Family-Friendly Travel Tips: Fort Lauderdale Airport Kids Play Area, Dining Options, Services & More
Traveling with kids can be an adventure, but it can also be challenging, especially in busy places like airports. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) has many amenities to make traveling with kids easier and more fun, including a kids play area in Terminal 1 on the mezzanine. In this post we will cover the Fort Lauderdale Airport kids play area, kid-friendly dining, nursing stations, family restrooms and FLL parking info to make your family’s trip through FLL smooth.
Introduction to FLL Airport
General Layout and Facilities
Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is a major international airport in Broward County, Florida serving Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach. The airport has four terminals: Terminal 1 (Yellow Terminal), Terminal 2 (Red Terminal), Terminal 3 (Purple Terminal) and Terminal 4 (Green Terminal). Each terminal has many amenities to make your travel experience comfortable. The airport is 3 miles southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles north of Miami, so it’s a great hub for travelers visiting South Florida. Transportation for families getting to FLL Airport is easy with many options. The airport is accessible by car with several onsite and offsite FLL parking options nearby.
Key Features for Families
FLL has several key features for families including dedicated play areas for kids, free Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout the terminals. The Fort Lauderdale Airport kids play areas are in Terminals 1 and 4 and provide a safe and fun space for kids to play while parents relax. There are several onsite and offsite FLL parking options – prioritizing convenience and safety features for families. The airport is close to Port Everglades and the surrounding area so it’s a great location for families taking cruises or visiting the nearby beaches.
Fort Lauderdale Airport Kids Play Area
For traveling families, one of the best features is the Fort Lauderdale Airport kids play area in Terminal 1 on the mezzanine between Concourse A and B. This cloud inspired play area has climbing areas and a slide designed for young children. For families FLL Airport has many amenities to make traveling with kids easier.
Features of the Fort Lauderdale Airport kids play area is a great place to keep kids engaged and burn off some energy before a flight. Located post security it’s easily accessible for families after security checkpoints. Here’s what you can expect:
- Safe and Secure Environment: The play area is enclosed with soft padding so kids can play safely without worrying about wandering off or bumping into travelers rushing to their flights.
- Interactive Play Equipment: The play area has climbing structures and interactive toys to challenge young imaginations and physical abilities. Kids can climb, slide and explore, helping with physical development and burning off energy.
- Social Interaction: The play area is a great place for your kids to meet other kids. This social interaction can ease travel anxiety and make them feel more comfortable.
- Comfort for Parents: The play area has seating for parents so you can keep an eye on your kids while they play. This is especially helpful when you need a moment to relax in the chaotic airport environment.
- Peace of Mind for Parents: Knowing your kids are having fun and are in a safe environment allows you to manage other parts of travel more effectively, like checking flight updates or grabbing a quick snack.
Kid Friendly Dining at FLL Airport
When traveling with kids you want to make sure everyone is fed and happy. FLL Airport has several dining options that cater to kid friendly tastes.
Kid Friendly Dining Spots:
Chick-fil-A: Located in Terminal 1, Chick-fil-A is a family favorite. The menu has chicken nuggets, sandwiches and a kids meal with a toy. A quick and easy option for families on the go.
Panda Express: For families looking for Asian food, Panda Express in Terminal 3 has many options. The kids menu has smaller portions and less spicy items perfect for little taste buds.
Subway: With custom sandwiches, Subway is a great option for kids to pick their favorite ingredients. This makes it easier to accommodate individual tastes and dietary needs, whether they want turkey, ham or a veggie sandwich.
Dunkin’: For quick snacks and breakfast items, Dunkin’ is located in several terminals. Donuts, muffins and coffee can be a sweet pick-me-up for tired travelers. Some dining spots also offer complimentary breakfast, enhancing the overall dining experience for families.
Tips for Dining with Kids at the Airport
- Plan for Timing: Keep in mind that airport dining can be busy especially during peak travel times. Consider picking up meals ahead of time or during less busy hours to avoid long waits.
- Pack Snacks: While exploring the dining options, it’s a good idea to bring along some snacks so your kids have something to munch on during your wait time. Familiar snacks can keep them happy and satisfied.
- Engage Them in Choices: Involve your kids in the decision of what to eat. This can make them more excited about dining and less likely to complain about their meal.
FLL Nursing Stations for New Parents
For parents traveling with infants, the nursing stations at FLL Airport are a lifesaver for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. Here’s what you need to know:
Location and Facilities
- Accessible Locations: Nursing stations are located in every terminal. This means no matter where you are in the airport you can find a quiet space to breastfeed or feed your infant.
- Comfortable Environments: These stations are designed to be calming and comfortable. They have seating, changing tables and sometimes even a sink. They have everything you need to care for your baby in one place.
Benefits of Nursing Stations
- Privacy and Comfort: Nursing stations provide a private area where mothers can feel comfortable feeding their babies away from the hustle and bustle of terminal life.
- Convenience: Changing tables in nursing stations eliminates the need to search for other family restrooms, making it easier to manage multiple tasks at once.
- Support for New Parents: Having designated facilities shows the airport’s commitment to families, making the travel experience smoother for new parents.
Family Restrooms at FLL
Family-friendly bathrooms are a must for families with small children. Here’s why:
- Large and Clean: Family restrooms are bigger to accommodate parents with kids. They are cleaner and have changing tables, perfect for families on the go.
- Accessibility: Located throughout the terminals, family restrooms are easily accessible to facilities designed for parents and kids, making it easier to transition between activities.
- Privacy: These restrooms provide a private space for families, reducing stress of using standard facilities and making it easier to care for children.
FLL Airport Parking
When you plan your trip, finding affordable and convenient Fort Lauderdale Airport parking is key. Park By The Ports is the answer to hassle-free parking near the airport. With services designed for travelers, you can rest assured your car is safe while you’re away. Their facility is just minutes from the airport so you can catch your cruise without the stress of parking in crowded onsite airport lots.
In addition to great rates and an online reservation system, Park by the Ports offers free shuttle service to take you right to your terminal so you can start your trip off stress free. The staff is here to help with any questions and the secure, monitored parking lot is 24/7 so your car is safe (located in a casino parking lot, meaning casino security is also patrolling the area).
Whether you’re traveling for a weekend or a longer vacation, choosing Park By The Ports for your Fort Lauderdale Airport parking means you can focus on the fun and not your car.
Other Tips for Traveling with Family
In addition to using the airport’s great family facilities, here are some tips for stress-free travel with kids:
Get There Early
Get to the airport two to three hours before your flight to check in, go through security and get to the family friendly areas. This buffer helps with last-minute stress.
Pack Smart
Bring a well-packed carry-on with snacks, toys and activities to keep kids occupied. Portable games or drawing materials can keep kids entertained during waits and flight times.
Prepare for Security
Teach kids about the security process before you get to the airport. Knowing what to expect – like walking through a metal detector or having their bags screened – can help reduce anxiety.
Use Technology
Make sure devices are charged and loaded with age appropriate games or movies. This entertainment can be a lifesaver on longer flights when kids get restless.
Conclusion
Traveling with kids through FLL Airport can be easy with the right strategies and information. With the Fort Lauderdale Airport kids play area, kid-friendly dining options, nursing stations, family restrooms and secure airport parking options, FLL has everything a family needs.
By using the amenities and planning ahead, you can have a positive travel experience filled with happy memories and let your family focus on the adventures awaiting at your destination. FLL Airport has you covered every step of the way. Happy travels!
