As relaxing as strolling through shops at some of the largest airports can be for travelers with time on their hands, trying to keep it pleasurable with kids around is often easier said than done. Kids have a harder time understanding the concept of “window shopping” or layovers, frequently looking to get actively involved in activities around or even throwing tantrums when they’re not given that heavily marketed toy they’ve seen on TikTok. Couple it with the burden of meeting their basic needs in a jam-packed airport, such as restroom breaks, meals, and naps, and you might be in for a wild ride that’ll leave you feeling worn out long before you board.
We can all agree that keeping toddlers entertained at the airport is a tall feat, especially if you arrive without some tricks up your sleeve. To help you keep your budget and sanity intact, we’re breaking down a game plan for making it through the airport with your kids, all while ensuring they have a great time, too. It’s not that difficult at all, so keep reading, please!
Pre-book parking
Getting around the parking lot of an airport that sees over 27MN travelers annually can be downright nerve-wracking. Add a lack of proper planning before setting foot there, and you could find yourself not only stressed but out of a good chunk of money.
Taking a cab to the airport sounds easy, but it can be tiring and costly and could limit how much baggage you bring or risk making you late. And with an impatient toddler, it’s far from ideal. Driving your own car is incomparably more convenient, as you can pack it the night before and head out calm and collected, since you’ll be all set. Moreover, considering you’ll be taking and leaving your car at the airport, you’ll have time to organize your vehicle’s stop-off.
Now, leaving your car at Stansted comes with a hefty price tag, leaving you wondering what the good of it is. So, rush not, for parking experts come with solutions! You can save a heap of stress by pre-booking a spot via https://parkos.co.uk/, securing a private lot close to the airport and a smooth shuttle ride to the terminal. Budget-wise, you’ll have several parkings lot and regime alternatives, including valet parking, meet and greet, or return meet, ensuring you make some savings no matter if you leave the car parked for hours or days.
Kid-friendly lounges
During the chilly months, when thousands of passengers jet off from Stansted airport for a sundrenched escape in exotic locations, making it through with your fidgety kid can be challenging. Luckily, you can make the experience a little easier if you find a child-friendly spot where you can let them play while you catch your breath and wait for your departure. Stansted Airport may not have numerous such spaces, but there’s a lounge that opened in 2015 where children and parents can sit for a while and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. The no.1 lounge makes a chill and welcoming setting to wind down, offering opportunities to keep your toddler busy and entertained, all the more if you arrive too early.
Importantly, you’ll find this loaf at Gate 15, where you can buy cold and hot drinks and snacks as you gaze out the window. Arriving at least 2 hours prior to departing is recommended if you want to skip this activity, as it may be enough to get through check-in and security without racing the clock. But if you travel during peak periods, where agglomeration is a guarantee, you should consider getting there three hours earlier to make it to the gate in your own time. Reserve your private lot at Stansted Airport parking at least 24 hours ahead to lock in the best deal and stroll to the lounge at your leisure. You’ll have just enough time to kick back and enjoy the calm before your departure.
Shopping
Say you’re down to shop a little and entertain your kids right before you arrive at your destination; then you have a few options. Right before getting to the security, you can check out the WHSmith shop where a variety of books, games, comics, and confectionery are sold, ensuring your kid gets distracted in a way that facilitates your travel through the airport. The bigwig also runs shops located after security in the terminal area.
Similarly, suppose you’re thrilled to begin getting treats for your bundle of joy before making it to your holiday location. In that case, you can stop by Hamleys, the oldest toy shop worldwide, having also secured the title of the “largest” since 1994. The well-known toy shop boasts endless opportunities to entertain the whole family, such as games like Monopolies, Exploding Kittens, or Uno cards, to name a few.
An equipped smartphone
While relying on your smartphone, tablet, phablet, or other mobile devices to keep your kid calm and engaged isn’t a practice to use on a regular basis, things change when you’re at the airport. You’d probably do anything to keep them from throwing tantrums, crying and screaming, and so on, a case in which having your phone equipped and ready with some engaging games can be a life-saving trick up your sleeve.
Suppose you only want to catch their attention, then it would make sense to download some cartoons or educational videos. Who says time on the phone is lost time? If your child picks up something valuable during their screen time, it’s a win-win situation for both of you.
The I-spy
Possibly one of the world’s oldest games, the I-spy turns out to be highly effective in catching toddlers’ attention and keeping them distracted. You choose an item, be it a car, a sign, and so on, and have your kid guess where you’re looking. The opening goes like this: “I spy with my little eye”, at which point you’ll let them know the first letter of the word depicting your eyed object. Fun and low-effort, right?
As you’ll see, navigating Stansted Airport with your toddler can be effortless and entertaining when you use some, or all the tips above. Have a relaxing tour!
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