Traveling with kids can be an exciting adventure, but it also presents its own set of challenges. Keeping children entertained during layovers or delays can be tough, but many Canadian airports are stepping up to make the experience easier for families. In this blog post, we explore the best Canadian airports with fantastic play areas for kids. From interactive play zones to themed installations, these airports go the extra mile to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience for families.
While many airports are opening new, innovative play areas for kids, don't leave your child there without supervision. No matter how secure the airport seems, a supervised play is a safe play. Here is a list of Airports with a Play area in Canada.
Kid-Friendly Play Areas at Canadian Airports
Toronto Pearson International Airport has several small children's play areas in terminals 1 and 3.
Terminal 1: A mini children’s play area can be found at Domestic Departure Gate 124. Terminal 3: A children’s play area can be found at International Departure Gate C34.
Put your kids in some "Comfy Cars." In Terminal 1, you'll find them in the Domestic Departures area next to Gates 140, 144 and 106. In Terminal 3, look for a Comfy Car and jungle gym next to Gate C34. More Comfy Cars are on Pier B, near Gate B14 in Terminal 3. Also in Terminal 1, you'll find play areas with plenty of room for parents, too.
The Kid Zones, which feature a variety of themes and destinations that are Calgary-centric, are carved entirely by hand by Playtime LLC out of Denver, Colorado. Each play area features custom carpet covered foam floors. The soft-sculptured foam makes it easy for children of all ages to play and explore, and the areas also have integrated seating for adults to relax comfortably while watching their child.
Domestic Terminal Departures Level (2nd Floor) Play Area
Domestic Terminal Departures Level
Age Range: There is a section for kids 3-5 and a section for kids 5-12.
Play Area Features: Airport theme- Large climbing structure, TV, airplane cockpit, control tower with small slide.
Domestic Terminal Arrivals Level (1st Floor) Play Area
Age Range: Suggested for ages 3-5.
Play Area Features: Calgary Theme – tunnels and small steps. Very cute but best for small kids. Two dinosaur climbers. Best for small kids for a short period of time.
Spaceport (3rd floor by the food court)
Age Range: All ages. Features: Toddler play area with space themed panels and video game stations; various hands on exhibits and artifacts on display.
Children’s Play Areas at the Vancouver Airport
With three locations after security and one before security, there are a number of areas throughout the airport for kids to play and climb. Before security, near the domestic terminal food court (Departures Level 2), you’ll find a play area.
After security, there are three different play areas to choose from:
Domestic Terminal, Departures Level 3, Gate 3 Domestic Terminal, Departures Level 3,Gate 43 International Terminal, Departures Level 3, Gate 54
Additional fun zones and things to do with kids at the Vancouver Airport (observation area, aquarium and park):
If you’ve got a child that loves to point to the skies every time an airplane flies overhead, you’ll want to take them to the Public Observation Area located before-security in the Domestic Terminal on Level 4.
Located in the after-security area of the International Terminal is a 114,000-litre aquarium with over 5,000 aquatic dwellers. Kids can seek out a variety of Cascadia-native underwater fauna, including wolf eels, sea stars, sea urchins and more than 20 different species of fish.
Edmonton International Airport
There are children's play areas at the airport located: by Gate 66 (after security in Domestic-International Departures)
by Gate 80 (after security in US Departures) Looking for child-oriented entertainment at the airport? EIA is equipped with three children's play areas, located in the US Departures lounge, the Domestic-International Departures lounge and the North Terminal Departures lounge. For older kids there is an X-Box connection in the US Departures area.
Travellers with children will find several play areas located throughout the departures lounge at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. These areas are equipped with padded floors for safety.
Most of the boarding lounges at Montréal–Trudeau are equipped with small play areas.
Kid-friendly features
The observation area, located on Level 3, is the best location from inside the terminal to watch planes take off and land.
High chairs and booster seats are available in the food court on Level 3.There are two play areas in the domestic/international holdroom. The airport has a Kid's zone webpage,where kids can learn more about airplanes and try one of their activities. You can pick up an activity book at the Information desk to help keep the kids busy while waiting for a flight.
Play structures are located on the Arrivals Level across from Tim Hortons. There's ample seating for moms and dads as well as a family washroom a few steps away. We also have play areas on the Departures Level post-security
· A Children's Play Area is located in the upper passenger departure lounge.
· A Family Room is located across from the Breakwater Boutique before the pre-board screening checkpoint.
A toddler focused aviation play centre is located pre-security and three play areas are located post-security on the second floor.
The kids area near gate 4 includes a 'push to play' interactive projector that will help use of any of the energy that you (or your kids) need to get rid of before a long flight. light bright display located post-security behind Starbucks.
Check out artwork, The Living Skies of Saskatoon, located above the fireplace beside Gate 8.
Family Zone
Located after the security checkpoint, near departure gate 32
Travelling with an infant or a small child? The Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport provides a playground that's sure to make them happy.
Children’s play areas are located in a number of areas around the Terminal Building including outside the food court on the main level of the Terminal Building and in the departures lounge. Both locations allow the children to play with the structures and are equipped with TVs that broadcast children’s programming. Please note, the Airport Authority does not supervise play areas.
Children’s change tables are available in various washrooms throughout the Terminal Building for the convenience of parents.
Traveling with children doesn't have to be a hassle if you choose the right airport. These Canadian airports offer fantastic kid-friendly amenities to keep your little ones entertained and comfortable, whether it's a play area with interactive features, an observation area, or educational exhibits. Next time you plan a trip, consider these family-friendly airports to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Safe travels and happy flying!
If you found this guide helpful, please leave a comment below and share it with fellow travelers to spread the word and the traveler butterfly love! For more family travel tips and guides, be sure to subscribe to our blog. Let's make every family journey a joyful adventure!