun activities while you fly. Enjoy these fun ideas for Airplane Activities for Kids. Food, snacks, crafts, and game ideas. Pin to Pinterest.
If this was fun, also take a look at the Hotel Scavenger Hunt for discovering your new environment. Perfect for a hotel, resort, or even motel. It is similar to the airport treasure hunt. Pin to Pinterest.
Does your flight lead to a rental car and road trip? Take a look at these Road Trip Hacks and Tips for family adventures. In addition to these road trip tips, make sure to bring along these Car Games for car travel. Pin to Pinterest.
Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your printable airport activities and ideas. Leave a comment here or on Pinterest!
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.
Last Updated on May 2, 2023 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living