Traveling with children: London Heathrow Airport

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London Heathrow Airport is the most important European airport and one of the largest airports in the world. Formed by four modern terminals. The airport has first level services for all and among these it is also full of services specially designed for families with children.

The airport has special play areas (Stay & Play areas), areas with changing tables for changing diapers (Baby changing stations). There are also restaurants and clubs with special menus for children and others where – at certain times of the year – children eat together with an adult for free. There are special car parks for families, and among the services there is also the possibility of ordering milk online so that it can be collected once you have passed through the security checks.

On the Heathrow Express train linking Paddington Station – in central London – with Heathrow Airport, children 15 years of age and younger travel for free when accompanied by an adult.

The services for children are well marked in the maps made available online and in those present at the airport. In addition, the staff is very prompt to report the presence of the play areas to families with children who pass the checks.

PLAY AREAS (STAY & PLAY AREAS)

The Game Areas (Stay & Play Areas) are three and are located in Terminals 2, 4 and 5.

In Terminal 2 the Stay & Play area is located in the main Departure Terminal 2A (2A departure lounge) after the security check near Gate A16.

Inside Terminal 4 the Stay & Play area is located in the departure lounge after the security check along the road leading to Gates 1-6.

In Terminal 5, the Stay & Play area is located in the main Departure Terminal 5A (departure lounge) after the security check near Gate A7.

The play areas are equipped with slides, soft and inflatable games. In addition there are also areas dedicated to young children and older children. The Stay & Play areas are suitable for children up to 9 years of age. For those who use the play areas there are simple rules to be respected. Children must always be supervised by an adult – obviously you must not abandon your little ones in the play area and go shopping. When entering the play area you must wear socks, so no shoes. It is not possible to eat or drink inside the play areas. The opening hours are from 6 in the morning to 21 in the evening.

FAMILY LOUNGE

In Terminal 3 – in the departures area after the security check (near the Ted Baker shop), the signs for Lounge A are to be followed – there is also the Family Lounge. The Family Lounge is a space dedicated to families with play areas dedicated to children between 0 and 2 years and between 3 and 9 years. There is also an area for children to sleep. For older children – between 10 and 15 years old – there is a Game Zone dedicated to them. Finally there is a special area dedicated to breastfeeding mothers. Entrance to the Family Lounge is free (although there may be a time limit during busy periods). Again it is necessary to make sure that children are accompanied by an adult at all times.

CHANGERS (Baby changing)

The changing rooms for changing diapers are located in each Heathrow terminal. Both before and after the security check. These areas are indicated by the presence of the changing symbol. Most of the changing areas are located next to all the toilets at the terminals of London Heathrow Airport. Both before and after security checks.

KIDS MENU

In each Terminal there are restaurants and clubs that have an eye for children, serve children’s menus, have chairs and games for them.

Located in Terminal 2, the Ca’puccino restaurant / bar is the most kid’s friendly in London-Heathrow. Special kids menus are offered here for breakfast and in the afternoon. In addition, the menu was designed as an activity placemat for children with coloring tasks, complete with colored pencils, and puzzles to keep them entertained during the meal. Ca’puccino also has an area dedicated to children with a large common table set at child’s height, iPads equipped with applications and games, and high chairs for the little ones. The restaurant is also available to heat bottles and baby food under the supervision of the parents.

Also in Terminal 2 of London Heathrow Airport, the Wondertree restaurant has special menus for children, high chairs and a play box. Still in Terminal 2 other places with attention to children are: The Flying Chariot, The Gorgeous Kitchen, Leon, YO! Sushi that in addition to custom-made chairs provide pastels and sheets for their creativity.

In Terminal 3 they have menus for children: Bite, Bridge Bar, Globe, Leon, The Three Bells.

Inside Terminal 4 they have menus for children: Bridge Bar and Comptoir.

In Terminal 5 they have menus for children: The Five Tuns and Giraffes.

In some places – at certain times of the year – children eat together with an adult for free. Here the link to see the dates and in which places this offer is applied.