Say goodbye to aimless wandering around Duty Free when flying with children. We’ve got a survival tip for you! After going through security, head straight to the soft play area at the airport. There are various soft play areas at UK airports, although sometimes they are hidden away. These are a lifesaver to tire out your little ones before boarding the plane. Curious about where to find these play areas? Let’s give you the lowdown on the airports in the UK that have play areas for children.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport has a ‘stay & play’ area in every terminal, open from 6am to 9pm. Terminal 2 even has an impressive screened-off play area near Gate 16, offering a fantastic view of the planes. Terminal 3 has a special Family Lounge with separate play sections for different age groups, and it’s tucked away upstairs near Lounge A. Make sure to check it out!
Gatwick Airport
At Gatwick, the North Terminal houses a small kids’ zone near Boots, while the South Terminal boasts a larger soft play area in the heart of the food and shops upstairs.
Manchester Airport
Manchester’s Terminal 1 features a kids’ TV zone, and Terminal 2 offers a toddler area for the little ones and an adventure play area for slightly older kids. Don’t miss the art desks with colouring supplies at most eateries.
Birmingham Airport
Birmingham has the interactive ‘Sky Zone’ play area for kids up to 13, located at Gate 55.
Luton Airport
Luton has a kids’ area with screens, although no soft play for the littlest ones. Just follow the signs to gates 1-6, and you’ll find it near Pret A Manger.
Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh takes family-friendliness seriously with two soft play areas near Gates 2 and 21. Kudos to them!
Glasgow Airport
Glasgow features an unsupervised soft play area for ages 2 to 6 after security, near gate 27. You’ll also spot puzzle tables and Lego scattered around the terminal.
East Midlands Airport
East Midlands offers an unsupervised soft play area on the first floor food court for kids under eight.
Leeds Airport
Leeds Bradford has an unsupervised play area on the first floor.
Newcastle Airport
Newcastle Airport primarily caters to older kids with games and tablets.
Navigating airports with children doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Thanks to the availability of soft play areas at various UK airports, you can turn waiting time into fun and engaging moments for your little ones.
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