The airport has secured $2.8 million in federal funding to overhaul its four Kidports, the play zones tucked inside the terminals that give little travelers somewhere to climb and explore while the grown-ups watch the departure boards. The cash will go toward new play structures and fresh, kid-friendly themes aimed at making those preflight waits a little easier on families. The grant is part of a broader national effort to boost family-focused amenities in airports across the country.
In a recent announcement, the U.S. Department of Transportation said the Federal Aviation Administration has issued 133 grants worth a combined $970 million to airports in 45 states through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Airport Terminal Program, with Logan among the recipients. The department listed General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport as receiving $2.8 million specifically to renovate its Kidports. "This administration is focused on making travel happier and more convenient for American families," Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in the news release.
What Will Change at Logan
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the grant is earmarked for upgrades at all four of Logan’s Kidports. The plan includes installing new play structures, adding themed elements tailored to different age groups, and improving seating so caregivers have a better place to park themselves while kids burn off energy. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in the agency's announcement that "The FAA is moving quickly to get these investments out the door and into airports nationwide."
Logan’s operator, Massport, notes on its family-travel page that the Kidports are free, located post-security in Terminals A, B and C, and described as a "fun-filled" space for little travelers. With those post-security locations already up and running, they are likely to be the first in line for the planned refresh.
Part of a National Push
Logan’s Kidport overhaul is one small piece of a coast-to-coast push to make airports less punishing for families. The U.S. Department of Transportation said the 133 grants are backing projects such as additional children's play areas, mothers' rooms, family screening lanes and sensory rooms for travelers with special needs.
Among the examples highlighted in the announcement: Tupelo Regional Airport is getting $2 million for a family-friendly screening lane, while Dallas-Fort Worth International is set to receive $8 million to modernize family restrooms. Separately, Boston.com reported that Palm Beach International will be renamed Donald J. Trump International on July 1 and will receive $10 million for new restrooms, mother's rooms and a sensory room for families.
When Travelers Will See Changes
If you are flying with kids tomorrow, do not expect to show up to a construction zone just yet. The Federal Aviation Administration did not include a start or completion date for Logan’s Kidport work in its announcement, so there is no public timetable for the makeover.
For now, Massport suggests using its family-travel page to find the latest on Kidport locations and other kid- and caregiver-friendly services while plans are finalized. At present, parents traveling through Logan can still head to the existing Kidports post-security in Terminals A, B and C, alongside nursing rooms and assisted-care restrooms, to help get through those inevitable layover stretches.
