If you’ve traveled through Pittsburgh International Airport while raising kids or visited the airport during your own childhood, you probably spent some time at Kidsport, the play area that opened in 1983.
This week, the airport unveiled a totally redesigned Kids Play Area that’s about 30% larger than the old Kidsport space. The new play space is located closer to the center of the departures terminal for easier access. It was designed with feedback from parents and is ideal for kids ages 6 to 10, though younger and older kids may want to check it out, as well.
Families will find plenty to keep kids entertained and let them burn off some energy in a safe, contained environment while waiting for a flight. But the Kids Play Area is also set up to reduce sensory overload, offering a comfortable space for families to relax.
Kids Play Area photo courtesy of Pittsburgh International Airport.
To make things simpler for parents and other caregivers:
There is a restroom inside the play area, so no need to leave for potty breaks or diaper changes.
There is a water filling station, so everyone can stay hydrated.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh collaborated on the design of this new space, just as it did with Kidsport.
The Play Area has a nursing lounge (one of several nursing lounges now available throughout the airport).
The fun includes something called “the SPUN Chair,” which allows kids (and grownups, too) to twirl around. Kids will also find the WillyGoat Climbing Mound and a custom “runway” rug that encourages kids to take off and burn off energy.
Families will also find two custom-designed pieces developed with help from Nick McClintock and Toby Fraley from the Children’s Museum: scenic wallpaper with aviation themes and an interactive art installation showing the moon and stars.
Kids Play Area photo courtesy of Pittsburgh International Airport.
“Parents need a place to unpack and repack bags and charge their devices,” said Bryanna Ellis, a project manager with the airport’s Experience and Design team, who worked on the Kids Play Area.
“You used to see a lot of parents camped out on the floor by their gates,” Ellis said, but now they can be much more comfortable by using the Kids Play Area.
“The room is divided. One part has spaces for active motor skill play and the other has a lounge area for the parents with a picnic table,” she said, “so people can eat and chill or work on their laptops.”
Flying this summer? Check out this story about the benefits of travel for kids.
Kids Play Area photos courtesy of Pittsburgh International Airport.