Long layover? No problem.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
One of the country's busiest airports is also a very family-friendly place (though, with all those travelers, you'll want to be extra vigilant in keeping an eye on the small ones). In addition to two play areas, stop by the airport's atrium to check out the fully assembled skeleton of a dinosaur. Atlanta's art program is in constant rotation, and three youth art galleries feature work by local students.
Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS)
Boston's international airport has three play areas known as Kidports, all of which offer plentiful space for kids to run off their energy and where parents can relax during a layover. In Terminal A, check out a KidPort with climbing structures and slides. Terminal C has a space that looks like an airfield, including play areas that look like vintage airplanes and hand-painted walls filled with blue sky and clouds. Find rocking chairs throughout the airport to comfort the smallest ones away from home.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
There's a worldwide consensus that Singapore's Changi Airport is one of the best in the world. Maybe it's the free foot massages, movie theater and media centers. It could be one of the many gardens sprinkled throughout, including butterfly, sunflower and cactus gardens. Whether it's any of those reasons or the on-site swimming pool, it's a pretty easy guess to figure out why this airport often wins that coveted top spot.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You know you've found a good airport when Nickelodeon Magazine calls its Kids on the Fly exhibit the "most awesome airport play area." Kids on the Fly is an interactive, educational play space where children can run off their extra energy by exploring an airplane, control tower and helicopter model. Every year, the exhibit is updated with new activities, so return visitors are never bored. Elsewhere around the airport, find a mother's room for nursing and plenty of family restrooms.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
The scenery at Colorado's ginormous Denver International Airport makes it a perfect place to relax on a layover. With abundant sunshine throughout the year and a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains, there's (almost) no need to leave the airport to discover the natural magic of Denver. View the versatile permanent art fixtures as well as the temporary exhibits on display while you wait, but don't get lost because DEN is the largest airport in the U.S.
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
Detroit tops the list for play spaces, with seven different fun areas spread throughout the airport. Though you could just hop from one to another throughout the course of your layover, you might also want to check out KidZoo, a shop packed with toys, games and a television that plays children's shows. Make sure you also visit the Light Tunnel, connecting the A and B/C concourses. It has a colorful light show choreographed to music.
