Fun and Play at the Airport
JetBlue Gate at Newark Nailed It!
As someone trained to see how the world is—or isn’t—set up for children, I travel with an eye that many probably don’t.
This morning, as I walked through Newark Airport, I was astonished—in the best way possible! I felt gleeful as I stumbled upon something I had never seen before: an actual mini playground, or better put, a dedicated play space for young children.
There, in the middle of the terminal, was a play structure designed to engage and delight little travelers. A VW van reminiscent of the 70s, a ship, and of course, a plane. Some of these structures featured interactive puzzle games, like guiding a ball through a maze to “land” the plane at the airport or “dock” the ship at the shore. The space was expansive, inviting kids to move freely—up, around, in, and out—from one structure to another. Just imagining how much joy this space would bring to young travelers filled me with enthusiasm.
To my amazement—and to my daughter’s slight annoyance as I kept stopping to take pictures—I discovered a second play area! This one catered to younger children or those who prefer quiet, rest, and less stimulation. It was a cozy reading nook—a “lending library” complete with a large, alphabet-lined rug, numbers, and shapes. I could hardly believe my eyes!
Beyond these distinctly child-friendly spaces, the overall layout of the JetBlue corridor at Newark Airport had transformed in ways that made travel feel more inviting. Circular wooden benches, some designed for lounging, pom-pom beanbag seating, and high-top round tables with stools created an atmosphere of comfort and ease.
Maybe it was the early hour—5 a.m. for a 7:10 boarding call—but the entire terminal felt relaxed. People were calm, the seating arrangement felt more casual, and there was a noticeable shift in energy. I even caught friendly nods of acknowledgment and easy smiles exchanged between travelers.
This kind of thoughtful design is a game-changer for families traveling with young kids. Long layovers and delays can be exhausting for little ones, and these spaces offer them a way to move, explore, and decompress in an environment built just for them. It acknowledges their needs, making travel less stressful for parents and more enjoyable for children.
When did airports get so cool? And more importantly, can we see more of this everywhere?
