If the thought of traveling with kids gives you anxiety, the following kid-friendly travel tips may come in handy.

For the parents

Book parking in advance if you plan on utilizing airport parking. Look for family-friendly spaces which are closer in proximity and wider than standard spots. Our Find-A-Spot tool will help you find just the right spot for you. Don’t forget to arrive at the airport at least two hours before takeoff to avoid unexpected delays.

Give kids their own carry-on bag to have snacks and toys easily accessible. Remember to review the TSA’s security requirements to know what you can bring through security. For a quicker experience, try TSA PreCheck®.

Become familiar with our Navigator volunteers (dressed in purple) and use our interactive airport map to find information counters near you. If your child is traveling alone, check with your airline on policies for obtaining a pass to accompany them to the boarding gate.

Each terminal has at least one family restroom, nursing room and mobile nursing pod, and may provide seating, changing stations and electrical outlets.  Visit this page for a list of available baby travel needs.

For the Kids

If you have the time, here are a few activities to do with the little ones:

• Visit the Play-viation Park children’s play area in Terminal 3. (Photo above taken pre-pandemic. Everyone age 2 and older currently must wear a mask.)
• Spot one of our Navigator Buddy airport therapy dogs.
• Walk the mile-long post-security Fitness Trail featuring prominent landmarks around Terminal 4.
• Take a ride in the sky on the PHX Sky Train®. For a more visual experience, ride at the front of the leading car.
• Check out the Airport Museum exhibitions at any terminal or the Rental Car Center. The Museum also offers online learning activities you can do at home or while on your trip.
• Get an up-close view of a plane arriving by grabbing a window seat near your gate.
• Find shops and restaurants near you using our interactive maps. Be sure to ask at the restaurant if they have a kid’s menu available.
• For a quiet space, visit the Compassion Corner in Terminal 4, with a chapel and sensory room. Compassion Cacti™ lanyards, for those who need additional assistance can be requested online and picked up here.
• Traveling military and families can rest at the USO Arizona center in Terminal 4. Amenities include a snack bar, charging stations, work and lounge area, Cable TV with PlayStation 4, Children’s play area, foosball, board & table games.
• Pass time with educational aviation activities, available in English and Spanish, ranging from word search, crossword, trivia, paper airplane instructions, aviation alphabet, airport terminology and careers.