Where Will You Find Kids Spot At San Francisco International Airport?
Traveling with kids can be both exciting and exhausting, especially when navigating a busy airport. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) understands this challenge and has created seven Kids’ Spots throughout its terminals; safe, colorful, and interactive play areas designed to help children stretch, play, and let off steam before boarding.
All Kids’ Spots are located post-security, making them convenient for families waiting at their gates. These spaces aren’t just play zones; they’re thoughtfully curated environments blending art, education, and fun.
Above all that, the SFO Museum helps maintain the collection of Kids’ Spots at the airport, and several installations are official San Francisco Arts Commission pieces created by Bay Area artists. Let’s check out the kids spot at SFO i details.
Harvey Milk Terminal 1
Families traveling through Harvey Milk Terminal 1 will find play areas designed with both fun and safety in mind. Each Kids’ Spot here blends natural elements with interactive features, giving children a chance to explore and unwind before their flight.
Kids’ Spot, Close to Gate B2
This one is a fascinating play area indeed with a blend of natural as well as colorful elements, padded flooring ensuring kid’s safety, cushioned seating, and toy animals. This spot is perfect for toddlers and younger children to safely explore.
Tree Town, Close to Gate B18
This is a unique play space honoring Northern California’s iconic oak tree. Crafted from a salvaged oak, the structures are interactive and tactile, allowing kids to climb, touch, and connect with nature in a playful way.
Kids’ Spot, Across from Gate B23
A forest-themed play zone maintained by the SFO Museum, offering a cozy and imaginative environment for children.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 offers Kids’ Spots that are as creative as they are entertaining. With installations by Bay Area artists, these spaces combine art, movement, and imagination to keep children happily engaged while parents enjoy a moment of calm.
Butterfly Wall, Close to Gate D15
Designed by Bay Area artist Charles Sowers, this interactive sculpture features mechanical “butterflies” that rise and fall as children (and adults!) turn hand cranks. It’s both playful and mesmerizing.
San Francisco Bay Area Bird Encounters, Close to Gate D7
Created by artist Walter Kitundu, this installation celebrates local birdlife. The mural and benches depict hawks, hummingbirds, herons, and egrets. The beautiful golden-crowned sparrow at the center is another delight to watch, giving that perfect musical feel.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is home to some of the most colorful and interactive Kids’ Spots at SFO. From light-up spirals to playful climbing structures, these areas are perfect for letting kids burn off energy in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Kids’ Spot, Adjacent to Gate F17
A colorful crawling apparatus where children can climb, crawl, and play freely.
Spirogyrate, Near Gate E7
An imaginative exploration area by artist Eric Staller. Six-foot spiral discs embedded in the floor and wall get activated via the motion sensors. In fact, when people walk on the glass there is an amazing change in color.
Kids’ Spot, Food Court (Gates F11–F22)
A San Francisco-inspired play area with cushioned seating, toy animals, and vibrant design elements, giving families a cheerful break during mealtime.
Beyond Kids’ Spots: Family-Friendly Services at SFO
San Francisco International Airport goes the extra mile to make family travel less stressful. Beyond the seven Kids’ Spots, SFO offers a range of services and activities designed to keep young travelers comfortable, entertained, and cared for while parents get peace of mind.
Helpful Services for Families
- Nursery/Mamava Pods: Private, comfortable spaces for nursing or pumping, located in Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal.
- Car Seat Rentals: Available through the Airport Travel Agency, making it easier for families who don’t want to carry bulky gear.
- Concierge Assistance (Airport Butler): Personalized meet-and-assist services for departing, arriving, or connecting passengers, ensuring smooth transitions for families.
- Baggage Assistance: Support for departing travelers who need an extra hand with luggage.
Activities for Kids
SFO offers more than just play areas—it’s a place where children can explore and learn:
- Ride the AirTrain for panoramic views of the airfield.
- Pick up a coloring book at Information Desks on the Departures level.
- Visit the Aviation Museum & Library to spark curiosity about flight.
- Stop by the Video Arts Room for short films and creative screenings.
- Explore rotating SFO Museum exhibits, blending culture and education into the airport experience.
Infant Needs
Parents traveling with infants will find essentials right at the airport:
- Freshen Up! (International Terminal Main Hall, G-side, pre-security) offers shower facilities, toiletries, and undergarments.
- Hudson News sells diapers, formula, medicine, and even children’s earplugs for a more comfortable flight.
Shopping for Families
SFO’s shops are stocked with items for every age group:
- Brookstone (Terminal 2, near Gate D1) for travel gadgets and family-friendly tech.
- Compass Books (Terminal 2 and Terminal 3) for books, magazines, and newspapers to keep kids entertained.
- InMotion Entertainment (Terminal 3 and International Terminal) for headphones, chargers, and travel accessories.
- Sunset News (Terminal 2, near Gate D16) for snacks, souvenirs, and sundries.
Programs at SFO Museum
The SFO Museum enriches the airport experience with a wide range of cultural and educational programming. From fine art photography and interactive Kids’ Spots to student art exhibitions and aviation-focused education programs, the museum transforms SFO into more than just a travel hub—it’s a place of discovery.
Video Arts
Located in the International Terminal (Departures Level, pre-security), the Video Arts Room showcases innovative short films from contemporary artists and filmmakers. Programming includes documentaries, narratives, experimental films, and animation, with four new films added each month.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am–10:00pm
- Content Guidelines: Films are 10 minutes or less and exclude overt sexual or violent material.
- Participation: Artists and filmmakers can submit proposals via the museum’s online form.
Native American Heritage Month
Currently, the Video Arts program is celebrating Native American Heritage Month with four films highlighting Indigenous stories:
- Rez Golf (2019, Charles Frank): A documentary about the first golf course built on a reservation in the Navajo Nation.
- TAHNAANOOKU’ (2023, Justin Deegan): An experimental film exploring the severed relationship between a community and the Missouri River.
- Mnemonics of Shape and Reason (2021, Sky Hopinka): A meditation on memory, spirituality, and colonial devastation.
- That Old Game Lacrosse (2022, Jamie Whitecrow): A documentary on how lacrosse helps revive culture and community at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre.
Photography
SFO Museum dedicates galleries throughout the airport to fine art photography. For over 30 years, the museum has exhibited works by renowned artists such as Imogen Cunningham, Wynn Bullock, Linda Connor, Chris McCaw, and Sean McFarland.
- Current Highlight: Glass Mountains by Sean McFarland, a photographic collage on board.
- Mission: To engage travelers with diverse perspectives while showcasing the Bay Area’s role in the evolution of photography.
- Participation: Photographers may submit portfolios and proposals on a rolling basis.
Student Art
The Student Art Program features rotating exhibitions of original two-dimensional artwork from Bay Area schools, youth organizations, and adult education programs.
- Location: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Departures Level (pre-security).
- Impact: Millions of travelers view these works each year, fostering community connection and celebrating local talent.
- Participation: Schools and nonprofits can submit proposals via the museum’s online form.
Education Program
The museum also offers hands-on educational opportunities for students, designed to align with California Department of Education Content Standards.
- Program Details:
- Free, aviation-focused sessions guided by museum and library staff.
- 45 minutes in length, accommodating up to 30 students (larger groups by arrangement).
- Customizable for higher grade levels and mixed-age groups.
- Resources: Downloadable education packets are available for current and past exhibitions, including VX Forever: The Legacy of Virgin America, California Modernist Women, Early American Motorcycles, and China Clipper.
- Contact:
- Gabriel Phung
- Phone: 650.821.9900
- Email: education@flysfo.com
Why Families Love Kids’ Spots at SFO?
- Safe & Accessible: Located post-security, so families can relax without rushing.
- Interactive & Educational: Many installations are designed by local artists, blending creativity with play.
- Stress-Free Travel: Kids burn off energy, parents get a breather, and boarding becomes smoother.
- Unique to SFO: Few airports in the world combine art, culture, and play as seamlessly as these spaces.
Conclusion
The Kids spot along with several other amenities at the San Francisco Airport indeed is a welcome change, ensuring that children for sure have a whale of a time. For more information about SFO’s amenities and services, you may check out our SFO’s airport and terminal pages.
FAQs
Yes, Kids’ Spots are designed for all ages, offering safe crawling structures for toddlers and interactive art installations that engage older children creatively.
Absolutely. Each Kids’ Spot includes cushioned seating or benches, allowing parents to relax while keeping a clear view of their children at play.
Yes, Kids’ Spots remain accessible during airport operating hours, ensuring families can use them regardless of flight schedules or time of day.
Definitely. Many Kids’ Spots feature interactive murals, tactile walls, and light installations, so children can explore and learn without traditional toys.
Many installations encourage learning through art, music, and science-inspired features, offering children both entertainment and discovery during their airport stay.