The Young and the No-Longer-Restless
Even if they're on their way to Disneyland, kids often find
airports a bore. Following in the steps of Tampa and Boston,
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is making its terminals
less, well, terminal. This summer, DFW will become only the third
airport in the country to feature a playground. Two aviation-themed
play areas, called Landing Zones, are being installed (at Gate B12
and Gate C14), with pint-size planes, runways, luggage, and even an
air traffic control tower. - J.B.
OTHER AIRPORTS WITH AMUSEMENTS AIMED AT ENTERTAINING RUG RATS EN
ROUTE:
-PlayStations in most gate areas at
Memphis
International
-An aquarium with all sorts of spellbinding swimmers at
San
Francisco International
-A life-size brachiosaurus dating back to the Jurassic period at
Chicago's O'Hare
-An observation deck with views of the runway and actual audio from
the control tower at
Raleigh-Durham International
-Tarantulas, dragonflies, beetles, and other bizarre bugs and
critters on display at
Phoenix Sky Harbor
At Your Service
Playgrounds aren't the only cool new amenities cropping up at
airports these days - there are more than a few adult perks too. At
DFW, drop your car off at Airport Valet (at the curb or the gate;
www.theairportvalet.com), and
they'll have your car's
oil changed, the tank filled with gas, and
get it washed and detailed - all by the time you return from your
trip. For a little extra dough, they'll even do your laundry, pick
up your dry cleaning, and get your car inspected should you need
it.