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$16.99 (as of September 18, 2024 12:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Are you finding the idea of traveling with kids to be daunting? It’s true that airports can be hectic, and the stress only multiplies when you’ve got little ones in tow. However, you don’t have to put your travel dreams on hold just because you have kids. Believe it or not, some of America’s busiest airports are pro at making the travel experience smoother and more enjoyable by incorporating amazing play areas for kids.
Imagine waiting for a flight where your child is not only occupied but actually having fun, leaving you with some much-needed peace and quiet. Yes, it’s possible! Whether you’re in Boston, Portland, Chicago, Washington D.C., or Miami, there’s an airport that understands the chaos of family travel and offers a reprieve.
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Boston Logan International Airport
Let’s kick things off with Boston Logan International Airport, a haven for kids (and stressed-out parents). Known for its bustling activity and as a hub for major international and domestic flights, this airport is a great spot for families due to its thoughtful amenities.
Kidports for Everyone
Boston Logan has partnered with the Boston Children’s Museum to create Kidports, which are educational and entertaining interactive play areas. These zones feature replicas of the airport control tower, foam play areas, slides, and climbing structures. You’ll find these little gems in Terminals A, B, and C, and they’re totally free to use.
Imagine your kids burning off energy as they play pilot or air traffic controller, making those long hours of travel bearable — perhaps even enjoyable. By the time you board your flight, your kids would be so tuckered out that you might get a peaceful journey to your next destination.
Portland International Airport
Next up is Portland International Airport, often ahead of its time when it comes to innovative and family-friendly solutions. Whether you’re in Concourse C or D, PDX has something to keep kids of all ages happy.
Concourse C: All About Play
Kids will delight in an airplane-themed play area complete with slides, Legos, and interactive games. It’s all designed to stimulate their imagination and keep them engaged. There’s another brilliant play area in Concourse D at gate D7, sponsored by Oregon’s Tillamook Creamery. This space focuses on children aged 1-6, offering climbing activities and a parent seating section with a great view of your kiddos.
Movies and More
For older kids and adults, there’s a mini version of Portland’s beloved Hollywood Theater in Concourse C. With just 22 seats, this intimate setting showcases a variety of films suitable for all ages. After the movie, take a stroll and check out the art installations peppered throughout the airport. And if you’re exceptionally lucky, you might even encounter the airport’s therapy llamas, offering furry comfort to harried travelers.
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Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Navigating Chicago O’Hare International Airport can feel like tackling a behemoth, mainly because it’s the fifth-busiest airport in the U.S. However, it’s designed some excellent kid-friendly spaces to ease the experience for traveling families.
Kids on the Fly
Sponsored by the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Kids on the Fly play area in Terminal 2 is perfect for keeping younger kids entertained. They can drive a pretend airplane, experience simulated flights, and engage in various tactile activities. Meanwhile, the Butch O’Hare Family Lounge offers a spacious area stocked with toys and activities.
Aviation Exhibits
If you have a budding historian or aviation enthusiast in your family, check out the F4F Wildcat exhibit — a beautifully restored fighter plane from WWII. The informative signage will give you a mini-history lesson right in the terminal.
Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport goes all out for young space enthusiasts. With its NASA-sponsored play area, this airport ensures that kids have a great time while learning something new.
The FunWay Adventure
Located in Concourse B by gate B70, the FunWay play zone is filled with soft, safe play structures. Kids can climb inside Tommy the Tower, a mini replica of Dulles’ air traffic control tower, complete with a small slide. The space-themed area also has a NASA jet and Orville the squirrel — named after Orville Wright, one half of the Wright brothers.
Interactive Gaming
Older kids can dive into a wall-mounted gaming console featuring over 100 games in six different languages. There are even two-player games if you want to join in on the fun. Seating with device charging stations allows adults to relax while keeping an eye on their little ones.
Miami International Airport
With its bustling nature, Miami International Airport (MIA) can be a tad overwhelming, especially during peak seasons like spring break. But MIA shines bright when it comes to keeping kids entertained.
Plane Fun
Located in Concourse E near gate E5, Plane Fun is an entertainment hub designed for kids of all ages. Your toddlers will enjoy the soft play area, and older kids can try their hand at piloting in the practice cockpit. There’s also a model control tower and a hot air balloon to climb in.
Real-Life Adventure
One of the coolest features is the opportunity to listen in on real conversations between pilots and air traffic control. Plus, before you head to your gate, you can capture the family adventure with a photo at the selfie-station located at Plane Fun’s entrance.
Methodology
You may wonder how these specific airports were chosen. We thoroughly examined various American airports to assess their child-friendly amenities. We looked at accessibility, cost, and the age-appropriateness of each play area. Also considered were the size of these spaces and available amenities for parents, making certain that these are genuinely the best American airports for families traveling with kids.
Summary Table
| Airport | Location | Key Features | Play Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Logan Intl. | Boston, MA | Kidports by Boston Children’s Museum | Terminals A, B, C |
| Portland Intl. | Portland, OR | Lego Area, Interactive Play, Airport Theater | Concourses C, D |
| Chicago O’Hare Intl. | Chicago, IL | Kids on the Fly, Butch O’Hare Family Lounge, WWII Exhibit | Terminal 2 |
| Washington Dulles Intl. | Washington, D.C. | NASA-themed Play Area, Interactive Games | Concourse B |
| Miami Intl. | Miami, FL | Plane Fun, Pilot Conversations, Selfie Station | Concourse E |
Having kid-friendly airports can be a game-changer. They make the journey less stressful by keeping kids entertained and allowing you a moment of relaxation. So, for your next family adventure, consider passing through one of these top American airports designed with young travelers in mind. Happy travels!
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