Traveling with kids can be a daunting task: long flights, delays, and confined spaces don’t always bring out the best in a child that wants to stretch, play and run. Several airports now have play areas or other great resources for families. Here are some of the amenities to look for the next time your travel with kids.

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
While the thought of traveling through O’Hare can cause even the most experiences traveler to shiver, the airport has set up a kid-friendly play area to let your little one burn off some steam. The O’Hare website describes the areas as, “a fun-filled space where little travelers can play and parents and caregivers can unwind before or after a flight. Children of all ages can enjoy the interactive, educational play area. They can explore an airplane, control tower and helicopter model. Each year the play area is updated with new inventive and fun activities for children to enjoy.” The play area is located in terminal 2, past the security checkpoint.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO offers several areas designed specifically for kids. There are three Kids’ Spot areas throughout the airports:

  • Terminal 3 Boarding Area F, near Gate 87A, Post-Security – this play area offers an interactive children’s exploration area featuring weather related exhibits from the Exploratorium of San Francisco, as well as a crawling apparatus
  • Terminal 2 Boarding Area D, near Gates 54A and 58B – another interactive play area where children can “let off steam” prior to their flights with weather related interactive activities.
  • Terminal 3 Boarding Area E near Gate 62, Post-Security – an interactive exploration area featuring the interactive art display Spirogyrateby artist Eric Staller

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
The three Aquafina Junior Flyers Club at DFW provide a, “a kid-friendly play area for our littlest passengers! At each of these locations, you can let your little one work off some energy before your flight. The clubs’ playscapes include soft, foam areas with cars, planes and more that kids can crawl on.” The play area in Terminal B offers a 658-square foot play area with multiple structures for kids to play on as well as a cozy area for parents to relax and keep an eye on their kids as they play.  These Junior Flyer Clubs are located: Terminal A – Gate A13, Terminal B – Gate B12, and Terminal C – Gate C14.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
There are two play areas for kids at MSP Airport: one on Concourse C at Terminal 1-Lindbergh and on Level 2, inside security, at Terminal 2-Humphrey. These play areas have airplanes, control towers, and slides for kids to climb and play, while parents can sit nearby and charge their electronics. Don’t forget the picture opportunity with Snoopy at the entrance to the entrance to the Terminal 1-Lindbergh play area.

Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Besides having three play areas for kids with LEGOs, tunnels, slides, and climbing walls, The Nashville Airport has six concert stages throughout the airport. You can check out the concert schedule on their website and take your kids to see some live music and dance a little steam off while you wait for your flight. There are also art exhibits throughout the airport to catch your attention as well.  The kid playgrounds are located towards the far ends of Concourses A, B and C.

Hopefully your next trip through one of these airport with your kids is a little more enjoyable. Don’t forget, if you’re flying with a toddler, check out our tips on making that flight a little easier too!