Yesterday marked the First Day of Spring, and YYC Calgary International Airport is gearing up to welcome all the families that will be visiting as part of their spring break plans – whether YYC is their starting point or a stop on the way.

We've put together a list of our insider secrets to fun family travel at YYC.

Kickstart your trip with a night at the Marriott In-Terminal Hotel with eight days of free parking

The Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel offers a Park Here, Fly There package, which includes a night's stay, Wi-Fi and eight days of complimentary valet parking. This offer is perfect for families taking off in the early morning – and your furry friends are invited too!

Coat and Boot Check

We've added a new service for you and your family in the International Terminal this spring break. From March 21 to April 3, check your coats and boots with one of our Customer Care Ambassadors before going through security screening.

For only $2 per family, you can free up some extra space in your luggage for souvenirs! For more details, please visit this link.

Kid Zones

Be prepared to have a blast playing in one of YYC's fun zones, whether you're connecting through or beginning your journey.

The pre-security fun zones can be found at the following locations:

• Domestic Terminal: on the Arrivals Level by Door 3
• Domestic Terminal: on the Departures Level by Door 1
• International Terminal: at the Arrivals Area by Door 16

You can find more post-security play areas here:

• International Terminal: International Departures Hall by gates D72 and D80
• International Terminal: U.S. Departures Hall by Gate E82 and gates E70 to E75

Breeze through security by coming prepared. Read these tips for travelling with children, or check out CATSA screening checkpoint wait times here to help you plan ahead.

Connecting home through YYC from Puerto Vallarta or Cancun? Ensure your Duty Free purchases containing liquids, aerosols or gels are sealed in an official security bag or it will be rejected. Find more details here.

Sweeten your day with some frozen yogurt

Craving a cool treat en-route to catch some sun? Visit Menchie's in U.S. Departures (post-security) for some frozen yogurt with all your favourite toppings – who says your vacation can't begin before you depart?

Visit Who's Who in the Zoo? to grab fun travel activities to help cure a case of the fidgets! Sometimes the sitting and waiting involved with travelling - especially when you're itching to get to your destination - can be tough. Who's Who in the Zoo? located in the International Departures Hall has tons of fun activities to keep kids entertained and occupied.

Catch the YYC circus

Last, but not least, YYC has teamed up with TELUS Spark to bring the science of the circus to YYC! Members of Team YYC will be hosting fun, circus-themed stations all around the terminal on our busiest spring break travel days. Keep your eyes peeled for some amazing juggling and plate-spinning!