Traveling with kids can be challenging. As an airport owner, you’d want to accommodate as many customers as possible so your airport remains everyone’s first choice. That includes your smaller travelers and their parents or caregivers.

Accommodating small visitors can yield large results. For instance, layovers and delays happen — it’s part of traveling. For people with kids, these occurrences can create some challenges. Parents may be exhausted from keeping their young ones entertained while waiting for their next flight.

The perfect way to help your customers is to install a playground — a place that can help time fly for kids. Be it an outdoor or indoor playground, there are various airport playground advantages.

1. Entertains Kids

The first and most notable reason why airports should install playgrounds is that they entertain kids. But why is this important? Airports can be an overwhelming experience for some — especially youngsters. Also, let’s face it — an airport may not be a kid’s most fun place to be. But having a playground can change that.

Firstly, a play area can serve as a “haven” for kids, distracting them from any stressors they may be experiencing. Kids can play the time away instead of sitting with their parents counting the minutes. A playground keeps them entertained, engaged and happy — the perfect airport waiting area for kids.

2. Creates a Family-Friendly Space

Traveling can be stressful, and those who need to take care of their kids while navigating an airport may experience an added layer of stress. A playground can help with that.

Kids’ play areas are a sanctuary for them and their parents. Parents can relax and do the final preparations for their flights while their youngsters are kept busy at an airport playground.

3. Improves the Airport Experience

Layovers are part of the traveling experience, whether they’re an hour or several. And occasionally, flights get delayed. It’s normal, but for some travelers — like those with kids — it spells challenges. Airports try to accommodate their customers as much as possible, be it through restaurants, convenience stores or airport relaxation zones.

Playgrounds can add to that experience. During long layovers or delayed flights, a playground can be seen as an airport waiting area for kids. Play areas can help time fly for kids and parents.

4. Encourages Physical Activity

Having a playground in your airport can help promote exercise for kids. It can keep kids active and be the perfect refuge for them to spend their energy. It’s the ideal place to get physical exercise, which is vital during layovers and delays.

5. Promotes Social Interaction

At an airport playground, kids have the opportunity to make new friends. Kids — no matter where they’re from — may enjoy the fun experiences that a play area can offer. A playground can bring them together, allowing them to meet new kids or even make new friends.

Having social interactions with other kids may start new bonds that have the potential to grow outside the airport. Imagine your airport as a friendship origin story of lifelong friends.

6. Builds Positive Branding

Installing a playground at your airport can show travelers that you care about their pain points and overall experience. It shows that your airport prioritizes families and cares about their well-being. This has the potential to reach more customers, encouraging them to choose your airport over others.

Best Practices for Airport Playgrounds

There are various considerations regarding playground safety at airports. Here are a few things to keep in mind when installing your playground:

• Playground equipment: Choose fun and engaging play areas and equipment. An effective play area should keep kids active and busy.
• Kids’ ages: Ensure the playground equipment is age-appropriate. Some equipment may be more appropriate for older kids and the opposite for younger kids.
• Playground location: Choose the most sensible location to install a playground. For example, an indoor playground can be installed in waiting areas.
• Playground accessibility: Ensure your playground is inclusive to kids with a wide range of physical and cognitive needs.
• Noise levels: You want to accommodate as many travelers as possible — that includes those with and without kids. Some travelers want a quiet waiting area, whereas others want to keep an eye on their kids playing.
• Playground features: You must consider various aspects of a playground, such as its size, materials, equipment and safety features. High-quality surfacing is another necessity. For an added layer of cushioning and protection, ensure sufficient surfacing under equipment like slides, swings and climbers. Materials like pour-in-place rubber and modular tiles enable you to tailor the playground surfacing to your space and equipment.

Real-Life Examples of Family-Friendly Airports

Find inspiration from the following family-friendly airports.

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO boasts five Kids’ Spots throughout its terminals. Its unique and interactive play area contributes to an exciting airport experience for travelers. Kids can either burn off energy in Tree Town or explore SFO’s Spirogyrate.

2. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

BOS offers a fun-filled play area for kids. The airport-inspired theme gives the playground a realistic yet fun feel, allowing young ones to find the fun in traveling.

3. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

DFW has numerous family-friendly facilities and resources. From play areas to art displays, there are interactive and safe spaces for kids that simultaneously give parents a stress-free experience.

4. Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

IND has fun and unique play areas for kids and families. Located at a few concourses, parents and caregivers can relax while keeping an eye on their kids while they enjoy the interactive elements.

5. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

ORD has dedicated family lounges with areas for kids to play. The airport also has an interesting twist to keep boredom at bay — an art scavenger hunt. This activity can keep kids entertained and educated during long layovers.

Enhance Your Airport Guests’ Experience With Soft Play®

Create a welcoming and stress-relieving space for kids and their parents or caregivers by installing an airport playground. These play areas serve as a valuable asset by reducing anxiety, providing entertainment and offering a much-needed break for parents and kids during their journeys.

Enhance your customers’ airport experience and partner with Soft Play — the architects of play. We strive to provide quality play spaces that benefit kids and businesses alike. We’ve been in the industry for decades, so you can rest assured that we’ll bring expertise and innovation to your project.