Terminals at airports are becoming more interesting and healthy for kids thanks to the installation of playsets, MSNBC reports. The new trend aims to give children a space to play and get their energy out during layovers before they board the plane, helping parents, other passengers and the children themselves.
More than 30 of the nation's major airports, including San Francisco International Airport, LAX and O'Hare have or will soon have play areas where children can exercise and socialize. Many airlines have installed their own individual
playgrounds or spaces.
When children sit on planes or in airports for hours at a time without their usual forms of exercise, they may be more likely to act out, according to Colleen Lanin, founder of TravelMamas.com.
"It's great they are recognizing that families do travel with kids, and if our kids are able to get their energy out, it's a better experience for everyone on the plane," she told the news source.
Playing on playgrounds has a number of benefits, according to ParentDish.com.
Commercial playground equipment offers opportunities for fitness training in nearly all of the components - strength, muscular endurance, aerobics, balance and flexibility.