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Look Out for These Airport Play Areas When Flying With Kids

After check in and passing through security (hopefully a family line), I always look for a play area in the airport. The kids can play, and us parents can sit or take turns heading to Duty Free. Not all airports have one, but if they do, it’s the perfect space for kids to have fun and burn off energy before a flight – especially if it’s a day flight. My girls always appreciate these play areas and normally there is some parent seating available too.

We’ve found most are brilliant for the toddler age, with soft play/jungle gym type soft obstacles to climb over and slide down and some also interactive boards with spinning or sliding toys. Others have interactive screens for older kids which my girls now enjoy.

Below is our guide to the baby/child facilities at most world-wide major airports. Including airport play areas, indoor airport playgrounds (and outdoor!), entertainment, baby changing, rest areas and complimentary airport strollers and other amenities. Great places for the little ones to blow off some steam.

Some of these play areas include slides, soft play, games or interactive screens so little ones can explore and enjoy playtime before your board your flight for another adventure. They are free of charge!

We found with our kids, wearing them out and boarding last helped, especially if we had long haul day flight. Do you have any airport playgrounds you recommend? Please let us know in the comments.

Some airlines and airports also provide complimentary strollers, but sadly not all destinations. See which ones have below.

Airport Play Areas and Baby/Child Facilities World-Wide

Chicago O'Hare Airport kids play area
Chicago O’Hare Airport kids play area aka KidPort was an amazing fun playground
The play area is so fun at Chicago O'Hare Airport where kids can role play being pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic control.
The play area was so fun at Chicago O’Hare Airport where kids can role play being pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic control. My girls loved it here at this KidPort but it’s been replaced.

Airport Play Areas in USA

KidPort at Chicago O’Hare Airport, is one we stumbled on after a long flight and a delayed connection with our children up at 2am to their time zones.

The interactive activities were all based around an airport theme with climbing areas and role play points including Air Traffic Control Tower, Baggage Handlers, Pilots, and Flight Attendants.

It stopped any meltdowns whilst we were waiting for our delayed flight, and then they both slept soundly to Orlando. It’s sadly been replaced with a family lounge and some screens but I really hope they bring it back!

Boston airport play area toy airplane and child
Boston Airport Kidport play area

BOSTON Logan Airport, Mass. was one I liked that we stumbled upon accidentally. It has three Kidport areas which are soft airplane themed play areas which can be climbed on and through. As we were connecting flights, this was a great place for our family to sit and relax. There is a seating area inside for parents:

  • The Terminal A Kidport is located post-security in the Satellite building by Gate A18.
  • The Terminal B Kidport is located post-security in the retail corridor in the direction of Gates B30 to B36. 
  • The Terminal C Kidport is located post-security in the area prior to Gate C25.

BALTIMORE WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL (BWI) has two play areas. One is located by D/E and the second is in the observation gallery upper level by B/C.

BUFFALO airport (NY) has playareas at gate two, Gate 9 and Gates 19 and 21 and features large soft models of FisherPrice toys!

CINCINNATI (KT) has a kids sensory room in Concourse A near Gate 4 and a zoo themed play area in Concourse B.

DALLAS FORT WORTH (DFW) TX   The McDonald’s Play Area is at Terminal D – D8, featuring a foam-soft playscape.

FORT WAYNE (FWA) IN the play area is just past security.

LAS VEGAS (LAS) NV  play area is in Terminal 1, D Gates, Level 2 above rotunda and features a play traffic control tower and a plane tunnel.

LAX play area

LOS ANGELES (LAX) CA play area Tom Bradley Terminal There is a beach themed play area with places to climb and an interactive activity board. I had to seach for it as it is tucked away on the lower floor. Head to the food court and behind Panda Express and the Umami Burger to find it.

MIAMI (MIA) FL. Located near Concourse E security checkpoint and also post-security Concourse you’ll find a play area called Plane Fun with fun exhibits, a toddler play space, a selfie monitors and simulated hot air balloon rides.

MILWAUKEE (MKE) Wisconsin   play area has aviation themed climb ones located in Concourse C – Across from Chilis and Concourse D – Between Gates D30 & D34. My girls loved playing flight attendant just like mommy used to be.

MINNEAPOLIS (MSP), MN These play areas are located at Concourse C at Terminal 1, and inside security at Terminal 2. They feature a mock airplane, air traffic control tower with slides.

NASHVILLE (TN) has wall games and floor activities by concourse B10.

NEW YORK (JFK) NY Head to Terminal 5, Gate 12 for the Pirate themed children’s play at John F. Kennedy Airport. JetBlue also provide an aviation-themed play area near gate 26. For Terminal 8 head towards the American Airlines Admirals Club, there’s yet another play area waiting for you.

PALM SPRINGS has a small outdoor playground past security.

PHOENIX (AZ) The Play-viation Park children’s play area is in Terminal 3.

PITTSBURGH (PA) A new and improved Kidsport is planned for Pittsburgh International Airport. For now, families can enjoy a temporary location near Gate C56.

PORTLAND (OR) Concourse D and E.

SAN FRANCISCO (CA) SFO has five Kids’ Spots throughout the terminals providing interactive and colorful spaces for children of all ages to play, stretch, and let off steam before a flight.

  • TERMINAL 1 has a Kids’ Spot near Gate B2, and a Tree Town near Gate B18.
  • TERMINAL 2 has a Butterfly wall near Gate D15 to climb and Play and San Francisco Bay Area Bird Encounters near Gate D7 with an interactivreplay area.
  • TERMINAL 3 has Spirogyrate near Gate E7, a children’s exploration area with lights activated by motion.

SEATTLE, Washington  has a Kid’s Play Room located across from Gate A1 which has a mock airplane, and other airport themed climb ones.

ST JOSE ( A fun interactive playground called Zoom Zone, which is located in Terminal B between Gates 24 and 25.

ST LOUIS (MI)  play area is located in the C Gates near gate C3. This is a transportation-themed educational play exhibit featuring a kid-sized plane, air traffic control tower and a kids-version of the MetroLink light rail train.

If on mobile, please swipe left to see if the airport offers complimentary strollers and baby sleep area.

The Chicago play area was incredible! The Small Boston one is good for toddlers.

AirportBaby ChangingPlay AreaComplimentary StrollersBaby Rest/Sleep Area
Albuquerque?XXX
AnchorageXXX
AtlantaXXX
Atlantic City?XXX
Austin-BergstromLIMITEDXXX
Baltimore/WashingtonXXX
Boston (Logan )Mass)XROCKING CHAIRS
Burbank??XX
BradleyXXX
Buffalo?XX
CharlotteXXROCKING CHAIRS
Chicago O’HareKidport has
gone :-(
XX
CincinnatiXX
ClevelandXXX
Dallas Fort WorthXX
Daytona Beach?XXX
DenverXX
DetroitXX
El Paso??XX
Fort Wayne (IN)XX
Fort LauderdaleXXX
Honolulu?Garden & PondXX
HoustonXX
IndianapolisXXX
Jacksonville??XROCKING CHAIRS
JFK (New York)✔ (in T5)XX
Kansas CityXXX
La Guardia (New York)XXX
Las Vegas?XX
Lexington
XX
Los Angeles (LAX)
for Burbank see above.

XXX
Memphis

XX
Miami

✔ gate D35
XX
Milwaukee
Minneapolis

X✔ (concourse E)
Nashville

XX
New Orleans
XXX
Newark (New York)
XXX
New York (See JFK, Newark
and La Guardia

XXX
Oakland?XXX
Oklahoma?XXX
OntarioXXX
OrlandoXXX
Palm BeachXXX
Palm Springs?XX
PhiladelphiaXXX
PhoenixXX
PittsburghX✔Located in
Concourse C,
Airside Terminal
PortlandXX
St LouisXX
Salt Lake CityXX
San DiegoXXXX
San FranciscoXX
San JoseXX
SeattleXX
TampaXXX
Tucson?XXX
Washington DullesXXX
Current airport play areas

flying with a baby British airways, play area , soft play area at London Heathrow Airport, terminal 5
Terminal 5 play area at London Heathrow airport
LGW airport play area and entertainment for kids
Play area at LGW for kids with interactive screens and games, my youngest loved the games she almost didn’t want to leave.
Play area at LGW for kids
Play area at LGW for kids with traditional games
skyzone kids area - birmingham airport
Birmingham Airport Kids SkyZone play area in the terminal has a fun interactive security section and other games too.
Madrid Airport Stroller
Madrid Airport Stroller
Luton Airport Stroller
Luton Airport Stroller

 Airport Play Areas for Children in Europe

If on mobile, please swipe left to see if the airport offers complimentary strollers and baby sleep area.

I use these airports a lot and love that they provide a space for kids to burn off energy. London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham have play areas with fun entertainment with interactive play exhibits, games and parent seating areas.

Amsterdam Schipol Airport

The Kids Playground is on the first floor of Lounge 2 as a real plane for them to climb on. The Kids Playground is next to the food court, so you can grab a bite to eat while they play! And there’s plenty of seating to watch and enjoy your children as they work off some extra energy. Admission is free. The smaller children’s play areas are found on your way to gates B, C and D59-D87. and Lounge 3 on your way to gates D1-D57, E, F, G and H.

Birmingham Airport

Sky Zone, an augmented reality play space, offers a free interactive experience designed to keep kids entertained before their flight. Open around the clock and suitable for all ages, it features games for young children up to those 13 and older. There are two Sky Zone areas in the departure lounge: one near Gate 55 and the other between Gates 1 and 20, close to Costa Coffee and WHSmith. While the zones are free to use, children must be supervised at all times.

Burgas (Bulgaria) Airport

The children’s playground is located near Bricco Pizza Terrace and smoking area, close to the seating areas. Look for colorful signage and play structures designed for younger travelers. The area is open to all passengers, providing a fun space for kids to unwind before boarding.

Copenhagen Airport

Copenhagen Airport offers an outdoor playground with slides and seating for parents before the security check. Children can enjoy the fresh air and burn off energy on the big and small slides. Look for the large blue wooden airplane as a landmark. Parents must supervise their children at all times.

After passing through security, an indoor play area awaits near Gates A and B, opposite The Union Kitchen. The space includes a control tower, CPH luggage carts, a slide, and a soft surface made from recycled shoes. It’s ideal for children aged 3-12, with activities for younger kids too.

Faro Airport

The airport offers various activities to keep children entertained, such as watching planes take off and land or playing in the playgrounds. Keeping them engaged helps ensure they’ll be more relaxed and calm during the flight.

Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport has quite a few themed play areas for kids. They can climb on helicopters, explore the ocean, or play the roles of pirates. These are excellent places for them have fun and burn off excess energy before embarking to a long flight.

Geneva Airport

The playground is located in transit, between boarding gates A5 and A8.

Istanbul Airport

This airport has themed children’s playgrounds are available at both the check-in area and the boarding gates.

  • Cigaland forest: Domestic airside – gate G5
  • Cigaland Space: International airside – gate A6
  • Cigaland Sea: International airside – gate B4
  • Cigaland Sky: International airside – gate D2
  • Cigaland Ice: International airside – gate F9
  • Playground: Departures landside – 5-6 ticket sale offices
  • Playground: Departures landside – N check-in counter
  • Playground: Departures landside – C-D check-in counter
  • Playground: International airside – gates B8-B9
  • Playland: International airside – opposite sleepod
  • Playland: Domestic airside – gate G2

Kiev Airport

The play area is located on the second floor of Terminal A in the closed area of ​​the airport. The area is opened at the passenger’s request. For this, you need to contact the administrator of the Business Hall. The room located on the first floor of Terminal A is temporarily closed.

London- LGW Airport

The airport has designed ideal spaces to keep children entertained while waiting in the departure lounge. In both the South and North Terminals, there are dedicated Kids Zones where children can play and engage with fun educational activities. These areas are free to use, providing a convenient way to keep little ones occupied before boarding.

London- LHR Airport
The airport offers plenty of pre-flight entertainment for kids in the free Mr. Adventure Stay & Play areas. These spaces include slides, soft play zones, and separate areas for babies and juniors, ensuring children stay active and entertained. There are also Mr. Adventure coloring and activity sheets available for extra fun. The play areas are designed for children up to nine years old and are open daily from 06:00 to 21:00. While the areas are generally unsupervised, kids must be accompanied by an adult, with the exception of Terminal 3, where supervision is provided.

Locations

  • Play AreaNear Gate A16 • Level 4 • Terminal 2
  • Play AreaNear Gate 1a • Level 2 • Terminal 4
  • Play AreaNear Gate A2 • Level 2 • Terminal 5
  • Play AreaNear Gate B46 • Level 1 • Terminal 2
  • Play Area (via lift)Near Departures • Level 1 • Terminal 3

London-LTN airport

This airport offers a family-friendly, airport-themed area where kids can enjoy big screen entertainment. It’s conveniently located near gates 1-6, just around the corner from Pret A Manger by the stairs. This spot is perfect for keeping little ones entertained while you wait.

London -STN Airport

This summer, the airport is introducing the exciting new Little Flyers Club, designed to keep kids entertained with an aviation-themed experience. The club features a fun cast of characters—suitcases and bags that come to life when no one is watching, including Porter, Carrie, Casey, Jet, and Finn.

Children can enjoy booklets, stickers, and a variety of online activities available on the Kid Zone page. These colorful companions and engaging activities promise a fun-filled airport adventure, making waiting times more enjoyable for little travelers. Keep an eye out for giveaways in the terminal!

Madrid Airport

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport provides a play area for children aged 0 to 6 and a modern, comfortable breastfeeding lounge. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult. These facilities are located in Terminal T2, Floor 1, Boarding Area C.

Malaga Airport

There are a few play areas within the airport and here is a quick short list to help you locate them:

• Floor 0. Arrivals
• Floor 0. Dock D
• Floor 0. Baggage Claim Area. T3
• Floor 1. Check-in. Counters 301-362
• Floor 1. Check-in. Counters 363-386
• Floor 1. Check-in. Counters 201-275
• Floor 1. Transit Area
• Floor 1. Transit Area T3
• Floor 1. Start of Dock C
• Floor 1. Transit Area. Dock B
• Floor 2. Dock D

Manchester Airport

At Manchester Airport they have a similar if not the same concept at London -STN Airport , they are introducing the new Little Flyers Club inspired by all things aviation. It is designed to keep your little ones entertained at the airport.

Milan -MXP airport

At Malpensa Airport, you can enjoy all the assistance and services that you require for a pleasant journey with your family and children, this includes family room, nursery e Baby Pit Stop, and play areas.

Terminal 1:
– Satellite A next to gate A1
– Satellite B next to gate B5
– Satellite North next to gates B50-B59

Terminal 2:
– Next to gate D9

Munich Airport

Location of play areas within this airport:

  • Terminal 1 – module B – Ebene 3
  • Terminal 1 – module C – Ebene 3
  • Terminal 2 – gates G, H – Ebene 4
  • Terminal 2 – gates G, H – Ebene 5
  • Terminal 2 – gates K, L – Ebene 4
  • Terminal 2 – gates K, L – Ebene 5

Nice Airport

The boarding areas provide dedicated play zones for children aged 3 to 12. Interactive play walls can be found in Terminal 1 (Boarding Area B) and Terminal 2 (Boarding Area A), offering fun for all ages. In Terminal 1 (Boarding Areas A & B), table football is available for energetic games. Additionally, the Bar Restaurant La Plage in Terminal 1 features an upstairs play area, complete with a slide. These play spaces are specially designed to ensure that children can enjoy themselves safely. One of these play areas is located near Gate D9.

Oslo (Norway) Airport

The airport has some great spots for kids! You’ll find our toy planes at Gate C1, Gate A12, and even at the train station. There’s also the Munti Magic experience—two digital screens where kids can color planes and see them fly up on a big screen, located between Gates D3 and D5. Plus, there are play areas available at Gate F14 too!

Stockholm Airport : Play areas found at

  • Terminal 2, Gate 67 and 86
  • Terminal 5, Gate C31, D19, E6, F36, F68

Zurich airport

The airport has spacious and well-lit playrooms filled with a variety of toys for kids of all ages. There are areas for drawing and painting, along with fun activities like PlayStation and computer games. For those who love sports, there’s even a football table to enjoy! They are found at gate A81, gate A71, and gate B38.

AirportBaby ChangingPlay AreaComplimentary StrollersBaby Rest/Sleep Area
AmsterdamX
AthensXX
BarcelonaXX
BerlinXXX
BirminghamXX
BrusselsXXX
Burgas
(Bulgaria)
✔ (outside)XX
CopenhagenX
DublinXXX
FaroXX
FrankfurtX
GenevaXX
HamburgXXX
Helsinki
IstanbulXX
KievXX
LiverpoolXXX
London- LGWX
London- LHRXX
London-LTNX
London -STNXX
MadridX
MalagaX
MaltaXXXX
ManchesterXX
Milan -MXPXX
MunichXX
NiceXX
Oslo (Norway)X
Paris -CDG?XX
Rome – FCOXXX
Sarajevo?XX
StockholmXX
VeniceXXX
ViennaXXX
WarsawXXX
ZurichXX
A table of Airport Play Areas for Children in Europe

Adelaide Airport Little Flyers Fun Play Area has a slide too.
airport play area at Adelaide
Airport play area

Australia/New Zealand Airport Play Areas For Children

Adelaide Airport Little Flyers indoor playground is perfect, with slides, climbing, and role-play areas but it is currently closed due to improvements taking place.

Perth Airport In the level 2 departures area of T1 International, there is a play zone designed for children of all ages. Younger kids can enjoy soft furnishings, while older kids have access to digital gaming screens. Nearby seating allows you to relax and keep an eye on your family as the kids have fun before boarding your international flight.

Sydney Airport have dedicated play areas in T1 International terminal.

Gate 10Interactive kid’s zone with touch screen technology and multiple game options
Gate 50McDonalds play area which includes a physical playground
Gate 53A digital activation in partnership with the Museum of Applied Arts and Science

Wellington Int Airport the play area is in one place with the family-friendly Parent and Caregivers Room which is located on Level 1 along the retail street in the main terminal (near The Travel Store).

If on mobile, please swipe left to see if the airport offers complimentary strollers and baby sleep area.

AirportBaby ChangingPlay AreaComplimentary StrollersBaby Rest/ Sleep Area
Adelaide✔. Located
on Level 2,
between Hudsons
& Smiggle Stores.
Yes in domestic
terminal
X
BrisbaneXXX
Cairns?✔ If QantasX
CanberraX✔ If QantasX
Darwin?XX
Gold Coast?XX
HobartXXX
Melbourne?X
Perth✔ TERMINAL 1?X
Sunshine CoastXXX
Sydney✔ + microwave in
changing rooms
✔ If QantasX
NEW ZEALANDX
AucklandXXX
ChristchurchXXX
HamiltonXXX
QueenstownXXX
Wellington✔ IN INTL LOUNGEXX

San Diego


Airport Play Areas for Children in Africa

The airport soft play area for children at Cape Town International Airport has an amazing climbing space, tunnels, a trampoline and slides, with space for parents to keep a watchful eye over the kids. When I was on a solo trip to Cape town from the UK and back, this was so useful before a 12 hour flight!

If on mobile, please swipe left to see if the airport offers complimentary strollers and baby sleep area.

AirportBaby ChangingPlay AreaComplimentary StrollersBaby Rest/Sleep Area
AccraXXXX
CairoXXXX
Cape TownXX
CasablancaXXX
DurbanXXX
Harare?XXX
JohannesburgXXX
Maputo
(Mozambique)
XXXX
MarrakechXXX
MauritiusXXX
NairobiXXX
Gqeberha
(Port Elizabeth)
XXX
Rabat?XXX
SeychellesXXXX
Sharm El SheikhXXXX
TunisiaXXX
Windhoek?XXX

Asia/Far East Airport Play Areas & More

If on mobile, please swipe left to see if the airport offers complimentary strollers and baby sleep area.

AirportBaby ChangingPlay AreaComplimentary StrollersBaby Rest/Sleep Area
Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi
XX
BeijingXX
ColomboXX
GuangzhouXX
Hong Kong✔ with feeding facilities.✔btwn gate 23 & 25
Dep level terminal 1
and btwn gate 509 & 510
North Satellite Concourse
You can rent
strollers for transit.
X
Ho Chi MinhXXXX
HyderabadXX
IslamabadXXX
JakartaXXX
Karachi?XXX
Kuala Lumpur✔ level 5 of main building,
intl level at contact pier
& passenger level
of satellite building.
XX
Male-MaldivesXX
ManilaXX
Mumbai✔ terminal 1BXX
Nagasaki✔ Has 3, two of which
offer hot
water
for milk.
XRental serviceX
NagoyaRental service 
from 3rd floor
Dep Lobby + Info counter.
✔ individual rooms with
changing, nursing facilities etc.
New Delhi✔ In dep terminal✔ Only at Terminal 1DNew Delhi Domestic
Osaka✔ by KIX cabin, & btwn
gates 13-14, 28-29
and 21-22
X
Phuket?XXX
Seoul Incheon✔ Has 8XX
ShanghaiXX
Singapore✔Terminal 1 -level 3,
Terminal 2, Level 2
next to family zone,
Terminal 3, level 2 next
to SATS special
service lounge.
X
Tokyo (Narita)✔ From each info counterX
Asia/Far East Airport Play Areas

play area at Doha with slide
play area at Doha with slide

Airport Play Areas in Middle East

If on mobile, please swipe left to see if the airport offers children complimentary strollers and baby sleep area.

AirportBaby ChangingPlay AreaComplimentary StrollersBaby Rest/Sleep Area
Abu Dhabi, UAE✔ terminal 1 and 3
Dubai, UAEConcourse B’s Zen Gardens, Gates B7 and B8 in terminal 3X
Doha, QatarX
Muscat Oman
A table of Airport Play Areas in Middle East.
Qatar Airways strollers at Doha Airport, Qatar
Qatar Doha Airport Strollers

Have you any more to suggest? Let me know so I can add them.

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