Recently updated on April 4th, 2025 at 11:27 am
The best American airports for families stretch from sea to shining sea, connecting amazing attractions across the United States. Although there are 5,000 public airports in the USA, many of them lack family-friend amenities that moms, dads, grandparents, and children need to prepare for their flight.
Let’s take a look at the terminals from Portland to Pittsburgh where you’ll find the 30 best American airports for families of all ages and abilities.
What will you find in the best American airports for families?
Airport amenities are hit-or-miss as far as family travel is concerned. Whereas a restaurant, lounge, or spa are more than enough for the average adult traveler, families with aging adults and young children need more support.
When we think of the best American airports for families, we believe that specific amenities, both child-friendly and parent-practical are most important. These terminal treasures include:
- Comfortable areas for nursing mothers
- Kids play areas
- Activities and attractions for children
- Sensory-friendly spaces
- Accessible amenities for all abilities
From full nurseries to fun indoor experiences, these are our favorite airports in the United States that provide a first-class experience for family travel.
Best American airports for families in the east
The Big Apple, the City of Brotherly Love, and the nation’s capital welcome families to explore the history of the United States while making memories that’ll last a lifetime. These airports found in cities along our Historic Highlights tour are red, white, and built for families.
Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Maryland
Let the kids watch planes land in Maryland while you and your partner rest on a rocking chair. The Observation Gallery grants great views, plus a plane-themed playspace before security. Beyond security, more playspaces await at the D/E Connector.
John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
New York City has it all and so does its sprawling international airport. JFK is a-okay for adults and kids, thanks to Amazon’s Tumble Leaf Playground, JetBlue’s Junior Play Space, and a host of other amenities like pods for napping and nursing.
See the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, and the Freedom Trail on our East Coast USA and Canada tour.
Philadelphia International Airport, Pennsylvania
Take note parents: Philly’s International Airport makes it easy to prepare for a visit. PHL’s website links to a Kids Corner full of downloadable games and puzzles. Let the littles work on these pages in the terminal’s quiet room or seating area with a book exchange.
Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, Vermont
Drink in the autumnal season, and your fair share of cider, on our Autumn Colours tour from Boston to Bar Harbor. If you happen to fly into Burlington instead of Boston, you’ll be pleased to find a kids zone, a yoga room (with shower), and nursing pods in the terminals.
Best American airports for families in the southeast
After soaking up the sun, find a surprising amount of fun in these kid-friendly airports in the American South.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, North Carolina
Keep your ears open for “final boarding call” at CLT. The Gameway, a lounge featuring 15 gaming stations, is the funnest way for your teens to make you late for your connecting flight.
Nashville International Airport, Tennessee
Nashville BNA airport’s live music will keep your toes tapping as you make your way to your gate. As far as little feet are concerned, the kiddos will have fun running around the play areas in each terminal.
Experience the Taste and Sounds of the South tour beginning in Nashville then grooving through Memphis and New Orleans.
Best American airports for families in the midwest
Who said flyover states can’t be fun? The families with kids in tow will find Midwest hospitality at these homey airports.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Michigan
Parents making long-haul flights across the USA will enjoy a refreshing connecting flight at Detroit’s international airport. Everyone can nap and shower in the Minute Suites, then spend time together in the play areas prior to boarding.
O’Hare International Airport, Illinois
Chicago’s main airport gives the Second City a first-rate flight plan for families. A dedicated Family Lounge has more than a playspace to offer. Live entertainment fills this family-friendly area, a welcome distraction for kids while parents use the peaceful Yoga Room.
St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Missouri
St. Louis is an underrated city for children and a hidden gem when it comes to the best American airports for families. The awe-inspiring children’s museum, The Magic House, helped design the Play Port where imagination is all that’s needed to interact with this tiny transportation themed playspace.
Best American airports for families in the northwest
Whether you’re exploring the Best of the Pacific Northwest or traveling from the Canadian border down into Canada, these airports make it worth waiting for your flight.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington
SeaTac wants you to save time during your airport visit. Ideal for parents with kids, the SEA Spot Saver lets you RSVP for your TSA security screening ahead of time. That allows more time for fun in the children’s play area or photo ops with Jett the SEA Otter.
San Francisco International Airport, California
Leave and depart from San Francisco on our Northern California tour without fretting about time in the terminal. All three have play areas for children of varying ages. For the bigger kids in your bunch, the Aviation and SFO Museum exhibits are a hit.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Montana
When you’ve got a growing guy or girl with a thirst for knowledge, they’ll gladly accept a flight delay in Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Montana’s airport welcoming travelers exploring Yellowstone National Park has a variety of local artwork and exhibits that will captivate a child’s attention.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alaska
Fly into Anchorage for our Majestic Alaska tour and take advantage of the amenities at Ted Stevens International Airport on your way home. The nursery has a dedicated bathroom with a changing table while the 24-hour Military Lounge is exclusively open for active duty members and their families.
Best American Airports for families in the southwest
The magic of the Southwest is more than painted deserts and gorgeous gemstones. Airports throughout the region offer travellers with exceptional needs and equally exceptional experience in the terminal.
Harry Reid International Airport, Nevada
Kids hit the jackpot when they step into the mini-airport play space at Las Vegas airport. You don’t have to gamble on an inclusive experience, either. Whether travellers are neurodiverse or nursing, or require any other accommodations in between, this is one of the best American airports for families with special needs.
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Arizona
Phoenix’s airport goes as above and beyond as its planes do. From the Compassion Corner, which includes a sensory room and chapel, to classes that address a fear of flying, PHX puts unique traveller needs first.
Albuquerque International Sunport, New Mexico
ABQ’s Sunport, a convenient airport for our Southwest Native Trails tour, embraces the UK’s Sunflow Lanyard program. This free lanyard lets airport staff know that the traveller may have a hidden disability, allowing them to receive whatever additional care, patience, or assistance they and their families need.