Waiting in line...fun things to do!

[PaisleyPooh]

My girls are young (4 and 19 months ) and I'm curious about how others keep their little ones entertained during those times you have to wait in line.

Dd4 is the easier one obviously, but coloring is only going to go so far with the little one!

 

[Gracie09]

We don't wait in lines longer than 20 minutes. Depending on when you go it's fairly easy to do. Play dough is also easy to carry but I take the little tubs (the ones you give out for Halloween and parties) and bring them for carry on and put them in our 311 bag. It can look like plastic explosives so I want the TSS to see what it is up front instead of them going through our bags. Pipe cleaners are also fun and small to carry. Stickers. Play games like eye spy or hidden mickeys. Talk about what we just did, what we will do next. Look at the map. My girls love maps. Don't blow bubbles. It's just annoying in a small confined space.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Coloring is not going to work well. You are constantly moving in line so no where to lay the book or color. Most preholding areas will not let kids sit on the ground either for fear they will be stepped on. I agree to avoid lines as much as possible. Plan your FP well and be at rope drop everyday. Do the longer lined rides that you do not have FP for early in the day. when you are in a line, take the time to regroup. Our DS has to be reminded to drink so the rule is he has to drink so many swallows every time we get in line. Its a good time for a simple quick snack, Fruit snacks are great. Please avoid peanut butter in line as we have had to leave lines because of it and our PA child. Talk about the ride you are getting ready to do and what you are going to do next. Make a friend with the child or grandpa right in front of you. Show them the pictures on your camera you have made that day.
Some rides like Pooh have things to do and most have interesting things to see. If you really want things to hand them, maybe a pen-wheel to blow, a small car to drive along the rails or a tiny doll to play with. Maybe consider a carrier or wrap to wear to keep your little one contained in the line if you think that might be an issue.

 

[lorenni]

When we wait in line with our toddler (which happens infrequently, as we rely on FP and rides with short waits) we sing songs, count things around us, and have snacks. Snacks are clutch - especially if they are something not usually eaten at home. A ring pop, for instance, will keep my son entranced and silent for at least 10 minutes.