Long layovers. Weather delays. Mechanical issues. A tardy crew.

There’s a lot of waiting around when it comes to air travel these days. If you’re stuck at Denver International Airport for an extended period, don’t fret. Instead of just sitting at your gate for hours, have a bit of fun with these ideas.

Fill up on local eats: Airplane food has certainly improved in recent years, but it’s still a microwave dinner when compared with sitting down at a restaurant that serves fresh, local cuisine. DIA boasts one of the country’s best airport food scenes thanks to a focus on adding varied concessions with ties to the Mile High City. Most recently in Concourse A, that includes Williams & Graham, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar; Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery; The Bagel Deli & Restaurant, serving up sandwiches piled high; D Bar for upscale comfort food and desserts; and Uncle, the hip ramen shop with gourmet bowls and Japanese-inspired dishes. In Concourse B, travelers can find wood-fired pizza and much more at the newly opened Osteria Marco. Finally, Santo is now delivering regional spices, chiles and meats in Concourse C.

Sneak in a round of golf: Your clubs may be stuck in baggage claim, but you can at least pretend to be spending the morning on one of the world’s most iconic courses via Golf DEN, a virtual golf simulator open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the mezzanine level of Concourse A. Sessions can be booked for 15, 30 or 60 minutes (there are also memberships and a league for which you can sign up), and there’s a full bar too.

Recharge with quiet time: Getting some shut-eye amid the noise of the terminal can be very difficult. Instead, go to the dedicated Rest and Recharge section on the Concourse A mezzanine. Recliners and other cozy seating — plus outlets for charging your devices — are available and set away from the bustle of the terminal. Concourse A is also home to Colorado Oasis, which has automated massage chairs to work out the kinks before a long flight.

Peruse public art collection: Art is perhaps the last thing travelers have on their minds as they’re running between gates, but DIA has amassed an impressive collection of nearly three dozen permanently displayed pieces that are worth a look. The most recent additions include Danielle Roney’s The Constellations, a steel-and-glass representation of the stars visible above Denver during the summer and winter solstices (Concourse C), and a rainbow of luggage called “It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back” by Thomas “Detour” Evans (Concourse B). Rotating exhibits are also displayed along the A Bridge; a collection of posters is on display through November for 75 Years of the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Breathe in the mountain air: One of the worst aspects of a long delay is being stuck inside — particularly when that Colorado bluebird sky is beckoning through the windows. Every concourse offers an outdoor deck so you can enjoy fresh air and sunlight; find them near gates A15, B7 and C67. During the warmer months, stop by Park on the Plaza before you walk through security. The turf-covered, open-air space between Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin hotel features lounge chairs, cornhole, afternoon concerts and more.