Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Atlanta, GA

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is kind of like your aunt in California who has been married and divorced numerous times and keeps changing (or adding to) her name.  What most of us around Atlanta just call "the airport" has had four names in its decades-long history.  Many frequent flyers know Hartsfield -Jackson as the busiest passenger airport in the world.  In fact, one of the great perks we've enjoyed while living in Atlanta is that we've seen many of our traveling friends from other parts of the country when they've had layovers here.

If you and your family are going to be flying into, out of, or through Atlanta this holiday weekend, you'll want to be prepared for big crowds.  You'll also want to be prepared for potentially restless and cranky children -- yes, yours!

The very first (and in my opinion the best) way to entertain and impress young children at the airport is to hop on the train that connects the terminal and all six concourses.  If at all possible, get in the first car and face the front.  Because the train is automated, there is no train operator up front -- just the window of the first car, looking straight into the tunnel.

Running a close second to the train ride is a ride on one of the spectacularly steep escalators at the main terminal.  Note: If heights are not your friend, you may want to step around to the elevator instead.

If you have an extended layover or delay, let's face it -- you're going to need more than these navigational tips.  So what does the busiest airport in the world have to offer young children?

For starters, there is art.  Quite a lot of it, actually.  In the Atrium at the main terminal, you'll find rotating exhibits in the lobby and a giant dinosaur skeleton (hard to miss) on loan from the Fernbank Museum.  There are additional art exhibit areas at Concourses A, D, E, and T.

Delta and AirTran, two of the most prominent airlines here, have play areas for their passengers ages 5-13.  Children of military personnel also have a play area in the Atrium.  Limited hours, high fees (at AirTran's "Tran Land"), and the target age range all make these not-so-appealing for those of us with toddlers and pre-schoolers.

One of the best things you can do with kids at the Atlanta Airport is to marvel at its enormity.  Kids will also be impressed if you drop some knowledge on them.  Did you know the Atlanta Airport has more than 1,296 toilets?  Did you know there are more than 25,000 chairs here?  You can find more fun facts about our airport here, and more kids' perspective on the airport here.

The last thing you probably want to do at any airport is drop a huge chunk of change on souvenirs, magazines, and food.  But these spots may come in handy.  At any of the six concourses and at the terminal, you'll have a decent selection of shops and restaurants.  Bath & Body Works, Brookstone, Waterstone's Books are just a few of the shopping options, along with numerous news stands.  If you're into souvenirs, I recommend the shops with Coca-Cola and CNN merch .  Restaurant and snack options are wide-ranging, and you'll find a Ben & Jerry's or a Freshens at nearly every turn.  If you're looking for food that uniquely southern (i.e. NOT Chili's or Wendy's), look for spots with peach cobbler or peach pie on the menu.  And then order some.

Wishing you all safe travels and a happy Fourth!