Traveling with little ones can be quite the adventure, but lengthy layovers or delays can pose challenges. Fortunately, many airports have stepped up their game, offering fantastic play areas to transform waiting time into quality family moments.
Wouldn’t it be great to know which airports have the best playgrounds for your youngsters? In this article, you’ll discover a list of the top 15 kid-friendly airports with playgrounds in the United States. These spots will upgrade your travel experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family.
1) KidPort at San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport’s KidPort is a must-visit for families. Located post-security in Terminal 2 near Gates D7 and D15, this vibrant space allows children to stretch their legs and imaginations.
Sponsored by the SF Exploratorium, KidPort showcases artworks by Bay Area artists Walter Kitundu and Charles Sowers. The interactive learning stations blend fun and education seamlessly.
You’ll find additional Kids’ Spots throughout the terminals, each offering unique experiences for children of all ages. Learn more about these engaging areas on the San Francisco International Airport webpage.
2) Playport at Chicago O’Hare International Airport
If your journey takes you through Chicago O’Hare, make a beeline for Playport in Terminal 2 near Gate F1. This brightly colored area is a haven for young travelers.
The enclosed space allows children to climb, slide, and explore safely, while nearby seating lets parents keep a watchful eye. It’s the perfect antidote to pre-flight jitters and an excellent alternative to screen time.
3) JFK’s Playground at New York John F. Kennedy Airport
JFK International Airport offers more than just bustling terminals; it boasts a cool playground for kids near the family-friendly areas of Terminal 5. This space features structures perfect for climbing and exploring.
The vibrant setup captivates younger travelers, while comfortable seating allows parents to relax nearby. It’s an ideal spot for families with connecting flights, ensuring a smoother travel experience for all.
For more information about this playground and the exciting New Terminal One project planned for JFK, visit New Terminal One.
4) Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s Junior Flyers Club
At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the Junior Flyers Club at gate A13 is a paradise for young aviation enthusiasts. This themed playground features an indoor runway, an airplane, a car, and a traffic control tower.
Children can immerse themselves in imaginative play while parents unwind nearby. Discover more about the airport’s family-friendly facilities on their website.
5) Flyin’ Lion Children’s Play Area at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
The Flyin’ Lion Children’s Play Area at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is a gem for families on the go. Located in Terminal 1 near gate C12 (with another in Terminal 2), this free play zone is designed to spark joy in young travelers.
Created by Blue Rhino Studio, the area includes a mock airplane, control tower, and slides. Parents can relax in the adjacent seating area, complete with electrical outlets. Find more details on the MSP Airport website.
6) Kids’ Spot at Boston Logan International Airport
Boston Logan International Airport’s Kidport, designed by the Boston Children’s Museum, is a haven for families awaiting flights. Located in Terminal C near gates 25 and 30, this area offers climbing structures, slides, and interactive exhibits in a safe, clean environment.
Parents can relax in comfortable seating areas while supervising their little ones.
7) Imagination Playground at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s Imagination Playground near Gate A8 is a creativity hub for young travelers. With building blocks and interactive activities, it’s an ideal space for children to exercise their minds and bodies.
Don’t miss the Yangchuanosaurus dinosaur exhibit in the Atrium – a surefire hit with kids. Discover additional art installations and play areas throughout the airport, including near Gate A23, to make your layover a breeze.
Long Layover? Consider a Day Use Hotel Room
While airport playgrounds are fantastic for keeping kids entertained during shorter waits, layovers of 4+ hours can be exhausting for the whole family. If you’re facing an extended layover, consider booking a day use hotel room through HotelsByDay. Many airports have nearby hotels offering rooms by the hour, giving your family a quiet space to rest, nap, shower, and recharge. This can be especially valuable when traveling with young children who need consistent nap schedules or a break from the busy airport environment.
8) Fun Zone at San Diego International Airport
The Fun Zone at San Diego International Airport is a colorful oasis for families. Located near the Terminal 2 West gates, this area features soft play structures and ample space for energetic youngsters.
The vibrant equipment and safe play surfaces appeal to children of all ages, allowing parents to relax knowing their little ones are having a blast in a secure environment.
9) McNamara Terminal Playscapes at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport’s McNamara Terminal is a family-friendly hub. Find engaging playscapes near Gates A8, A12, A20, A28, A34, A46, A60, A68, and A72 – perfect spots for kids to stretch their legs between flights.
While there, take advantage of the newly refurbished bathrooms in McNamara Terminal, ensuring comfort for the whole family.
10) Adventure Zone at Orlando International Airport
It’s a convenient and fun option for families transiting through Orlando, providing a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of air travel.
Orlando International Airport’s Adventure Zone in Terminal B is a paradise for young explorers. This clean, safe space boasts climbing structures and slides, with nearby benches for parents to relax.
11) KidsWorks at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
KidsWorks at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, located across from Gate A1, is a vibrant space where young travelers can unleash their energy. The area is equipped with hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for peace of mind.
Adjacent family restrooms and a nursing room add convenience for parents. Don’t miss the wooden rocking chairs near the central terminal window – a perfect spot to watch planes and unwind.
For easy navigation to KidsWorks, use the interactive map for step-by-step directions.
12) Play Area at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Play-viation Park in Terminal 3, near Gate F6, is a haven for energetic kids. Beyond play, the airport offers educational activities from Arizona State University and other local institutions.
Explore more kid-friendly options throughout the airport to enhance your family’s travel experience.
13) Children’s Play Area at Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport’s play options have changed since 2019. The unsupervised play area in Concourse B was removed during renovations. However, the airport still offers various family-friendly services and amenities to occupy young travelers.
For up-to-date information on available options, visit the official website.
14) Kids On The Fly at Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport’s “Plane Fun” playground in Concourse E, near Gate E5, is an aviation enthusiast’s dream. Accessible from Concourse D after security, this space offers six unique areas for exploration.
Children can listen to real pilot-tower conversations, adding an exciting educational element. The playground’s partnership with the Miami Children’s Museum ensures a blend of fun and learning.
Plan your next trip to Miami and let your kids experience Plane Fun before you depart!
15) Tot Spot at Houston Hobby Airport
Houston Hobby Airport’s Tot Spot near Gate 4 is a toddler’s paradise. Designed for children ages 0-2, this area focuses on language, literacy, social-emotional skills, motor skills, and cognitive development.
Enjoy interactive experiences with your little one in this thoughtfully crafted space. Find more information at the Houston Airport System website.
Benefits of Airport Playgrounds for Kids
Airport playgrounds offer numerous advantages for both children and parents, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Physical Activity
These play areas provide crucial opportunities for kids to move and stay active during long trips. With climbing structures, slides, and open spaces, children can expend energy, improving their mood and preparing them for a calmer flight experience.
Mental Stimulation
Many airport playgrounds incorporate puzzles, interactive games, and educational toys. These elements keep young minds engaged, fostering problem-solving skills and creativity while making time fly by.
Stress Relief for Parents
Travel-related stress can be significantly reduced when children have a safe space to play. Parents can take a moment to relax, catch their breath, or enjoy a coffee while their kids are happily occupied in a secure environment.
Design Features That Make Airport Playgrounds Great
Exceptional airport playgrounds share key design features that enhance the experience for families.
Safe Play Zones
Safety is paramount in these areas. Look for distinct, secure, and well-supervised spaces with soft, cushioned flooring to prevent injuries. Clear barriers and signage help define play areas and set expectations for both kids and parents.
Interactive Elements
The best playgrounds go beyond basic equipment. Seek out spaces with diverse elements like climbing structures, tunnels, slides, art stations, touchscreens, water play areas, or musical installations to keep young travelers fully engaged.
Accessibility for All Ages
Ideal airport playgrounds cater to a wide age range, from toddlers to pre-teens. Look for equipment suited to different developmental stages, including low-to-the-ground structures for younger kids and more challenging elements for older ones. Nearby seating areas for parents and ADA-compliant equipment ensure inclusivity for all families.
Tips for Enjoying Airport Playgrounds with Kids
Maximize your airport playground experience with these helpful tips:
Pack Essentials
Bring snacks, extra clothes, small toys, hand sanitizer, wipes, chargers, and portable batteries. These items will ensure your family stays comfortable, clean, and connected throughout your airport adventure.
Plan Extra Time
Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow ample time for play without feeling rushed. Research playground locations in advance to streamline your route through the airport, and factor in time for bathroom breaks and snacks.
Monitor Play
Keep a close eye on your children in busy airport playgrounds. Choose a vantage point with a clear view of the entire area, join in the fun occasionally, and set clear rules about staying within designated play zones. Use this time to relax while maintaining supervision, creating a balanced and enjoyable travel day for everyone.
Making Long Layovers Work for Your Family
Airport playgrounds are wonderful resources for keeping children happy and active during travel delays. However, for layovers lasting several hours, you might want to consider additional comfort options. HotelsByDay offers convenient day use hotel rooms near major airports, allowing families to book accommodations by the hour rather than overnight.
his gives you a private space where children can nap properly, parents can rest, and everyone can refresh before continuing their journey. Combined with the hotel swimming pool and the airport playground options listed above, you can create the perfect balance of active play and restful downtime during extended travel days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which U.S. airports have playgrounds for children?
Several U.S. airports offer playgrounds or kid-friendly play areas, including San Francisco International (SFO), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Boston Logan (BOS), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP). These spaces are designed to keep children entertained during layovers or while waiting to board.
Are airport playgrounds free to use?
Yes, most airport playgrounds are free of charge and located in terminals past security checkpoints, allowing kids to play while waiting for their flights.
What age groups are airport playgrounds designed for?
Airport playgrounds typically cater to young children, usually between the ages of 1 to 10 years old. Some larger airports may have different zones for toddlers and older children.
Are airport playgrounds open 24/7?
Not always. While some are accessible during the airport’s operational hours, others may follow specific terminal schedules. It’s best to check the airport’s official website for exact opening hours.
