It’s summer travel season, which means it’s also family travel season. Whether heading out on a long-overdue international flight or just taking a quick getaway to grandma’s house, a seamless, tantrum-free airport experience is what most parents are after. Thankfully, with our picky-eater-approved dining and baby-essentials shopping, passing the pre-boarding time with your little ones has never been easier.
Parents know that hungry kids can quickly turn into hangry kids. First thing’s first. Make a stop at DC3 Hot Dogs (Concourse B). The Plain Jane Hot Dog–just a dog and its bun for your picky eater–is an easy choice. And DC3 knows its audience. Look for Kiddie Cups of soft-serve ice cream, complete with topping favorites like Oreos, chocolate chips, and M&M strawberry sauce. Wendy’s (Concourse B) is always a winner for burgers, nuggets, and Frosties. For the chicken lovers in the family, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Chick-fil-A (Concourses B and D). Auntie Anne’s Pretzels (Concourse C) and &pizza (Concourses B and C) are also sure to satisfy tiny diners.
If you’ve forgotten any essentials in your diaper bag, don’t worry. Our retail stores stock many baby care items that you may need. Capitol City Ink (Concourses A, C, D, Z Gates) and Washingtonian (Concourse B and baggage claim) newsstands sell diapers and wipes, healthy snacks, and plenty of engaging distractions like plush toys, toy planes, play cards and word find magazines. If you want a kid-friendly DC souvenir, stop by DC Marketplace (Concourse B) or Uniquely DC (Concourse D) to browse the offerings.
For more kid-friendly fun at the airport, try:
- Be Right Burger - Go for the chicken strips; stay for the loaded tater tots. (Concourse C)
- Dunkin’ - Coffee for you, donuts for the kids. (Concourses A, D, and Z Gates)
- Five Guys - Burgers and milkshakes are always a hit with the small set. (Concourse B)
- InMotion - If you (gasp!) forgot your tablet for the kids, this electronics retailer could get you set up in a pinch. (Concourses C and D)
- Smashburger – Chicken strips + Tots + Milkshakes = Happy Kids (Concourse A)
- Vineyard Vines - Scoop up some cute swimsuits or warm weather attire for your beach vacay. (Concourse B)