Flying with kids doesn’t have to be a hassle! Many major airports around the world have recognized the importance of catering to families traveling with children, especially during long layovers. These airports have gone beyond the basics to create kid-friendly zones and activities that can make waiting for the next flight a much more enjoyable experience. From indoor playgrounds to interactive exhibits, some of the world’s busiest airports are now keeping children in mind when undergoing renovations.

Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore Changi Airport is one of the top airports in the world, boasting nearly every amenity and travel convenience. This include a commitment to providing a family environment. Kids will appreciate the many indoor playgrounds, interactive art exhibits, and the world’s tallest airport slide, all of which is sure to provide hours of entertainment. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Butterfly Garden, filled with over 1,000 tropical butterflies and brightly-colored blooms.

You can even find a Changi Kids Club Activity Book, divided by age group to keep your young ones busy. Whether your kids are ages 3 to 5 or 7 to 10, there’s always something at Changi to keep them busy. From fascinating puzzles to video tutorials on how to make a safety vest, your children will not only be entertained, but learn something too. Are your kids big-time dino-lovers? Outside Terminal 4, you’ll find Singapore‘s largest dinosaur exhibit at the Jurassic Mile safari.

Hamad International Airport — Doha, Qatar

The Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar has everything that you’re looking for when traveling with kids. In addition to the play areas designed with children in mind, the airport also boasts a teddy bear art installation that delivers fantastic photo backdrops. You’ll be greeted with dozens of dining options; don’t worry, you’ll find something to suit even the pickiest eaters.

There are five “activity nodes” around the airport that offer family rooms, interactive art, playsets, and Wi-Fi so your kid can catch up on their favorite TV episodes. Unaccompanied minors have their own lounge equipped with toys, puzzles, video games, and snacks.

Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport features numerous children’s play areas, art-themed workshops, and more. The “Children’s TV Lounges” are both educational and entertaining for the tiniest travelers. The special Aviation Discovery Centre is also a hit with kids of all ages, inviting them to get creative and have fun.

If you plan on traveling to Hong Kong with children in tow, make sure to check out the Hong Kong Disneyland store. Or, you can do a little shopping at the Toys & Games Store. Next, snap a cute family photo by the waterfall gardens on Level 5. Is your child a budding bookworm? Check out Little Adventure at the Big Airport, a book for children ages 3-6 published by the airport.

Heathrow Airport — London, UK

giraffe restaurant heathrow

[Above image “210714-018 CPS” by Chris Sampson on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]

It’s not surprising to learn that one of the world’s busiest airports is also dedicated to providing a fun travel experience for all travelers. Every terminal at Heathrow includes its own play area, called “Stay & Play.” These play areas are free of charge and designed for children under the age of nine. A Harry Potter store is also popular with kids. The airport also occasionally hosts events and workshops for kids during school holidays in London.

Some of the restaurants onsite at London Heathrow offer free meals for kids with the purchase of an adult meal at certain times. From meatballs and pasta at Gordon Ramsay Plane Food to ice cream sundaes at Giraffe World Kitchen, your little ones will have plenty of options. Not to mention, your children will adore the adorable giraffe statues around the beloved restaurant.

O’Hare International Airport — Chicago, Illinois

Chicago O’Hare is the second busiest airport in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that it has a number of amenities geared toward little ones. The “Kids on the Fly” interactive exhibits are sponsored by the Chicago Children’s Museum, inviting kids to explore the fitting aviation theme with its control tower and various types of aircraft to discover. “The Sky’s the Limit” moving walkway is a good tool to get exercise in a fun environment.

If you’re a new mother visiting Chicago, you’ll enjoy the private Mothers Rooms for nursing. If your kids are a little older and more adventurous, take them on an art scavenger hunt around the airport. From the Field Museum’s brachiosaurus dinosaur to the Hall of Flags, your kids will learn a lot and have fun too. If they’re more of the bookish type, give them the complimentary airport activity book in which they can color and read fun facts about the airport.

Schiphol Airport — Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Around 71 million passengers visit Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport each year, and it happens to be a great place to bring your kids. If you’re looking to visit Amsterdam for the arts and culture, check out the famous Rijksmuseum art installations at the airport. Or, check out the charming “Kids Forest” play area and the LEGO shop. The NEMO Science Museum is another great place to kill some time while waiting for a flight.

Schiphol Airport also features a comfortable Baby Care Lounge, complete with cribs for tired infants. Other features at this airport include a dedicated sleep cabin for rent and a meditation center for weary travelers in need of a break. Have you ever seen a library at an airport before? Well, the Airport Library at Schiphol allows your little bookworms to pass the time with the large selection of Dutch books and music, available in 40 different languages.

Munich International Airport — Munich, Germany

While it’s always a great time to visit Munich, the city really comes to life during the winter, especially at Munich International Airport. During the holiday season, you’ll find an ice skating rink and a winter market that really will put families in the spirit. The twinkling lights and high ceilings are truly a sight to see at this large airport. Walking around the market, you’ll find colorful candies, handmade wooden Santas, and steaming mugs of hot cocoa.

Other amenities popular with children at all times of the year include dedicated play areas and a miniature golf course. Your kids can munch on a giant Bavarian pretzel while you enjoy a pint of German beer. Next, your kids will crawl and climb at the Visitor Park’s playground. If you’re raising a future pilot, take them to the free interactive exhibit where they can learn all about the airport and aviation industry.

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Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport is the perfect representation of the modern city that it serves. The Zen Gardens is a lovely place to relax in peace. The family zone there provides a ton of activities that will help combat boredom — and temper tantrums too. In addition to the indoor play area, the family zone features televisions airing cartoons and interactive games.

Is your child craving something sweet before the long flight to Dubai? Take them to Candylicious, where they can sample cotton candy and lollipops galore. When they’re hyper from all that sugar, they can bounce it out at the Bounce trampoline park. They can play basketball, climb, and jump to their hearts content.

FAQs: 

Q: What are the age restrictions for the play areas at these airports?
A: Most play areas in airports cater to children up to 12 years old. However, specific age restrictions can vary, so it’s advisable to check the airport’s official website or inquire at the information desk upon arrival.

Q: Can parents accompany their children in the play areas?
A: Yes, parents can usually accompany their children in the play areas. Some airports might have designated seating areas for adults to watch their kids as they play.

Q: Are there facilities to warm up baby food at these airports?
A: Many airports provide facilities to warm up baby food. These are typically located in the family lounges or near the baby care areas. It’s recommended to ask at an information desk for specific locations.

Q: How can I locate the closest family restroom at these airports?
A: Family restrooms are generally well signposted across these airports. You can also locate them by checking airport maps available on their official websites or mobile apps, or by asking at information counters.

Q: Is pre-boarding available for families with children at these airports?
A: Yes, families with children often have the option to pre-board. This facility can be confirmed at the check-in desk or gate, depending on the airline’s policies.

Q: Are strollers available for rent at these airports?
A: Many of the airports mentioned offer stroller rentals free of charge or for a nominal fee. These can usually be picked up at designated points after security checks.

Q: What should I do if my child gets lost in one of these airports?
A: Immediately inform airport security or approach the nearest information desk. Most airports have a protocol in place for such situations and will assist in locating your child promptly.

Did we leave any family-friendly airports off our list? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

About The Author

Gabby Teaman is a content writer who loves writing (of course!), editing, food, and the Oxford comma. When she’s not writing for Fareportal, she can be found Snapchatting videos of her puppy, blasting show tunes, or watching Netflix, all while trying to read everything in sight.