There are two words that are certain to strike fear in the heart of family travelers: FLIGHT DELAYED. Especially when traveling with little ones, that extra time to fill can feel like an eternity. Luckily, airports have built in entertainment for kids, and many have special areas just for little travelers. On recent delayed flight, I was able to check out the areas at my hometown airport of DFW that would be a great way to spend a delay or layover with kids.
Skylink Tram
The Skylink is aerial tram that connects the terminals at DFW airlines. Riding along the tram can be entertaining all on its own, as you zip along watching planes take off and land, but you can also use the tram to connect to other terminals with entertainment for kids.
Playgrounds at DFW
DFW has three in airport playgrounds that can be just the respite parents of restless kiddos need during a delay. The playground at Terminal B12 is the largest in the airport with plenty of softscape climbing and sliding fun for kids under 42 inches. If you’ve got older kids in your party, they will still enjoy the several televisions that are tuned to cartoons. The area is surrounded by a relaxing seating area that is tucked away from the airport hustle and bustle, making this the perfect place for families. A McDonalds playground at Terminal D30 offers a small climbing area and several video games to occupy older kids. You will also find a playground at Terminal C14.
Art Walk
DFW is not just airplanes and ticket counters, you can also find a world class art collection interspersed through the concourse at Terminal D. Signs designed to add interest to a fitness course, are also a great way to play I-Spy with your little ones as you traverse the terminal looking for the next piece of art. Much of the art are mosaics worked into the floor, but there is the occasional large scale sculpture that invites kids to actively explore the intriguing designs. If you are hoping for a bit of fresh air (and don’t mind passing through security again), you can wander through the sculpture garden just outside Terminal D.
~Photo Courtesy of American Airlines~
Admiral’s Club
American Airlines calls DFW home so you can find an Admiral’s Club filled with amenities in every terminal. Day passes are available for $50 per guest with kids admitted free, and if you have a particularly long delay, it will be worth every penny. In addition to the snacks and drinks provided inside, you will also find an isolated kids room with televisions, kid sized furniture, and computers tuned to kid friendly websites. Best of all, behind the closed door you can let the kids loose to be kids for a minute and burn off some of that pent up airport energy.
Grapevine Mills Mall Shuttle
If you have a four or more hour layover or delay, you can take advantage of the free shuttle and get some entertainment at nearby Grapevine Mills Mall. At the mall you can treat your kids to Lego Discovery Center, Rainforest Café, or SeaLife Grapevine.
Terminal D
Terminal D is the granddaddy of terminals at DFW, with all international flights and much of the DFW American Airlines fleet departing from this terminal. As such, you will find the best restaurants, shopping, and family amenities in Terminal D. In addition to the Art Walk and Playgrounds in this terminal, you will also find clustered seating that makes it easier for families to relax and meet each other’s needs while waiting for your flight to board.
I totally didn't know about the play areas in DFW… my kiddo was just an infant last time we were in DFW, but I have been dreading any future travel. Now, not so much! Thanks! BTW… I was told we are family. And, my kiddo must have got his red hair from your side. 😉
Long waits with kids can be stressful. Being prepared with information like this can turn an airport delay into a fun vacation memory for kids, rather than an unhappy one for everyone. Thanks for the details on DFW!
Wow, who knew DFW had such great resources for kids?! Great info! 🙂
When we flew from Hawaii to DFW a few years ago, we landed around 5 a.m. After the nonstop flight, the kids were ready to let off some steam at the playground, but people were sleeping on all the cushy benches at the Junior Flyers Club. Oh well. They ended up just running back and forth in the nearly empty terminal instead.
I love this! Great ideas for a lot of airports actually. Each might not have everything Detroit does, but I know Seattle has a bunch of art we can wander around plus a kid play area. I like to check out all the goofy stuff in the shop windows too and take pics of Dek with the stand up whale,etc.
I love it that airports are now making an effort to create kid-friendly zones – a lot has changed in a fairly short period of time! Great tips for DFW!
If you ever get the opportunity to fly into Inchon Airport in Korea, DO IT!! We had a 5 hour layover on the way home from Beijing China, and it flew by! The kids play areas were super nice. They even have lounge chairs for you to kick your feet up and nap. I wish they were all like that! 🙂
I spend a lot of time at airports with my kids, I wish they were all this child friendly!
Wow! We need to book more connections through DFW! I don't think we've ever flown through there as a family. Might be time to do it! Thanks for the tip!
This is SO helpful! Even for those times when you get to the airport just a little bit early, this is great to know! I knew there were some great amenities for kids at DFW but we’ve never checked them out. Probably because both times we’ve traveled with kids our delays were at San Diego, which is a tiny airport. When my kids were 3 and 8 months, we had a five hour delay (OMG). And then when they were still 3 and 15 months, we had a 7 hour delay (OMG again, and this one was worse because they kept pushing it back an hour so we kept thinking we didn’t have time to leave/do anything with family…aaaggghh).
Anyway, sorry for my rant and thanks for sharing!
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Wow.. I use to work at the DFW and had no ideal they had those areas. Thats so cool I could have helped out a bunch of people stuck for hours if I knew.
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This is the best post ever! Love it and totally will pin it when I need it!
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That is so helpful! DFW is our home airport- so we spend a lot of time there!
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