I’ll be shepherding two siblings, 3 and 6, through DEN next Tuesday with a 3-hour layover — do you head to the next gate early to lock a quiet corner, or stay near the play area and roll in at family pre-board? We’re carry-on only with a compact stroller and a JetKids ride-on, and I time snacks/activities to checkpoints, but I’m looking for that sweet spot between keeping them engaged and not burning them out.
With a 3-hour layover, burn energy first, then head to the next gate about 45 minutes before boarding. > stroller and a JetKids ride-on, and I time snacks/activities to checkpoints, but I’m looking for that sweet spot between Agree — use the play area or take a full loop on the DEN train, then claim a quiet window corner to bathroom/refill and switch to calm toys; park the JetKids and use the stroller for the pre-board push.
I wouldn’t camp at the gate; at DEN I treat the train and moving walkways as a timed “activity,” then grab a quiet corner 25–30 minutes out since gates shuffle. Use the JetKids for the 6-year-old and stash the compact stroller so you’ve got hands free; I’d board mid-pack instead of “family pre-board” to minimize sit-time. @jhoward1987 is right about burning energy — just shave the gate time and set gate-change alerts.
@gibson_f56 is right on gate shuffles — grab the mezzanine seating above the food court on your concourse for quieter windows, set a “move alarm” for T-40, then follow the live gate on the DEN map (https://www.flydenver.com/maps); it’s a mini pit stop before the final lap. Which concourse are you on?