By Deborah Kay

Is your toddler content with a two-hour waiting game of airport I Spy? Will your tweens sit patiently with their noses in books through multiple flight delays? Luckily, most airports have child-friendly play zones and eateries to help relieve terminal boredom.

Places to play

McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas
The Kids Play Area features a mini–control tower, a mock jet engine, and kid-designed murals. Satellite D Concourse, second level.

Mineta San Jose International Airport
The Gordon Reynolds KidPort lets kids play pilot with video monitors for watching plane traffic and headsets for eavesdropping on conversations between pilots and air traffic controllers. Plus a slide! Terminal C.

Salt Lake City International Airport
Three play areas have interactive towns with cars and trucks for "driving" on the rug maps. Terminal 1, top of A and B concourses; Terminal 2, top of E Concourse.

San Francisco International Airport
At the Kids’ Spot, weather exhibits demonstrate how tornadoes and storm fronts form. Postsecurity, Terminal 3 near Gate 87A.

Kid-style eats

McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas
Hamburgers, fries, and milk shakes at Ruby’s Dinette, an all-American 1940s diner with red vinyl booths. Terminal D.

Mineta San Jose International Airport
A small chicken burrito (specify child’s size), a cheese quesadilla, or rice and beans at 360° Gourmet Burritos. Postsecurity, Terminal A near Gate A2.

Salt Lake City International Airport
A grilled cheese sandwich or a hamburger, fries, and an ice cream treat in a Kid’s Meal at Dick Clark’s Grill. Postsecurity, Terminal 2 between Concourses C and D.

San Francisco International Airport
Teriyaki chicken or a bowl of udon noodles at Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine. Postsecurity, International Terminal near Gate G95.