Photography Courtesy St. Louis Lambert International Airport
After staying close to home during last year’s holiday season, many of us are about to reacquaint ourselves with the airport experience in the coming days and weeks. This can be especially challenging with children in tow. But there are some ideas to make navigating the airport a little easier for you and your kiddos. Passing through St. Louis Lambert International Airport this month or next? Here are a few things you can do to keep your kids happy and occupied while you wait to board your plane.
1. Let your kids burn some energy at the Play Port. This transportation-themed playground near Gate C3 features a small plane, an air traffic control tower, and a kids-sized replica of a MetroLink light rail train. It gives children a chance to explore, climb, and conduct their own imaginary travel adventure before they embark on a very real one through the friendly skies.
Photography Courtesy St. Louis Lambert International Airport
2. Check out some space-inspired vintage toys. Before going through security, head over to The Lambert Gallery near Exit 11 in Terminal 1 to take in the Imagining the Future exhibition. This display features fun space-themed toys from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, including space helmets, ray guns, and various extraterrestrial vehicles for children—and adults— to admire.
3. Go shopping at Kids Works. If window-gazing at an art installation isn’t quite enough, you can grab a children’s toy for the road—err, sky—at Kids Works near Gate E22 in Terminal 2. Did your child forget their favorite stuffed animal at home? This is the place to find another soft or furry friend for the journey ahead.
4. Watch the planes take off and land. If you’re flying Southwest, you’re in luck. Over near Gate E24 in Terminal 2 you’ll find some of the best runway views at the airport. Show your kids the miracle of flight before they step on a big bird and experience it for themselves.
Photography courtesy St. Louis Lambert International Airport
5. Grab some sweets at Natalie’s Candy Jar. ‘Tis the season for stocking stuffers. You might reward an especially well-behaved little traveler with a bag of candy from this sweet shop located across from Gate C12 in Terminal 1.
6. Be sure to fully charge devices before leaving the house. One of the best ways to placate a child and make traveling a bit easier is to hand them a tablet or handheld gaming console. Just make sure your devices are juiced to 100% ahead of time. Sure, there are outlets around the seating areas at each gate, but during peak travel times, there’s competition for the most convenient ones. A portable charger might not be a bad investment, either.
