New research from stroller brand iCandy, reveals North America’s most fun airports for families to fly from, ranked by the number of play areas relative to passenger traffic, perfect for helping parents choose airports that actually support family travel.
According to the research, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic takes the top spot, with four dedicated kids’ play zones.
Indeed, they ensured that it earned it the title of North America’s “funnest” airport.
Other highlights from the research include:
• Calgary International (Canada) offers seven themed areas for children to enjoy pre-flight
• In the US, San Francisco International ranks highest with seven imaginative play spaces
• Ten out of the top 15 airports in the ranking are based in the United States
Other US airports in the top 15 include Portland, Salt Lake City, Detroit, Boston, and Seattle.
iCandy notes that traveling with young children can be joyful but also challenging, especially when trying to keep them entertained while at the airport.
It argues that this is why having family-friendly amenities such as play areas and dedicated kid zones can be “a lifesaver for parents” hoping to tire out their little ones ahead of a long flight.
To highlight the destinations that make family travel a more enjoyable experience, iCandy analysed hundreds of airports around the world to reveal which offer the most fun to families before they take to the skies.
The fun score for each airport was calculated by looking at the number of play areas in some of the world’s most popular international airports in comparison to each airport’s annual passenger numbers, revealing which ones offer the most play areas per passenger.
North America’s Funnest Airports
Topping the list is Punta Cana International, crowned the most family-friendly airport on the continent with a ‘Fun Score’ of 61.2 out of 100.
With four dedicated play areas, featuring climbing frames, slides, playhouses and reading areas, it’s the perfect place for families to unwind (and for kids to run wild) before take-off.
Calgary International (60.4) takes the runner-up spot, and the title of Canada’s most fun airport, thanks to seven play zones where little travelers can let loose before boarding.
The play areas are tailored for children aged 3-12 and are designed in a variety of themes, from wildlife to Calgary Stampede – perfect for keeping young ones engaged as they wait.
In third is Montreal Airport (56.1), offering five kid-friendly play areas throughout the terminal, including a playground in collaboration with Quebec author and illustrator Marilou Côté.
San Francisco International ranks as the most fun airport in the US, with seven dedicated kid play areas across the airport, including ‘tree town’ in terminal 1, an interactive zone honouring Northern California’s iconic oak trees.
Portland International rounds off the top five, scoring 53 with two dedicated play areas with small climbing frames and slides to help make waiting for a flight more fun for the whole family.
Cameron Appel, vice CEO at iCandy, said: “We understand that traveling with little ones can be overwhelming, especially in environments not designed with families in mind. That’s why we created this index: to help parents feel more prepared when planning family trips, and to spotlight the airports going above and beyond to make travel easier.”
