At one of the world’s busiest airports, Denver International Airport (DEN) partnered with Soft Play to reimagine what family-friendly travel can look like. Designed to give young travelers a place to move, explore, and recharge, the play areas in Concourse A and Concourse B transform waiting time into meaningful playtime—turning layovers into memorable moments for families on the go.

vision

The vision for DEN’s play spaces was simple yet impactful: create welcoming, age-appropriate environments where children can safely release energy while parents enjoy a more relaxed travel experience. Each play area was designed to reflect the spirit of adventure and discovery that defines air travel, while offering a moment of comfort and joy within a busy terminal.

the challenge

Airports present unique design constraints—limited footprints, high traffic flow, and the need for durable, low-maintenance solutions. The challenge was to create engaging, inclusive play environments that fit seamlessly within the terminal, withstand heavy daily use, and appeal to families from around the world—all while meeting strict safety and operational requirements.

 

Features of the Denver Airport

Soft Play delivered two distinct, immersive play experiences tailored to each concourse:

  • Concourse A – Denver-Inspired Travel Play
    Celebrating the spirit of aviation and exploration, this play area features airplane and luggage-themed elements that reflect Denver’s role as a global travel hub. Children can climb, crawl, and explore while parents relax nearby—turning wait time into playtime.
  • Concourse C – Outer Space Adventure
    Designed for younger travelers, this space features soft, sculptural play elements inspired by outer space. Friendly aliens, cosmic forms, and crawl-through structures encourage imaginative play while providing a safe, sensory-rich environment for toddlers and young children.

Photo Gallery

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Sources and images: Denver International Airport website and images taken by Soft Play.