Family vacations are fun, but delays and long layovers can taint them with frustration. Luckily, this is no secret to airports, many of which offer amenities and services just for families.
The following are the busiest airports across the country, and what they offer to families, from nursing mothers and infants to toddlers to well-connected teens. Some do a fantastic job, and some, well, we wish they would do more. As you consider your upcoming travel, be sure to check out the list to see which airports have what you need, and where.
THE BEST
Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
For New Moms/Infants: Two nursing stations are available before security with electric outlets and chairs within the entrance to the women’s restrooms on Concourse C’s upper and lower levels.
For Young Kids: A children’s play area is located in the Observation Gallery with parts of a real plane they explore.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available for 45 minutes after watching a brief ad; it can be renewed.
For Education: A tribute to the airport’s namesake, Thurgood Marshall, showcases the Civil Rights activist’s life near the Observation Gallery.
For All: The Observation Gallery displays new aviation exhibits, art show and charging stations.
Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
For New Moms/Infants: Mother’s Rooms are available in all terminals with a place to nurse, pump and care for small children. A sink, diaper changing area, electrical outlets and comfortable seating is available. Open 24/7, you will find them at Terminal 1, Gate B10; Terminal 2, Crossover Between Gates E5 and F8; Terminal 3, Rotunda; and Terminal 5, M14
For Young Kids: The Children’s Museum of Chicago has designed a plane that needs fueling, a cockpit in a fantasy helicopter, a luggage station and an air-control tower. The play area, which also has LEGO, is fully accessible to all children and is located at Terminal 2, Gate F1.
For Tweens & Teens: 30 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi and 18 power stations across Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5.
For Education: The “Play It Safe” exhibit – an educational area sponsored by the Chicago Fire Department – teaches kids about the importance of safety and the proper responses in emergencies. Gate M12, Terminal 5
For All: Relax in the world’s first airport aeroponic garden, in the Rotunda of Terminal 3, made up of 26 towers with more than 1,000 plants.
Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
For New Moms/Infants: Three nursing rooms are located in the airport: A18, B40 and E14.
For Young Kids: A Junior Flyer Club in A13 is an aviation-themed, padded playground with an indoor runway, an airplane, a car and a traffic control tower for kids to climb.
For Tweens & Teens: Wi-Fi is free, but you will need to supply an email address.
For Education: Free 60- to 90-minute tours of the airport’s Art Program are available covering a collection of more than 30 pieces. Schedule your tour in advance through the airport.
For All: The DFW Airport walking path, endorsed by the American Heart Association, provides a trail covering 7/10 of a mile with informational signage and 12 medallions and stretches between D6 and D40.
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
For New Moms/Infants: Nursing rooms are located in four pre-security locations and four post-security locations: A20, B70, C11 and D1. The B location includes a private bathroom and the C location includes a sink.
For Young Kids: Concourse B is home to a kids’ play area that was developed by NASA. Interactive games, slides and aviation-themed play is available, and parents can enjoy comfortable seats and charging stations.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and free charging stations are located in many gate areas in each terminal.
For Education: Wings for All is a free program that best benefits special needs families with simulated flights and a dress rehearsal that takes guests through the ticket counter all the way to an actual flight. Families can practice navigating the terminal, checking bags, going through security and boarding. The program is in partnership with the Arc of Northern Virginia, United Airlines and the TSA.
For All: The airport offers special events throughout the year, along with live performing arts performances, including a classical music month for November.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
For New Moms/Infants: Nursing Rooms are located in each terminal, with eight rooms in total.
For Young Kids: At the International Terminal, the airport offers a beach-themed play area with soft climbing structures like surfboards and waves.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available for 45 minutes before an interruption with an ad before unlimited access begins.
For Education: Flight Path Museum and Learning Center is a museum located in the Imperial Terminal and is free to visitors during its open hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.
For All: LAX’s location in the heart of La-La-Land is beneficial to passengers when it offers complimentary performances throughout the year.
McCarran International Airport (LAS)
For New Moms/Infants: Family Restrooms are located throughout the airport, but there is no dedicated space for nursing mothers.
For Young Kids: Kids will find an aviation-themed playground with a miniature control tower and mock jet engine at the D Gates.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available across the airport and free Recharge Zone workstations are available in the gate areas.
For Education: Learn about the airport and aviation at the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum. Exhibit areas are in all areas of the airport.
For All: McCarran offers the Fly Fit! program, endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine, that maps out walking paths throughout the terminals on paths that range from a half to 1.5 miles.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
For New Moms/Infants: MIAmamas suites provide a private place to nurse and are located on each concourse. Unisex bathrooms for families are located through the terminal.
For Young Kids: Plane Fun interactive children’s play area is located on Concourse E near Gate E5. (It is accessible via Concourse D, too.)
For Tweens & Teens: Complimentary Wi-Fi is only available to access airlines, hotels, rental cars and visitors’ bureaus in the area. Your teen will have to pay per 30 minutes of service or purchase a 24-hour plan. The play area has a toddler space, a control tower, a fake hot air balloon with video screen floor that simulates taking off above Miami, remote controlled airplanes and touch screens with photo ops.
For All: One unique way Miami outshines other airports is providing MIAair. Air stands for Airport Instruction and Readiness and is a program for special needs passengers and children to practice flying and moving through crowded and noisy airports in a safe environment. The program was developed with University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and the Ear Institute at UHealth – the University of Miami Health System.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
For New Moms/Infants: There are two lactation centers at Terminal 1 and one at Terminal 2 with a sink, electrical outlets and comfortable seating. Quiet searing areas are located in Terminal 1-Lindbergh on the Mezzanine Level.
For Young Kids: Two children’s play areas are available with a mock airplane, control tower, slides, and electrical outlets near adult seating area. These are found at Terminal 1-Lindbergh and terminal 2-Humphrey.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for two hours, and are welcome to reenroll in more sessions as the end. Non-interrupted use is a very minimal fee for 24 hours.
For Education: Navigating MSP Airport is a program that offers special events and training specifically designed for families with an autistic member that will help guide families through the airport before actually flying.
For All: A 1.4-mile walking path was developed at Terminal 1-Lindbergh as part of the American Heart Association’s Start! Walking program.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
For New Moms/Infants: Only one nursing room is available at the airport, featuring changing stations, a sink, electrical outlets and a comfy chair. It is at the A/B Food Court.
For Young Kids: Three padded play areas with LEGO, tunnels, slides and climbing walls are available at the far end of all three concourses. The aviation theme can be found at A and B, while a Nashville Zoo partnership is found at C.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is accessible across the airport.
For Education: Special events take place throughout the year, with art exhibits and permanent collections showcasing all medias throughout the airport.
For All: Music City’s airport features six concert stages around the airport with live music throughout the week. A full schedule of music times is featured on the airport website.
Portland International Airport (PDX)
For New Moms/Infants: Lactation rooms, to be used without children, are equipped with counter space, electrical outlets, a sink and a chair. Find the rooms in ABC and DE checkpoints.
For Young Kids: A vibrantly colored, padded jungle gym in Concourse C near Gate 18, presents slides and a lookout telescope where kids can see planes on the tarmac. Concourse Connector. LEGO tables, bead mazes, play cars and children’s channels on TV also available.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is found throughout the airport.
For Education: An interactive museum exhibit on the Columbia River in the ABC Lobby features journal entries about the adventures of Lewis and Clark, old world maps and historic artifacts.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
For New Moms/Infants: Nurseries are available in Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
For Young Kids: The SFO Kids’ Spots features The Exploratorium of San Francisco’s weather-themed play area with crawling equipment and the Plasma Wall, a display of colorful arcs that jump around when activated by sound in the airport; an exploration area featuring “Spirogyate” art; and a play area in three different playgrounds. Find the play areas in Terminal 3, Gate 87A; Terminal 2, Gate 54A; and Terminal 3, Gate 62.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
For Education: Self-guided, educational tours for kids, all of which end with a small prize at an information desk, explore the International wing, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Tour guides can be printed online before your flight or iPad kiosks at the Information Booth.
For All: Three different aquariums in the ticketing level of Terminal 1 offer a window to distinct fish communities across the planet. The Aviation Museum & Library, in the International Terminal, offers exhibitions and educational programs. International Terminal
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
For New Moms/Infants: A Mother’s Room inside the kids’ playroom features rocking chairs, soft lighting, electrical outlets and a place to nurse. Two new nursing pods are also available on Concourse A and outside of Concourse D. These also feature electrical outlets.
For Young Kids: A 1,400-square-foot play area displays aviation-themed play equipment made of soft foam. The playscape dons a landing airplane, control tower, baggage cart and smiling ladybug – all ready to be climbed and explored. Padded walls exhibit mounted educational games to touch, flip and count. Between Central Terminal and Concourse A.
For Tweens & Teens: Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
For All: Live music is offered daily throughout the terminal through the Experience the City of Music Program.
CLOSE, BUT NOT PERFECT
Boston Logan International (BOS)
For New Moms/Infants: The Kidsport has a separate play area for infants. Rocking chairs are found throughout the airport, and private nursing rooms are located in Terminals A, C and E. (Terminal A is a nursery; Terminal C and E have Mamava Suites.) All men’s and women’s rooms have changing tables.
For Young Kids: Two separate plat areas, including the Kidport, designed by the Children’s Museum of Boston. The indoor playground features a baggage-claim slide, a climb-worthy airplane and window display area.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations are built in seating areas.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
For New Moms/Infants: There are no designated nursing rooms at the airport. Companion Care Restrooms are best-suited for families and are near Gate A-11 and B-13.
For Young Kids: Play Areas are available with climbing structures at both the Food Court in Concourse B and near Gate A-10 in Concourse A.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
For All: The Cincinnati Museum Center showcases its exhibits currently as it undergoes restoration. Visit multiple areas of the airport to see some highlights, such as Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit and antique cars.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
For New Moms/Infants: Large Family restrooms are located on each concourse and throughout the Jeppesen Terminal. The airport is finalizing the addition of specified nursing rooms in 2017.
For Young Kids: A play zone is available for little kids to get out their energy in Concourse B.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available across the airport.
For All: Temporary and permanent art exhibits are placed throughout the airport, and the airport features a performance series on the first Wednesday of each month from Sept. through Apr. featuring Denver Public Schools students. Performances take place in the Jeppesen Terminal.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
For New Moms/Infants: Family restrooms are located in Terminals 1, 3 and 4 and the Rental Car Center. A nursing room is located outside of the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2.
For Young Kids: Although the airport does not offer a playground as of May, 2017, a cloud-themed playground is in the works. The Terminal 1 modernization program will finish with a 2,000-square-foot art installation and playground.
For Tweens & Teens: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
For New Moms/Infants: Nursing stations are located in Terminal 4’s West Retail Hall, Terminal 5’s Gate 12 and Terminal 8’s Gate 14. Family restrooms can be found near Gates A in Terminal 4 and 5, and four post-security gates in Terminal 8. There are no nursing rooms or family restrooms in Terminal 1 or 2. There are no nursing rooms in Terminal 7, and the terminal’s family restrooms are all pre-security.
For Young Kids: A play area with soft climbing structures is available at the JetBlue terminal.
For Tweens & Teens: Complimentary Wi-Fi is located throughout the airport. Charging stations are located across the airport.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
For New Moms/Infants: Family-care restaurants are located in each gate area and levels 1 and 3.
For Young Kids: Surprisingly, the land of Disney doesn’t offer any play spaces for small children.
For Tweens & Teens: Wi-Fi is free and throughout the airport.
For Education: Families with an interest in space travel can visit one of the two Kennedy Space Center stores, in Terminals B and G, where they can touch an asteroid from Mars and see a life-size model of an astronaut.
For All: Visit the Main Terminal’s 3,000-gallon aquarium that holds more than 100 creatures.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
For New Moms/Infants: Minute Suites are available on the walkway between Terminal A-East and B. The first 30 minutes in a Nursing Station room is free.
For Young Kids: Two aviation-themed play areas include hands-on equipment that kids can climb and crawl in to mimic piloting. Terminal A and D
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Charging stations are also throughout the airport.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
For New Moms/Infants: Nursing stations are offered in every terminal of Sky Harbor with a sink and counter top, baby changing station, comfortable seating and an electrical outlet. A quiet room is available inside the Airport Chapel with child-sized table and chairs for quiet activities.
For Young Kids: Small play structures are available at Terminal 3, but there is not a full playground at Sky Harbor.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport and offers 36 sets of chairs and tables in all three terminal lobbies to charge equipment. Also, 28 charging kiosks are located throughout the terminals and Get Plugged In charging kiosks offer three-sided ports with six electrical ports and six USB ports.
Pittsburgh International Airport
For New Moms/Infants: One Mother’s Nursing Lounge is available at the airport, in Concourse C, for privacy and quiet when nursing, and it is also near the play area to stay close to the rest of the family.
For Young Kids: Kidsport play area for kids features interactive fun and play areas. It is found in Concourse C.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is located across the airport.
For All: The Art in the Airport program brings special performances to the Baggage Claim area on Thursdays.
Reagan National Airport (DCA)
For New Moms/Infants: Three nursing rooms with rocking chairs, electrical outlets and baby changing tables are located in Terminal A, B and C. A unisex bathroom is located at each pier of each terminal.
For Young Kids: There is no play area for small children at Reagan.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport with free charging stations also located around the airport.
For Education: Wings for All is a free program that best benefits special needs families with simulated flights and a dress rehearsal that takes guests through the ticket counter all the way to an actual flight. Families can practice navigating the terminal, checking bags, going through security and boarding. The program is in partnership with the Arc of Northern Virginia, United Airlines and the TSA.
For All: Terminal A offers an Exhibit Hall with museum-like exhibits for passengers to enjoy.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
For New Moms/Infants: An Infant Care room is available for private nursing without restrooms on Concourse B, C and D. Rooms marked Special Needs have restrooms but can accommodate nursing in Concourse B, C, D and E. Most restrooms, men’s and women’s, have changing stations.
For Young Kids: Small play areas are found in Concourse A, B and E.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport and power outlets are located throughout the terminals.
WE WISH THEY WOULD DO BETTER
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
For New Moms/Infants: Family Restrooms with a changing table, diaper dispenser, bench and toilet are located in each terminal and gate area.
For Young Kids: It will be difficult to keep the kids away from the water feature at the airport, but this cool fountain in the McNamara terminal, Concourse A, has 45 “leap frog” water shoots made by the same creators at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. While the kids can’t play in the water, they can make a wish!
For Tweens & Teens: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available across the airport.
George Bush International Airport (IAH)
For New Moms/Infants: Nurseries are available at Terminal B and D.
For Young Kids: There is no play area available at this Houston airport.
For Tweens & Teens: Wi-Fi is free throughout the airport, with charging stations at each terminal.
For All: Music and art performances are offered daily at the airport in Terminal A’s Southside Connector and the North Atrium.
La Guardia Airport (LGA)
For New Moms/Infants: A freestanding nursing suite is available for moms with a fold-down table, bench, electrical outer and room for luggage or a stroller. It is offered in Terminal B, Concourse A.
For Young Kids: There is no play area available at LGA.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is only available for 30 minutes. Additional Wi-Fi will need to be purchased. Charging stations are located across the terminals.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
For New Moms/Infants: Nursing Suites are located in Terminal A, B and C. Family restrooms are located in Terminal B and C. A pre-security quiet room is located near the British Airways Ticket Counter.
For Young Kids: There are no play areas for small children.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available across the airport. Charging stations are located in Terminal A, B and C.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
For New Moms/Infants: Three lactation rooms are available with electrical outlets, comfortable seating and lighting, a children’s chair and a sink. The can be found in the West and East Rotunda of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 West.
For Young Kids: The airport does not offer any children’s play areas but does offer games online on its Explorers’ page.
For Tweens & Teens: Free Wi-Fi is available for two-hour sessions. You can log back on again if you need more time.
For All: If you know you will have a long layover, San Diego offers two-hour behind-the-scenes tours of the airport that includes the art exhibits, the runway and endangered species area. Must reserve in advance on the airport’s website.
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
For New Moms/Infants: Companion Care restrooms are located throughout the airport, although none specifically for nursing.
For Young Kids: The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum created the Play Port for kids with a kid-sized plane, air traffic control tower and a kids-version of the MetroLink rail train. It’s located in the C Gates.
For Tweens & Teens: Only 20 minutes of Internet is free at the airport; after that, you’ll have to pay a daily fee.
Although one of the busiest airports in the country, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) does not offer any special nursing rooms, play areas, art or education programs or entertainment.
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