MSP Airport celebrates Education Minnesota Week with S.T.E.M. activities for kids

Oct 16, 2017

Minneapolis-St. Paul – Families are gearing up for the long weekend - thanks to the annual Education Minnesota Conference (MEA) - and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is prepared to greet them.

“MEA week is typically one of the busiest weeks of the year at the airport, with many families taking advantage of the kids’ time off of school to take one last vacation before the snow flies,” says Phil Burke, director of MSP Airport operations. “This year is no exception, so we’re asking travelers to get here at least two hours prior to their flight. This should ensure they have enough time to park, check in, go through security and get to their gate.”

As in previous years, airport staff has some special events and activities planned to keep kids and their adults entertained before their flight. This year the focus is on S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and how it can be found everywhere.

Activities include an attempt to break a world record for engineering the highest stack of doughnuts with Angel Food Bakery & Donut Bar, air dancers and super structure activities with the Science Museum of Minnesota, and special deals throughout the airport.

Families should also look for airport staff handing out drawstring backpacks stuffed with swag and a map of Terminal 1 calling out S.T.E.M. and airport related facts. Every shop and restaurant will also have a S.T.E.M. fact posted outside its door.

Schedule of events

Science Museum of Minnesota educators will help kids build super structures – using only wooden dowels and rubber bands – that can hold up to eight pounds. An “air dancers” activity is also on the agenda.

Monday, Oct. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m., near Gate H7 at Terminal 2
Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 2 to 5 p.m., near Gate C12 at Terminal 1
Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., near Gate C12 at Terminal 1

MSP Airport and Angel Food Bakery & Donut Bar (located on Concourse E at Terminal 1) will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for engineering the highest stack of doughnuts. The record – 43.5 inches (110.5 cm) high - was last set by 20^th Century Fox and Capital Radio for the British premiere of The Simpsons Movie in 2007.

Tuesday, Oct. 17 starting at 1 p.m. inside the North Security Checkpoint at Terminal 1

Travel Tips

Park Smart. Save up to $9 a day by parking in the Quick Ride Ramp, located off of Highway 5 at the Post Road exit, and take the five-minute shuttle to Terminal 1.

Avoid over packing. Don’t overstuff your carry-on bag. Wrap charging cords and cables neatly before packing. This will help the TSA officer get a clear view of the contents of your bag on the x-ray screen. Consider checking bags when feasible.

Refresh your knowledge of the liquids rule. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. All containers must fit inside a single quart-size plastic bag and be placed in a bin for carry-on baggage screening. If you are traveling with medically-necessary, oversized liquids, tell a TSA officer before you go through screening. A TSA officer will be able to assist in the additional screening of these liquids.

Kids 12 and under can leave their shoes and light jackets on. If you’re under 12 years old, you can keep your shoes and light jacket and on throughout the screening process. Check out TSA’s “Traveling with Children” page here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children