Originally posted in 2016, but updated April 2024.
There are so many airports with play areas. Please check your airport’s website to see if there is one available to you. If you are traveling and know of an airport not on my list I would love to update it and include it on this post.
If you are delayed while flying with your kids keeping them entertained is important for you and everyone around you. Some airports make this easy with children’s play areas. I have compiled a list of play areas inside major US airports. I would love to keep this list updated, so if you are flying and find a play area for an airport I would love if you could leave me a comment or send me a message. Thank you for your help!
BOS/ Boston Logan Airport has three play areas. They are located near gates A18, B30, and C25.
BWI, Baltimore Washington International, Baltimore MD Baltimore has an observation gallery that includes play equipment for children. It is located OUTSIDE security. It is located in the D/E Connector.
DFW, Dallas Fort Worth, TX There is a McDonald’s Play area at gate D8 and even includes charging ports for parents.
Chicago O’hare play area
FWA, Fort Wayne, IN There is a kid’s play area, as well as wonderful history displays located just inside security. Please check out our visit to the gorgeous Fort Wayne!
LAS, Las Vegas, NV Located near D gates on Level 2 above the rotunda, Las Vegas airport has a play area with an interactive control tower and mock jet engine.
MKE, Milwaukee Wisconsin Located in Concourse C across from Chili’s and Located in Concourse D near gates 30 & 34.
Milwaukee Airport
MSP, Minneapolis St. Paul, MN There are two play areas for Minnie. According to their website… “Each of the play areas features a mock airplane, air traffic control tower with slides, and adult seating areas –some with electrical outlets close by. A statue of Snoopy, whose creator was a native of Minnesota, at the entrance to the Terminal 1, Concourse C play area provides a perfect photo opportunity for families. The pay-kiddie rides are also popular at Terminal 1. Other items, including a giant-size suitcase at Terminal 2, were designed as educational tools for kids and their parents.”
ORD, Chicago O’hare, IL Years ago Chicago had the best play area. An award winner and must-see. on my last visit in 2022 it was gone. Now there is a “family lounge”, but it is nothing at all like they used to have. The area is located in Terminal 2 just inside security.
PHL, Philadelphia, PA “Philly” has a Kid’s corner for their little PHLyers, located in Terminal A East. With a jet, control tower, and a tug; children will find plenty to keep them entertained.
San Francisco Airport Play Area
SFO, San Francisco, CA has two Kid Spots. Located in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. The one near gate 58 was our favorite. With plenty of room to climb, near a restaurant, and next to restrooms it was a great spot for one of our last trips. It is captured a few times in our family video.
San Francisco Airport Play Area
SEA, Seattle, Washington boasts a Kid’s Play Room located across from A1.
STL, St. Louis, Missouri has a Play Port. Not just aviation themed, but complete with planes, trains and automobiles. Play Port is located in the C Concourse near gate C3.
If you know of an airport that isn’t listed I would love to know about it so that I can include it on our list. If you found this post helpful, please share so that others can read it as well. Also, I would love to have you join my other awesome readers and subscribe. If you subscribe you won’t miss another post AND I will send you my ebook, Flying with Kids for free.
Great post. I have been to DFW many times and have seen some of these. Seems like a great idea especially since there seems to be so many delays there 🙁 At least it’s a way to keep the kids entertained for a few mins. Thanks for sharing this great list.
Samantha, Thanks for visiting me! We travel through ORD quite a bit and love the play place there. I haven’t been to the one in DFW yet. I do agree, its a great way to spend the time when you have to deal with delays.
MSP also has its biggest play space in the secure area of Terminal 1, near the tram stop by Gate C11. There’s a food court and bookstore with a big kid-friendly selection right nearby as well, and the long skybridge to the G gates is just beyond (perfect for walking off excess energy…)
Scott, thanks for the great info. I plan to update this post soon and this will be a great help. Thank you!