10 American Airports Have the Best Playground Areas for Kids

Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, especially when long layovers and crowded gates are involved. But some airports in the U.S. are creating creative play zones that give little ones a safe place to explore and grown-ups a moment to breathe. These 15 airports have turned downtime into playtime with well-designed playgrounds that make family travel just a little more fun.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Boston Logan features “Kidport” play areas in Terminals A, B, and C, built in partnership with the Boston Children’s Museum. These areas offer slides, climbing structures, and a kid-sized control tower, all inspired by airport themes. It's also positioned close to seating and food options, so they’re easy to reach and free to use.

Miami International Airport (MIA)

It includes a model cockpit, an air traffic control tower, and a soft toddler-friendly zone. Kids can even hear real pilot communications through speakers. The area is mostly fenced and also features a selfie station to give families one last memory before their flight.

Portland International Airport (PDX)

PDX is known for being traveler-friendly, and its play areas follow suit. Concourse C offers an airplane-themed setup with slides and LEGO tables, while Concourse D’s space near Gate D7 is built for younger children, complete with soft animal sculptures and a climbing bridge. There’s seating for parents nearby, and a small movie theater in Concourse C adds another option for family-friendly entertainment.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Terminal 2 at O’Hare is home to “Kids on the Fly,” an interactive play space created in partnership with the Chicago Children’s Museum. It offers climbing structures, imaginative play zones, and aviation-themed activities designed to keep kids engaged. Right beside it, the Butch O’Hare Family Lounge provides toys, stroller parking, and charging stations.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

This space-themed area was developed with NASA. There’s a small slide built into a control tower and a soft, open layout made for movement. A gaming wall adds something for older children. Seating with power outlets sits just outside the play zone, making it manageable for parents without feeling overwhelmed.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

SEA’s children’s play area is 1,400 square feet and located across from Gate A1. It includes safe, soft structures shaped like planes and towers. The area also features a pink Little Free Library and has an attached family restroom and nursing room for added convenience.

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

MSP offers not one, but two creative play zones: one in Terminal 1’s Concourse C and another inside Terminal 2, post-security. Kids can climb into a model airplane, explore an air traffic tower, or play around oversized luggage sculptures.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)

At BWI, kids can burn energy either before or after security. The Observation Gallery offers views of active runways, while the D/E Connector play zone includes aircraft-themed structures to climb and explore. Both spaces keep children engaged without feeling overstimulated. Nearby seating, complete with rocking chairs, lets adults stay close without staying on their feet the entire time.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Here, each terminal features a different kid-friendly space. Terminal 1 offers a forest theme, Terminal 2 showcases local student artwork, and Terminal 3 includes a colorful, interactive plasma wall. None of these areas is especially large, but each one is thoughtfully placed and offers families something unique to explore, no matter where their gate is located.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

DFW makes it easy for families to find play options without straying far from their gate. Terminal A has the Junior Flyer Club, built for pretend play with soft, aviation-themed features. Over in Terminal D, Gate D8 offers a foam play zone sponsored by a McDonald’s. Scattered throughout are smaller kid-friendly spots, including a chime maze and a photo-ready castle, which are simple ways to keep young travelers active and entertained.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

Fisher-Price-themed play areas are tucked near Gates 2, 9, and 19/21 at BUF. These bright, open setups – designed with toddlers in mind – feature recognizable characters and low climbing features. Though the spaces aren’t enclosed, they serve as a welcome outlet for movement and curiosity. For short waits before a flight, they offer just enough distraction to keep things manageable.

Rochester Frederick Douglass Greater International Airport (ROC)

ROC features two standout play spaces thanks to its partnership with The Strong Museum of Play. One, located in Concourse A, is themed after the National Toy Hall of Fame, while the other, in Concourse B focuses on video games. Both areas are interactive, padded, and designed with safety in mind.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK offers two fun zones for kids. Near Gate 12 is the Amazon Tumble Leaf Playground, complete with slides, climbing features, and simple games. Over in Terminal 5, JetBlue’s Junior Play Space features a cockpit simulator and airplane cabin role-play elements. Each space is designed with kids ages 2–12 in mind, providing a hands-on way to pass the time.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

This play area sits near the north security exit and stands out for its STEM-inspired features. Sponsored by Boeing and the National Children’s Museum, it includes colorful walls, interactive learning tools, and a mostly fenced layout. With a direct view of the runway, kids can play and plane-spot at the same time.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

“LAX Beach” is located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal and gives kids a place to climb lifeguard towers, ride dolphins, and pretend they’re on the coast. Over in Terminal 2, another smaller play area offers a slide, puzzles, and sensory features. Both are simple but helpful additions that give kids an outlet before a long flight.