Some reviews have suggested that there is not a play area but there is. Don't expect anything big but in a corner of some of the terminals they have an area with some toys for younger children. It was a lifesaver when I flew with my four and two year olds. They were board of the few toys we had been able to bring on the flight and we had a long lay over before the next flight so it was great to give them some space with new toys and a little room to run.
Also Salt lake is one of the most kid friendly airports I have been through. The scanners in security are actually big enough to handle strollers and car seats. The last time I flew with my infant in arms and they made sure that we were the first to board so I had time to get all her stuff situated with out inconveniencing other travelers. I had a small bag with all her stuff and so I was able to check the carry on bag at the gate and didn't didn't have to worry about it while trying to board the plane. I try to do as much as possible to make sure that traveling with my children doesn't cause problems for other passengers and it really helps when the airport employee's are accommodating as well.
My family and I have always had good experiences at this airport. It's not terribly big, so it's not hard to get lost in. There are international an domestic terminals that are nearby each other, and baggage claim is right near the exit doors. It is a newer airport since the 2002 Winter Olympics came to Salt Lake City, and there are always modes of transportation available at all hours. We enjoy this airport because it is nice and clean.
I'm not sure why this is in the "playgrounds" category---I have never seen a play area at the Salt Lake Airport. It is very clean and has a fun gift shop (that we never purchase anything in---who wants to pay airport prices???) that we walk or look through. The last time I went was last year at 3 am, and the lines were short and quick. Waiting areas were clean.
The salt lake airport is a great size because you can find your way around but they offer quite a lot of eatery's. They have a lot of options as far as cinnabon to cpk express. They also have a great kids store with lots of things you can stock up on for your plane ride.
We found this airport very clean and friendly. We traveled with our son when he was an infant and they were very accomodating. There are several little corners where there are chairs that you can just let your child play where he's out of the way. We saw and met several other young couples with kids which was nice to have similar company. It seems like a very young city.
I think I have to give it fewer stars because I'm comparing the kid-friendliness to the Amsterdam airport which we recently had a layover in. A HUGE kid's playground, lots of family restrooms, breastfeeding rooms, etc. Lots of places to sit and hang out, not just at the gate. SLC is easy to navigate, security is decent and you can get moved through faster if you have a kid with you, but the play area is tiny and there is not a lot of room to run around in. Overall, not bad, not too busy and crazy like some hubs.
The SLC airport is a great place to fly out of. There is plenty of on-site parking if that is what you want to do as well as slightly less expensive off-site parking that isn't run by the airport. In the Southwest Airlines area there is a TV with children's programming and small tables for kids to sit at while they wait for their flight. There are also lots of dining options and lines at security aren't usually very long.
This airport doesn't feel like your typical cold, crazy, hustle and bustle airport. It is huge, but it is very clean, there are lots of dining options, the service is wonderful. The airport staff have all been very helpful and professional every time I've been there. They even have an area for children to play and run around in, which is a dream for parents who have a flight delay.
Everywhere was very clean and well stocked. The staff were all very knowledgeable and were able to help with any questions. Signs and halls were all very well labeled. Very easy to navigate this airport and happy with our visit. The lines were not bad either and we were moved through very quickly.
Between my husband and me, we have traveled to a lot of different airports. SLC is by far the best airport. It is clean, good lighting, easy to navigate and the staff is so friendly. They have the best security and they know how to get people through the line quickly. Utah is a very family oriented state and the airport is no exception.
One of the best laid out airports I've been to
Pretty easy to get to different terminals, connections are easy to make. One of my favorite things about this airport is their extremely fast baggage claim. I have never waited any longer then 20 min for my bags.
The Salt Lake Airport has FREE wi-fi which most airports dont give you. It is clean. The security does a great job and tries to keep things moving. They have many different restaurants and gift shops to choose from while you wait. It is a good size airport so there are many different flights going in and out. Great customer service. They are willing and ready to take care of you.
This airport is pretty cut and dry. There's not much extra going on besides the standard over-priced gift stores and food court-ish restaurants. I've flown in there twice and spent layovers attached to my iPod or a magazine. Unlike some airports, it's not laid out in a way that allows for much exploration. If you'll be there for a while with kiddos, bring something to keep them occupied!
I was at this airport two times (once each way) as a layover while flying to see family. We had about a 2 hour layover each time and found a really nice play area for toddlers on our way to our connecting gate. I have heard of airport having these areas, but have never found them or had the area be in a easily accessible area.