Airport Experience® News -Customer Service Issue 2026

Airports Are Upping The Ante On Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of destinations that cater to them, but what about the journey there? While airports have long been known as a place to grit your teeth and hope your children can endure long lines and austere waiting areas, a new crop of child-focused amenities are specifically targeting to today’s youngest travelers. Places to run, jump and get energy out before a flight are becoming more popular than ever, with many airports installing play spaces and structures for families awaiting takeoff. “Travel can be hectic, especially for young children,” says Jeff Lea, manager of strategic communications at the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC) which operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). “Play areas and other activities offer a happy detour that lets children explore and be energetic at the same time.” The MAC has outfitted its play spaces with aviation focused play structures like mock airplanes, air traffic control towers and giant suitcases, as well as locally focused touches like a photo-op ready Snoopy statue in homage to his Minneapolis-born creator, cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. “Our goal is simple: to create a welcoming, comfortable experience that makes traveling with children a little easier and more seamless,” says Nicole Hall, public information officer at San Diego International Airport (SAN), which is in the process of building a new play space

as part of its Terminal 1 project. “One of the things we’re especially proud of is the opportunity to collaborate with nationally renowned artist Donald Lipski, who will help bring a playful, engaging, San Diego– inspired vision to life in the space for young audiences.” Many airports like Miami International Airport (MIA) have taken special care to create low-sensory play spaces equipped with features like an aquatic bubble tub, wall puzzles, cushioned seats and a light projector for young travelers seeking calm amid travel day chaos. The team at family travel mecca Orlando International Airport (MCO) provides young travelers with sensory-sensitive spaces as well as services like its Paw Pilot program, in which passengers can enjoy the company of certified therapy dogs and collect trading cards related to each airport pet. MCO has also recently opened the Flybrary, a comfy reading nook complete with a child-friendly replica of the city’s infamous Billy the Swan, a bird imported to downtown Orlando who developed a reputation for being less-than child friendly. In addition to its physical play spaces, Calgary International Airport (YYC) also features a Book Nook. “Every child is different. Some need to run, climb and explore; others need a quiet moment to reset. Our goal is to make sure YYC has space for all of it,” says Mackenzie Murphy, coordinator of communications and external relations for the airport.

BY SARAH BELING

Opposite page: At MSP, a sculpture entitled The Aurora invites children to jump on a cluster of reflective glass platforms symbolizing Minnesota and the Twin City area lakes complete with swirling light and color changes to match the sculpture above. Above: Child-focused amenities, like this installation at MSP, are specifically targeting today’s youngest travelers.

19

AX NEWS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026