Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Seattle, WA

With the kids out of school for summer, it's the perfect time for travel. However, just like the high price of gas has upped the cost of most everything we purchase, it has also affected the airline industry. Ticket prices are higher; and you can expect your flights to be fuller and your in-flight time to be longer; all in the hope of saving some money for the airline.  For travelers with children, however,  this all combines to complicate our trips even more.

While I can't make layovers shorter or get you a direct flight from Spokane to Tulsa, I can provide some tips and tools to make your adventure go as smoothly as possible.

So whether you are killing time before your flight leaves Seattle, or you are on a four hour layover on the way to Hawaii (if so, I am officially jealous), here's your guide to making the most of your time at the SeaTac Airport.

Before You Go
First things first; a few tips to help you prepare for your trip and whatever airport you are heading to:

• Prepare you and your children for the trip by explaining what will happen before you get on the plane - talk about the airport security and that all items (including their beloved teddy bear) must go through through x-ray machine.
• Review the approved items list for what you can and cannot carry one the plane; nothing is worse than an extended security check while wrangling a preschooler. I speak from experience.
  
• Rather than overwhelming yourself with one HUGE carry-on, remember most kids three years old and up can carry their own backpack. 
• Think before you drag yourself down with one or two of every toy possible, target your carry-on entertainment items for each child. For your reader, pick out new and exciting paperbacks from the library. A new set of action figures could just be the ticket for your storyteller. I learned this lesson on my recent trip out east with my three year old. While the books I brought got read exactly once each; she played and played AND PLAYED with her small My Little Pony set.
  
• Seriously consider bringing or renting a DVD player. Seriously.

Enjoying SeaTac Airport
Even if you are checking bags, you can check-in for the flight before you leave for the airport.  Check which concourse you will be flying out of, then click over to the SeaTac Airport web site and print out your concourse map. This way you will always know what's between you and your gate - and the highlights to hit on the way there. Once I arrive at the airport, I spend a little bit of extra money and check my bags at the curb (usually around $2/bag). I'd rather save my child's patience for waiting in line for later in the day.



Once you've checked in or are off your connecting flight, your first stop should be the children's play area, which is located in the Central Terminal at the intersection of Terminal A and Terminal B. It's a wonderful 1,400 square feet of aviation inspired soft play equipment. There are a few kid-friendly dining options in the Central Terminal as well, including Wendy's and Ivar's. There's even a Starbucks for you! The Central Terminal is also home to InMotion DVD Rentals, which could be a lifesaver for those with an extended layover or a delayed flight. You should also stop by one of the many Hudson News locations to peruse the children's book options. SeaTac Airport is also home to an extensive art collection; just waiting for you and your preschooler to enjoy and explore.

And the fun doesn't just end at the Seattle Airport. The Savvy Source's City Experts have created similar airport guides for their respective cities. So go take a look; we hope these airport guides make your travel just that much easier this summer - please let us know if we did.