Top 12 Airport Playgrounds Every Parent Should Know About
If you’ve ever found yourself in an airport with restless kids, you know the struggle is real.
I’ve been trapped in a layover with two kids under 5, both of whom have the energy of a wind-up toy that never winds down.
Trust me, I get it. Keeping little ones entertained during those seemingly endless waiting times at the airport is crucial for everyone’s sanity.
That’s where airport playgrounds come in.
Imagine a space where your kids can climb, slide, and explore while you catch a breather and maybe even enjoy a cup of coffee that’s actually hot. Sounds like a dream, right?
This post is the ultimate parent resource: a list of the best airport playgrounds in the U.S. that are perfect for kids and toddlers.
But that’s not all! We’ll also share some tried-and-true tips for navigating airports with your little adventurers in tow.
So, buckle up and read on. Your future layovers just got a whole lot more manageable!
1. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
If you’re passing through Boston Logan, you’ve got to check out their Kidport play areas.
Trust me, these aren’t your average, ho-hum airport playgrounds.
Designed by the Children’s Museum in Boston, these play areas include:
- Terminal A: Located in the Satellite building by Gate 18, this Kidport is a mini wonderland. It boasts:
- Climbing structures
- A kid-sized replica of Boston Logan’s control tower
- Slides
- Proximity to airport food court and restrooms
- Terminal B: You’ll find one Kidport heading towards Gates B30 to B36 in the retail corridor and another post-security between Gates B15 and B16. Both offer:
- A safe place to play
- Close access to airport concessions and restrooms
- Terminal C: Situated before Gate 25, this Kidport is a visual treat. It features:
- Climbing structures that mimic vintage airplanes
- A carpet designed like an airfield
- Hand-painted walls of sky and clouds
- Unique seating/play array to watch TV
- Close proximity to airport concessions and restrooms
2. Portland International Airport (PDX)
If you’re flying through the city of Portland, you’re in for a treat!
PDX is another airport that gets the whole “traveling with kids” thing.
They’ve got not one but two play areas to keep your little adventurers entertained.
- Concourse D: Located near Gate D7, this play area is designed for kids aged 1-6. Here’s what you can expect:
- Soft flooring for safe play
- Sculpted foam animals like deer, bears, and ladybugs
- A cute little bridge for imaginative play
- Shoe cubbies and parent seating
- Concourse C: This one’s for airplane enthusiasts! The play area offers:
- An airplane-themed play space
- A flat-screen TV for some downtime
- Lego tables for budding builders
- Slides for some active fun
- A telescope for watching planes take off, which is always a hit!
3. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
If you’re jetting off from San Francisco International Airport, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
SFO has gone above and beyond to ensure that every terminal has a dedicated kids’ spot, and let me tell you, they’re not just throwing in a couple of chairs and calling it a day.
- Terminal 1: This isn’t just a play area; it’s a mini forest adventure. The spot is:
- Forest-themed with woodland touches
- A great space to burn energy with imaginative play
- Terminal 2: This terminal takes the cake for creativity. The play area features:
- Original artwork from Bay Area kids
- A unique blend of play and inspiration
- Terminal 3: Get ready for a weather adventure! This play area offers:
- A weather-themed space that’s both fun and educational
- A plasma wall with colorful arches that change colors to music, mesmerizing for kids and, let’s be honest, adults too.
4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
At Chicago O’Hare, you’ve got to swing by their Family Lounge in Terminal 2.
Trust me, this place is a lifesaver when you’ve got antsy kids in tow.
At one of the busiest airports in the country, the play area is a welcome reprieve from the crowds.
- Family Lounge: This isn’t your average airport waiting area. Here’s what you can expect:
- A colorful and interactive play space that lets your kids really get into it
- Models of an airplane, control tower, and helicopter for some hands-on fun
- Legos, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love Legos?
And for us parents? They’ve got us covered, too:
- Device charging stations are available to keep your gadgets juiced up.
- Stroller parking makes it easier to navigate the space with infants.
The best part? The Children’s Museum of Chicago designed the whole area so that it will be fun and educational.
Win-win, right?
5. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
If your travels take you through Washington Dulles International Airport, do yourself a favor and head to the Kids’ FunWay in Concourse B.
This place is a fantastic way to keep your little ones entertained and gives you a moment to catch your breath.
- Kids’ FunWay: Located near gate B701, this play area is more than just a few toys in a corner. Here’s the scoop:
- Aviation-themed, so your little pilots can let their imaginations soar
- Interactive game displays that are both fun and engaging
- Climbing attractions and slides, because what kid doesn’t love to climb and slide?
And let’s not forget about us parents:
- Plenty of seating so that you can take a load off
- Charging stations to keep your devices up and running
Another cool fact? NASA designed the whole play area, so you know it’s got that extra layer of cool.
6. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
If you’re flying through Seattle-Tacoma, make a beeline for this play area across from Gate A1.
It’s a fantastic way to let the kids get some wiggles out and give you a moment of peace.
Trust me, this isn’t just a corner with a couple of toys; it’s a full-on 1,400 square feet of fun!
What’s not to love?
- Children’s Play Area: This spot is a dream come true for kids aged 3-7. Here’s what they’ve got:
- An aviation-themed setup that’ll make your little ones feel like pilots
- A soft play area for some safe and squishy fun
- Giant soft-resin toys shaped like airport stuff—think airplanes and control towers
- A bright-pink Little Free Library, so you can swap out that book they’ve read a hundred times
And for us grown-ups? They’ve thought of everything:
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes because cleanliness is next to godliness, right?
- A family restroom and nursing room are attached, so everything you need is right there.
7. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP):
You are in luck if you’re flying through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
MSP is one of the most kid-friendly airports and has not one but two play areas that are going to make your life so much easier.
- Concourse C at Terminal 1: This play area is a little slice of heaven for your kiddos. Here’s the rundown:
- A mock airplane and air traffic control tower with slides for some high-flying fun
- Adult seating areas, some even with electrical outlets nearby (hello, phone charging!)
- A statue of Snoopy at the entrance is perfect for those adorable family photos
- Inside Security at Terminal 2: This one’s got a unique twist. Check it out:
- Designed as an educational tool so your kids can learn while they play
- It features a giant-size suitcase, because who doesn’t love oversized things?
And guess what? Both locations were custom-made by a local company, Blue Rhino Studio, and funded by the Airport Foundation MSP.
Plus, admission is free for all airport visitors and their kiddos. There is adult seating with charging stations at both play areas.
8. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI):
If you fly with your family through BWI, you are in for a real treat.
This kid-friendly airport has several play areas that will make your layover a lot more enjoyable.
- Observation Gallery Play Area: This one is great, and it’s located pre-security in the Main Terminal. Here’s what you can expect:
- A killer view of the runway and taxiways, perfect for little aviation enthusiasts
- Interactive exhibits and displays that’ll keep the kiddos entertained
- D/E Connector Playground: This one’s post-security in the D/E Connector is a blast. Check it out:
- A newly installed playground with all kinds of aviation-themed fun
- A climbing structure for those little monkeys in your life
- An airplane cockpit and control tower for some imaginative play
And for us parents? They have Rocking chairs that are scattered throughout the terminal, so you can kick back and relax while the kids play
9. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
If you’re going through Dallas Fort Worth International, you’ll love their options for your kids.
DFW has several play areas that will make your layover feel like a mini-vacation.
- McDonald’s Play Area: This gem is found at Terminal D, Gate D8. Here’s the lowdown:
- A foam-soft playscape that’s perfect for the little ones to bounce around on
- Seating with charging outlets, because we all know our phones need juice
- It’s by a McDonalds. Do I need to say more? Fries, please!
- Junior Flyer Club: Head over to Terminal A, Gate A13, for this one. It’s packed with:
- A padded, aviation-themed play area that’s like a mini airport for kids
- An indoor runway, airplane, car, and traffic control tower for some serious imaginative play
And get this, there’s more:
- A cute little photo opp castle at Terminal D, Gate D30. Perfect for those Instagram moments!
- A fun chime maze at Terminal D, Gate D18 that’ll keep the kiddos entertained.
10. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX has some play areas that are so cool you might want to get to the airport early to check them out.
- LAX Beach: This one’s in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Here’s what you’ll find:
- It is designed to look like the LA shoreline, so you get those beach vibes right away
- A lifeguard tower, surfboards, a dolphin, and a beach ball for some serious California Climbing
- Soft structures for the kiddos to climb on and a carpeted area to keep things safe
- Benches for us caregivers, so we can sit back and pretend we’re sipping on piña coladas
- Westfield’s New Children’s Play Area: Over in Terminal 2, this play area is a little different but just as awesome. Check it out:
- Features local landscapes and a unique design that’s very LA
- A slide for some good old-fashioned fun, a light table for some sensory play, and block puzzles to get those little minds working
11. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK has several play areas that will make your layover a breeze.
Your kids will be entertained, you’ll get a break, and everyone will board the plane a little happier.
- Amazon Tumble Leaf Playground: This one’s near Gate 12, and it’s a total hit with the kiddos. Here’s the scoop:
- An interactive play space that’s got a little bit of everything
- A climbing structure for those little dare-devils
- A slide, because, well, slides are always a hit
- Interactive games to keep those busy minds engaged
- JetBlue Junior Play Space: Over in Terminal 5 near Gate 26, this one’s a must-visit if you are in Terminal 5. Check it out:
- Designed for kids aged 2 to 12, so it’s got a wide range of fun
- A cockpit simulator where your little ones can test out their pilot skills
- Low-tech interactives in the airplane’s cabin for some good old-fashioned pretend play
12. Miami International Airport (MIA)
You’re in luck if your travel plans include a stop at Miami International Airport.
They’ve got a play area called Plane Fun, and your kids will thank you if you stop here. You might even get to relax for a minute or two as well while they play.
- Plane Fun Play Area: This one’s located in Concourse E near Gate E5, but you can also get to it from Concourse D after security. Here’s what’s in store:
- Created in collaboration with Miami’s Children’s Museum, so you know it’s top-notch
- Six interactive, immersive, and educational exhibits that’ll keep the kiddos entertained and maybe even teach them a thing or two
- A model cockpit for your little pilots-in-training
- An air traffic control tower for some high-flying imaginative play
- A hot-air balloon because, well, who doesn’t love hot-air balloons?
- A soft play area with aviation-themed play mats, so even the littlest travelers can get in on the action.
Tips for Navigating Airports with Kids
Getting through an airport with kids can be challenging, but a little planning goes a long way.
Here are some straightforward tips that have made my family’s airport experiences more manageable:
1. Plan Ahead
Before you head out, check the airport map online. Knowing where the playgrounds and family restrooms are can relieve stress.
2. Pack Snacks
I always keep simple snacks in my bag. It’s a great way to keep the kids content, especially when flights get delayed.
3. Stroller Strategy
Stroller or No Stroller: It’s a tough call. A stroller can be helpful but also a bit of a hassle at security. Think about your layover and how much walking you’ll be doing.
4. Security Check
I let my kids know what to expect at security. We practiced taking off their shoes and explained that their backpacks would go through the X-ray machine. It makes the process less intimidating for them.
5. Keep Essentials Accessible
I pack a small bag with wipes, hand sanitizer, and a couple of toys. It stays at the top of my carry-on for easy access.
6. Luggage Tips
I’ve found that less is more when it comes to luggage. I let my kids pack a small bag of their own, which they’re responsible for. It lightens my load and gives them a sense of responsibility.
Final Thoughts: Best Airport Playgrounds
Well, there you go, my fellow parent-travelers!
We’ve explored some top-notch airport play areas that will keep your little ones entertained and give you a well-deserved break.
As a mom who’s braved airports with two energetic kids under 5, I can’t stress enough how these play areas and tips can turn your travel day around.
So, the next time you dread that long layover or just trying to kill time before your flight, keep this guide in your back pocket.
Airport playgrounds aren’t just a fun diversion; they’re sanity-savers that can make your journey smoother for everyone involved.
Here’s to stress-free layovers and the joy of family travel.
