How to wear out toddlers

[FurrySlipperBoots]

at the airport, without getting on the nerves of all the other passengers? You want to have the little darlings racing around and tiring themselves nicely before the flight, but can't be antisocial! Any tips? All I can think of is 'Simon Says' with things like jumping on the spot and twirling round and bending down/stretching up.

I think all airports everywhere should have a (free) softplay, by law. Also departure lounges need to have giant hamster wheels to burn off any leftover energy!

A shot of vodka?

I do recall seeing a thread here years ago about a woman doing yoga in the airport. You could go all zen and attention seeking and get them doing warrior pose or a bit of downward dog? Don't worry that a MNer will have spotted you and started a thread on it by morning.

On a serious note, no screens, do they read books? Oh no, they're toddlers. Right, they'll possibly sleep? Tell them it's bed-time! Make sure they're warm (I can never sleep on flights if the vents are opened), and cuddled up with soothers or something?

The last thing you want to do is make it exciting for them. So don't point out the plane or anything, just make it as boring as you possibly can.

Where are you flying from as Gatwick and I think Heathrow t5 do have soft play?

Quite a few major airports have play areas.

Running around the airport is a great idea in theory but in reality they are busy and well...queues!

You just need to have a who cares mentality. You need to do anything and everything you can to SURVIVE!
Sod everyone else...

Find an empty gate and play with an inflatable ball.

I think lots of airports do have small soft play areas in departures, Edinburgh def does. It's not big, but is useful!

There was a small play area in the departure lounge when we flew last year. First time I've ever flown with kids so never noticed such a thing in any other airport before but I'm sure they must be there!

Also departure lounges need to have giant hamster wheels to burn off any leftover energy!

Oh my god @FurrySlipperBoots you need to email BAA now this is an amazing idea

Better than them zorbing on the runways at least

I'm sat at an airport playground right now!
And my other trick is finding an empty gate, or other fairly empty space, and doing star jumps, high knees, bum kicks, jumping, and boxing jabs.
Most airports have some play kit somewhere (although not where I'm going, I think, but my departure airport and transfer airport both do).

Hamster wheels need yo be child sized. The bloke sat next to me all night did not need BO assistance by running before his flight (not envy!)