Flying into Boston Logan Airport with kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you know exactly what to expect. From family-friendly facilities at Logan Airport, to the easiest ways to get to downtown Boston, and where to stay nearby, this complete guide breaks it all down in parent-tested steps.
Logan International Airport has made significant strides in making airport travel easier for families, with dedicated children’s play areas (called Kidports), nursing rooms in every terminal, and family restrooms designed for parents with little ones. Whether you’re prepping for your very first flight into Boston with toddlers or you’re a seasoned traveling parent, you’ll find practical advice here to help you breeze through security at Logan with kids, navigate ground transportation options, and choose family-friendly accommodations near the airport or downtown.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident planning your arrival at Boston’s Logan Airport with children, from the moment you step off the plane to when you finally sink into your hotel bed ready to explore this amazing city.
Quick answer: Is Logan Airport family-friendly?
Yes! Logan Airport is very good for traveling with kids and easier to navigate with children than many major US airports. Key family facilities at Logan include:
- Kidport play areas in terminals A, B and C (ages 0-6)
- Nursing rooms and Mamava pods in every terminal
- Family restrooms with changing tables pre- and post-security
- Kid-friendly restaurants including Dunkin, Legal Sea Foods and Wahlburgers
- Easy transportation to downtown Boston (15-20 minutes by car; 20-30 minutes by public transit)
- TSA PreCheck available in all terminals
Everything parents need to know about Logan Airport with kids
Boston is such a great big city to visit with kids. It’s so walkable, has tons of kid-friendly museums and attractions, and the food is amazing. If you arrive in Boston by plane, you’ll fly into Logan International Airport. It’s a very large airport with flights from tons of domestic and international destinations and is served by many major carriers, so it’s an easy airport to get to no matter where you’re starting. Â
Logan Airport layout and terminals
Understanding Logan Airport’s terminal layout helps when traveling with kids:
Terminal A (Delta Airlines)
- Delta hub, some international flights
- Kidport play area near Gate A18
- Multiple Dunkin locations
- Legal Sea Foods restaurant
Terminal B (domestic carriers + Air Canada)
- American, United, Southwest, Air Canada and others
- Two Kidport play areas (Gates B16 and B30-36 corridor)
- Most dining options
- Connected to Terminals C and E
Terminal C (JetBlue + some international)
- JetBlue hub
- Kidport play area near Gate C25
- Wahlburgers restaurant
- Connected to Terminals B and E
Terminal E (international flights)
- International arrivals and departures
- Mamava nursing pod
- Duty-free shopping
Is Logan Airport family-friendly?
Absolutely. Here’s why Logan ranks among the best airports for families.
Compared to other major airports:
- More play areas than most East Coast airports
- Nursing facilities in every terminal
- Family restrooms pre-and post-security
- Relatively compact and easy to navigate
- Excellent public transportation connections
What makes Logan especially good for kids:
- Free Kidport play areas to burn energy before flights
- Short security wait times with TSA PreCheck (15-20 minutes typically)
- Familiar food options that kids recognize (Dunkin, Wahlburgers)
- Stroller-friendly terminals with elevators and wide corridors
- Short distance to downtown (no long car rides with cranky kids)
Room for improvement:
- Play areas only in 3 of 4 terminals (none in Terminal E)
- Can get crowded during summer peak travel season
- Limited healthy food options for kids
Overall, I’d rank Logan Airport as one of the more family-friendly large airports in the US, especially for families flying to Boston with toddlers or young children.
Family-Friendly Facilities at Logan Airport
Whenever I am traveling through a new airport, one of my first Google searches is if that airport has family-friendly facilities. Whether I’m stopping for a layover or just plan to get to the airport early, it’s important that there are things for my son to do while we’re there and that our basic needs like eating and using the bathroom are easy to do.Â
Kidport Play Areas at Logan Airport
Free play areas at Logan Airport for ages 0-6
One of the best features of Logan Airport for families is the Kidport play spaces. They’re free, clean, age-appropriate play areas designed specifically for children ages 0-6. This was an essential stop for us, and it will be for you too!
What to expect at Kidport play areas:
- Soft play equipment safe for toddlers
- Interactive panels and sensory activities
- Comfortable seating for parents
- Space to spread out (not cramped!)
- Clean, well-maintained facilities
- Air-conditioned in the summer
Kidport locations at Logan:
Terminal A – Gate A18 area (satellite building):
- Size: Medium
- Near: Delta gates
- Best for: Ages 2-6
- Nearby amenities: Delta SkyClub, Starbucks, seating
Terminal B – Two locations:
- Near Gate B16:
- Size: Medium
- Best for: All ages 0-6
- Nearby: Multiple restaurants, family restroom
- Retail corridor toward Gates B30-B36:
- Size: Smaller
- Best for: Ages 2-5
- Nearby: Shopping, dining
Terminal C – Before Gate C25:
- Size: Medium/Large
- Best for: Ages 2-6
- Nearby: Restrooms, Shake Shack, JetBlue gates
Pro tips for using Kidport:
- All play areas are post-security only (need a boarding pass)
- Visit 30-45 minutes before boarding to tire kids out
- Weekday mornings are least crowded
- Bring hand wipes for germs
- Don’t let kids eat inside play area so it stays clean for other families
Nursing rooms and Mamava pods at every Logan terminal
Logan Airport nursing rooms are available in every terminal, which is a huge win for breastfeeding mothers flying with babies or pumping parents.
What’s included in Logan Airport nursing rooms
- Private, lockable space
- Changing counter
- Fold down seat for nursing
- Sink or wipes dispenser
- Electrical outlets (most rooms)
- Clean, quiet environment
Traditional nursing rooms:
Terminal A (4 nursing rooms):
- Across from Gate A8
- Near Gate A18, across from Delta Sky Club
- Across from Gate A6
- Across from Gate A17
Terminal B:
- Near Gate B38: Full room with seat, power outlet, sink
Mamava Nursing Pods:
What are Mamava pods? They’re self-contained lactation suites accessed via smartphone app.
Pod features:
- Bench seating for 2
- Fold-down table
- Power outlet and USB port
- Shelf for belongings
- Locked, private space
Mamava pod locations:
- Terminal B: Near Gates B8 and B19
- Terminal C: Near Gate C8
- Terminal E: Near Gate E9
How to use Mamava Pods:
- Download the Mamava app before flying
- Unlock pod through the app
- Session length: Typically 30 minutes max
- Clean up when you’re finished
Important notes:
- All terminals have nursing options (which is a major advantage over many airports!)
- Nursing rooms fill up during peak travel seasons, so plan accordingly
- Rooms and pods can be used for pumping or nursing
- Changing tables are available, but family restrooms may be more spacious
Family restrooms and changing tables at Logan Airport
Logan Airport family restrooms make bathroom breaks with multiple kids or diaper changes much easier than standard restrooms.
Family restroom features:
- Private, single occupancy rooms
- Changing tables
- Space for strollers
- Some include electrical outlets
- Available pre- and post-security in all terminals
Changing table availability:
- All men’s and women’s restrooms have changing tables
- Huge advantage for traveling dads (some airports don’t have this!)
- Mounted at accessible heights
- Generally clean and well-maintained
Pro tips for restrooms with kids:
- Use family restrooms for multiple kids or diaper blowouts
- Standard restrooms are fine for quick potty breaks
- Bring changing pad for extra cleanliness
- Dispose of diapers properly (trash bins available, bring plastic bag to put them in)
Best kid-friendly restaurants at Logan Airport
Logan Airport restaurants for kids range from quick grab-and-go to sit-down meals. Here are the best family dining options at each terminal:
Top kid-friendly restaurants:
Dunkin (all terminals, multiple locations)
Why families love it:
- Boston institution (originated here!)
- Found in every terminal
- Some locations open 24 hours
- Coffee for parents, donuts for kids
- Munchkins are perfect for little hands
- Quick service
Best locations:
- Terminal A: Satellite and main terminal
- Terminal B: Multiple locations, most convenient
- Terminal C: Near gates and play area
Menu highlights for kids: Munchkins, bagels, hash browns
Legal Sea Foods (all terminals):
Why families love it:
- Kid-friendly New England seafood
- One location in each terminal
- Healthier options than fast food
- Boston experience without leaving the airport
- Kids menu available
What to order for kids:
- Fish and chips
- Mac and cheese
- Chicken fingers
- Clam chowder (Boston must-try!)
Wahlburgers (terminals C and E):
Why families love it:
- Casual burger restaurant
- Familiar foods that kids recognize
- Open beginning at 5 a.m. (great for early flights!)
- Open late for evening/night flights
- Full kids menu
Terminal C location:
- Near JetBlue gates
- Close to Kidport play area
- Most convenient for domestic flights
What to order for kids:
- Burgers and fries
- Chicken tenders
- Milkshakes (if time before flight!)
Other family-friendly options:
- Au Bon Pain (Terminals A, B, C): Sandwiches, soups, pastries
- Boston Beer Works (Terminal C): Casual dining, bigger menu
- Pinkberry (Terminal B): Frozen yogurt treat
- Starbucks (multiple terminals): Pastries, drink
Budget tips for airport dining with kids:
- Bring snacks from home (TSA allows baby food and pouches)
- Dunkin offers best value
- Share meals (airport portions are large, and you won’t take anything to go)
- Fill water bottles after security for free
- Pack easy foods in your carry-on
How to navigate Logan Airport with toddlers and young kids
Although it’s a large airport, traveling with toddlers through Logan airport isn’t as stressful or difficult as it might seem. You just need to take a few steps to prepare.Â
TSA security tips for Logan Airport with children
TSA PreCheck at Logan (highly recommended for families)
Why TSA PreCheck is essential with kids:
- Shorter wait times: 15-20 minutes vs. 45-60 minutes standard
- Less stress: More frequent travelers, can keep laptops in bags
- Fewer restrictions: Easier with baby gear, formula, etc.
- Available in all terminals at Logan
- Worth the cost: About $80 for 5 years (many credit cards reimburse and children 17 and under are free with a TSA-approved parent)
How to get TSA PreCheck:
- Apply online at TSA.gov
- Schedule in-person appointment
- Bring documentation
- Receive Known Traveler Number
- Add to airline reservations
What you can bring through security with kids:
- Baby formula/milk: Any amount (exempt from 3.4 oz. rule)
- Breast milk: Any amount (even if not actively nursing)
- Baby food pouches: Reasonable quantities
- Medications: Children’s Tylenol, etc.
- Gel ice packs: For keeping milk/formula cold
Important: Make sure to inform TSA officers about these items for separate screening.
Security checkpoint timing:
- Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours early minimum
- International flights: Arrive 3 hours early
- Summer peak season: Add 30 minutes
- Holiday travel: Add 45-60 minutes
- With TSA PreCheck: Can arrive slightly later, but don’t push it
Each terminal has security checkpoints:
- Open 1 hour before first departure
- All offer TSA PreCheck lanes
- Signage is clear and easy to follow
Tips for smooth security with kids:
- Prepare bins ahead of time
- Put valuables in one bin (easier to track!)
- Keep kids close
- Don’t rush, better to be slow and careful than forget something
- Car seats typically fit best through security machine face down
- Use stroller until last minute, it likely will be screened separately
Stroller and car seat rules at Logan Airport
Strollers and car seats at Logan Airport can be gate-checked for free. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why you should keep your stroller until the gate:
- Helps carry bags, coffee, tired kids
- Provides nap spot during wait time
- Holds jackets, diaper bag, snacks
- Makes walking long terminal distances easier
- Kids can ride vs. walk (meltdown prevention!)
Gate-checking process at Logan:
- Use stroller all the way to gate
- Ask gate agent for gate check tag when you arrive
- Attach tag to stroller
- Collapse stroller before boarding
- Leave at end of jet bridge
- Retrieve from jet bridge upon landing (usually will be waiting for you)
Stroller restrictions:
- Will be checked separately if it doesn’t fit through X-ray machine
- Must collapse for gate-check
- Must be small enough to fit in overhead bin if you bring on board
- No size restrictions for gate-check
Car seat options at Logan Airport:
- Bring on plane: Safest option for young children
- Gate-check: Free, easy, some risk of damage
- Check with luggage: Not recommended—high damage risk
If bringing car seat on plane:
- Child must have own seat (not lap infant)
- Must be FAA-approved (there will be a label on the car seat; you may need to show flight attendants)
- Must fit in an airplane seat
- Bringing your own car seat makes installation easier upon arrival
Pro tips:
- Bring lightweight travel stroller (easier to manage)
- Use stroller bag for gate-check protection
- Take photo of stroller before travel (for damage claims)
- Remove any items before gate-checking
- Consider umbrella stroller vs. full-size
Best travel strollers for Logan:
- Stokke Yoyo (folds small, airplane overhead)
- UPPAbaby G-Luxe (lightweight, one-hand fold)
- Chicco Liteway (budget-friendly)
- Zoe Twin (for multiples)
Best ways to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston with kids
Getting from Logan Airport to Boston with children is easier than many major cities. Downtown is only 3-4 miles away with multiple family-friendly transportation options. Here’s how to choose the best way to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston for your family.
Uber, Lyft and taxi from Logan: Best for families
Rideshare from Logan Airport (Uber/Lyft) is my top recommendation for families with kids. Here’s why:
Why Uber/Lyft is best for families:
- Door-to-door service: No dragging luggage on trains
- Car seat installation: Bring your own, install before departing
- Direct route: 15-25 minutes to most Boston hotels
- Luggage space: Fits stroller, car seats, suitcases
- Predictable cost: Typically $25-40 to downtown
- Easy pickup: Designated rideshare areas in all terminals
Rideshare pickup process at Logan:
- Request ride through app after collecting luggage
- Follow signs to “Rideshare Pickup” (each terminal has designated area)
- Look for app notification with car details
- Install car seat if needed (driver will wait)
- Head to downtown Boston (15-25 minutes depending on traffic)
Rideshare pickup locations:
- Terminal A: Central Parking structure, Level 1
- Terminal B: Ground level
- Terminal C: Arrivals level
- Terminal E: Ground level
Car seat considerations:
- You must provide car seats for children under 8 and under 57″ tall (Massachusetts law)
- Uber Car Seat option (limited availability, extra fee)
- Best option: Bring your own travel car seat
- Practice installation before trip
- Allow 5 minutes for installation
Cost estimates to downtown:
- UberX: $25-35
- Lyft: $25-35
- Surge pricing: Can double during peak times
- Taxi: $30-45 (metered, similar to rideshare)
Taxi advantages:
- Dedicated taxi stands (no app needed)
- Dispatchers available for help
- Accepts credit cards
- Same car seat rules apply
Best time to use rideshare:
- Early morning (less traffic, faster)
- Late evening (post-rush hour)
- Avoid: 4-6pm weekdays (rush hour doubles time)
Pro tips:
- Check surge pricing before requesting
- Compare Uber vs Lyft prices
- Add tip in app
- Take photo of license plate for records
MBTA subway & bus from Logan: Budget-friendly option
Public transportation from Logan Airport offers a budget-friendly alternative to rideshare, but it requires more effort with kids and luggage.
Option 1: MBTA Blue Line (Subway)
How it works:
- Take free Massport shuttle from your terminal to Airport Station (5-10 minutes)
- Board Blue Line subway toward downtown (4 stops to Government Center, 6 stops to State Street)
- Transfer to other lines if needed
- Walk to hotel from nearest station
Massport shuttle:
- Free shuttle bus serving all terminals
- Arrives every 5-10 minutes
- Clearly marked “Blue Line – Airport Station”
- Accommodates strollers and luggage
- 5-10 minute ride to Airport Station
Blue Line subway:
- Cost: $2.40 per adult (kids under 12 free on weekends/holidays)
- Runs 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. weekdays, slightly different weekend hours
- Takes 10-15 minutes to downtown stations
- Connects to Orange, Green, and Red lines
Pros for families:
- Cheapest option ($2.40 vs $30-40 rideshare)
- No traffic delays
- Reliable schedule
- Good option for single traveler or couples without kids
Cons for families:
- More time-consuming (30-45 minutes total)
- Requires carrying luggage and other items further
- May require transfers (complicated with kids, especially tired ones!)
- Not direct to hotel
Option 2: MBTA Silver Line (Bus)
How it works:
- Free bus from all Logan terminals to South Station
- Runs every 10-15 minutes
- Takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic
- Connects to Red Line subway at South Station
Best for:
- Hotels near South Station
- Connecting to Red Line destinations
- More space than Blue Line
Pros: Free, direct from terminals, bus more spacious than subwayÂ
Cons: Subject to traffic, may still require subway transfer
My recommendation? Unless you’re very budget-conscious or staying right near a subway stop, rideshare is worth the extra cost when traveling to Boston with kids.
Should you rent a car at Logan Airport?
Renting a car at Logan Airport is usually unnecessary for families visiting Boston. Here’s why:
Why you DON’T need a car in Boston:
- Extremely walkable city (especially downtown, Back Bay, Seaport)
- Excellent public transit (T subway covers major areas)
- Expensive parking ($40-60 per night at hotels, $35+ daily garages)
- Difficult to navigate (one-way streets, confusing layout)
- Traffic congestion (especially rush hour)
- Car seats required
When you SHOULD rent a car:
- Visiting suburbs (Salem, Lexington, Concord)
- Day trips (Cape Cod, Newport, Maine coast)
- Staying outside downtown
- Traveling with multiple young kids (car gives flexibility)
- Extended trip with varied destinations
If you do rent a car at Logan, here’s the process:
- All major companies: Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National
- Located off-airport (free shuttle from terminals)
- Shuttle signs clearly marked
- Runs every 5-10 minutes
- 5-10 minute ride to rental center
- Allow extra 30-45 minutes vs rideshare
Car seat options:
- Bring your own: FREE, clean, familiar with installation, safer option
- Rent from rental company: $10-15/day (often dirty, old, unknown history)
- Buy cheap seat locally: If staying long-term
My recommendation: Renting a car is best for families planning day trips or staying in the suburbs. If you rent a car, bring your own car seat. And if you’re staying in downtown Boston, skip the car!
Best hotels near Logan Airport for families
Hotels near Logan Airport work perfectly for early morning flights (departures before 7 a.m.) or late night arrivals (after 9 p.m.) when getting kids to bed quickly is a priority.
Hilton Boston Logan Airport
book now
Why it’s best for families:
- Directly connected to terminals: Has a walkway to Terminal A and E
- No shuttle needed: Huge advantage with kids!
- Sound-insulated rooms: Surprisingly quiet despite airport location
- Family amenities: Indoor pool, cribs on request, rollaway beds
- On-site dining: Restaurant with kids options, room service
- Convenient for early flights: Wake up, walk to terminal
Room types for families:
- Standard rooms: 1 king or 2 doubles
- Connecting rooms available
- Suites with separate sleeping areas
- Cribs free (request at booking)
Rates: $200-350/night (higher during peak season)
Best for:
- Very early morning departures (5-7 a.m. flights)
- Late night arrivals with tired kids
- Overnight connections
- Maximum convenience over price
Drawback: Expensive for what you get; only worth it for timing convenience
Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
Book now
Why families love it:
- Free shuttle service to all Logan terminals (every 15-20 minutes)
- Waterfront location with harbor views
- More spacious rooms than Hilton
- Good dining options: On-site restaurant, harborside location
- Boat watching: Lots of harbor activity for kids to watch!
- Competitive pricing: Often cheaper than Hilton
Family amenities:
- Fitness center
- Kid-friendly restaurant
- Cribs and rollaway beds
- Spacious rooms
- Quieter than Hilton (not attached to airport)
Shuttle details:
- Runs 24 hours
- 5-10 minute ride to terminals
- Accommodates luggage and strollers
- Arrives every 15-20 minutes
Rates: $180-300/night
Best for:
- Families wanting better value
- Arrivals after 8pm
- Those who want quieter, more relaxing hotel
When to skip airport hotels:
- If flight is after 9am. Stay downtown instead
- If spending multiple nights. It’s not a walkable, kid-friendly location
- If on a budget. You can usually find a downtown hotel at a similar price.
Pro tip: Airport hotels make sense for one night only before early flight or after late arrival. For longer stays, downtown Boston hotels offer a better experience for families.
Best Boston neighborhoods to stay with kids after flying into Logan
Where to stay in Boston with kids depends on your priorities. These three neighborhoods offer the best family-friendly hotels with easy access to Logan Airport.
Back Bay Hotels for Families
Best for: Central location, high-end hotels, shoppingÂ
Why families love Back Bay:
- Walking distance to: Boston Public Garden, Common, Newbury Street
- Near attractions: Prudential Center, Copley Square, Swan Boats
- Easy from Logan: 20 minutes by car, 25 minutes by Blue Line + walk
- Fenway Park nearby: Red Sox games for baseball-loving families
- Safe, beautiful neighborhood: Tree-lined streets, brownstones
- Excellent restaurants: Both upscale and kid-friendly
Best family hotels in Back Bay:
- Fairmont Copley Plaza: Historic, elegant, family suites available
- Sheraton Boston: Indoor pool, near Prudential Center
- The Colonnade Hotel: Rooftop pool (seasonal), spacious rooms
- Charlesmark Hotel: Boutique, affordable, near Public Garden
Family-friendly features:
- Hotel pools (Sheraton, Colonnade)
- Connecting rooms at most hotels
- Walking distance to parks
- Near T stations for easy transit
Rates: $250-500+/night
Best for:
- Access to parks and playgrounds
- Families wanting luxury
- First-time Boston visitors because it’s so central
- Families who want to do some shopping (Newbury Street, Prudential Center)
Search Back Bay hotels
Seaport District Hotels for Families
Best for: Modern hotels, waterfront, children’s museum
Why families love Seaport:
- Newer hotels: Many built 2015+, modern design, spacious rooms
- Near Boston Children’s Museum: Walk to a great kids attraction
- Waterfront location: Harbor views, fresh air, walking paths
- Stroller-friendly streets: Wide sidewalks, less crowded than downtown
- Easy from Logan: 15 minutes by car, direct Silver Line bus
- Trendy restaurants: Lots of new dining options
Best family hotels in Seaport:
- Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport: Pool, large rooms, near museum
- The Westin Boston Seaport District: Modern, spacious, good value
- Renaissance Boston Seaport Hotel: Connecting rooms, near convention center
- Aloft Boston Seaport District: Budget-friendly, modern, trendy
Family-friendly features:
- Larger rooms than downtown hotels
- Many with pools
- Near Children’s Museum and waterfront parks
- Less hectic than downtown
- Easier parking (if you rent a car)
Rates: $200-400/night
Best for:
- Families with young kids (Children’s Museum proximity)
- Those wanting space (newer hotels = bigger rooms)
- Waterfront lovers
- Modern hotel preference
Search Seaport District hotels
Downtown & Beacon Hill With Kids
Why families love Downtown/Beacon Hill:
- Walk to everything: Public Garden, New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, Freedom Trail
- Classic Boston experience: Cobblestone streets, historic buildings
- Easy from Logan: 15-20 minutes by car, 25 minutes by Blue Line
- Most attractions nearby: Minimize transportation with kids
- Plenty of dining: Every cuisine imaginable
- Safe, tourist-friendly: Well-lit, lots of families
Best family hotels:
- Omni Parker House: Historic, downtown location, connecting rooms
- Boston Marriott Long Wharf: Waterfront, near Aquarium, pool
- The Bostonian Boston: Boutique, Faneuil Hall location
- InterContinental Boston: Luxury waterfront, near aquarium
Family-friendly features:
- Walk to New England Aquarium
- Near Public Garden and Common
- Close to children’s attractions
- Lots of restaurant choices
Considerations:
- Can be crowded in summer due to peak tourist season
- Historic buildings mean smaller rooms (less space than Seaport)
- More expensive than other neighborhoods
- Cobblestone streets harder with strollers
Rates: $250-500+/night
Best for:
- Families wanting walkability
- History enthusiasts
- First-time visitors
- Short stays (maximize attraction access)
Search Downtown and Beacon Hill hotels
Essential tips for flying into Logan Airport with kids
What to Pack in Your Carry-On for Logan Airport
What to pack in your carry-on for Logan Airport can make or break your arrival experience.
Essential carry-on items:
- Snacks: TSA-approved pouches, crackers, fruit (bring more snacks than you think you’ll need!)
- Entertainment: Tablets loaded with shows, favorite toys, books
- Change of clothes: For kids AND parents (even if you’re out of diaper/potty training, spills happen!)
- Diapers/wipes: Also more than you think you need
- Empty water bottles: Fill them after security to save money
- Medications: Children’s Tylenol, any prescriptions
- Comfort items: Favorite blanket, stuffed animal
- Chargers: Fully charged devices and backup battery
- Documents: Printed confirmations (just in case!)
Logan-specific recommendations:
- Bring your stroller to the gate. Don’t check with luggage.
- Bring car seat if using Uber/taxi (need for kids under 8)
- Layer clothing (terminals and airplanes can be cold!)
- Bring small bills for tips, vending machines
For complete details, check out my toddler carry-on packing list.Â
Best time to fly into Logan Airport with kids
Time of day:
- Early morning (6-9 am): Least crowded, shorter security lines, good if your kids are early risers
- Late evening (after 8 pm): Quieter, good for getting kids to bed quickly
- AVOID: Midday (11 am-3 pm): Peak crowds, longest waits, which can lead to cranky kids
Day of week:
- Tuesday-Thursday: Least busy days
- AVOID: Friday afternoon, Sunday evening: Business traveler rush
Season:
- Best: September-November, March-May: Moderate crowds, good weather
- Busiest: June-August: Peak summer tourism season
- Quiet: January-February: Fewest crowds but could experience winter weather delays
Holiday considerations:
- Thanksgiving week: Busiest travel week of year
- Christmas/New Year: Very busy, expensive
- Spring break: Crowded, book early
- Columbus Day weekend: Peak fall foliage, busy
Pro tip: Early morning flights with kids require a brutal wake-up but offer quickest airport experience. It’s worth it if your kids are early risers, excited to fly, or will sleep in car/plane.
What to do if your flight is delayed at Logan Airport
Free activities:
- Kidport play areas (Terminals A, B, C)
- Burn energy before your rebooked flight
- Free entertainment
- Better than gate seating
- Window plane watching
- Find an empty gate with good views
- Watch planes taxi, take off, land
- Engaging for preschool-age kids
- Terminal exploring
- Walk between connected terminals (B and C)
- Look for art installations
- Window shop
Paid activities:
- Airport lounges (if credit card access)
- Free food and drinks
- Quieter environment
- Comfortable seating
- Many accept Priority Pass
- Kids meals at restaurants
- Legal Sea Foods: Comfortable seating, fish and chips
- Wahlburgers: Familiar burgers
- Dunkin: Quick, affordable
- Entertainment purchases
- Terminal shops sell toys, books
- Download new movies/shows on tablets
- Buy coloring books, small toys
Delay survival tips:
- Use airline app for updates. You can leave your gate area and these are often faster than gate updates.Â
- Ask gate agent about meal vouchers. Sometimes these will be offered for long delays.Â
- Find quieter gates away from your departure gate
- Rotate activities every 30 minutes
- Save tablet time for desperate moments
- Pack extra snacks (this is one of the times we frequently run out!)
- Stay positive. Kids totally feed off your stress.Â
When to leave the airport:
- Check rebooking options. There may even be options on a different airline.Â
- 4+ hour delays: Consider getting a hotel if one is available
- Overnight delays: Airlines may provide hotel voucher. Make sure to ask!
Frequently asked questions: Logan Airport with kids
Is Logan Airport family-friendly?
Yes! Logan Airport is very family-friendly with Kidport play areas in three terminals, nursing rooms in every terminal, family restrooms, and kid-friendly dining options. It ranks among the best East Coast airports for families.
Does Logan Airport have a play area?
Yes! Logan has Kidport play areas in Terminals A, B (two locations), and C. These free play spaces are designed for ages 0-6 and located post-security. Terminal E does not have a play area.
How long does it take to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston?
15-25 minutes by car (Uber/taxi), 25-35 minutes by public transit (MBTA Blue Line or Silver Line). Distance is only 3-4 miles but traffic affects timing significantly.
Are there nursing rooms at Logan Airport?
Yes! Every terminal has nursing rooms or Mamava nursing pods. Terminal A has four nursing rooms. Terminals B, C, and E have Mamava pods accessed via smartphone app. All are private, clean, and include seating and outlets.
What is the best way to get from Logan to Boston with kids?
Uber or Lyft is best for families with young children. It’s direct (15-25 minutes), allows car seat installation, and costs $25-40. Public transit is cheaper ($2.40) but difficult with strollers and luggage.
Should I rent a car at Logan Airport?
No, unless planning day trips outside Boston. Downtown Boston is very walkable, parking is expensive ($40-60/night), and public transit is excellent. Uber/Lyft from airport plus walking works better for most families.
Where should I stay near Logan Airport with kids?
For airport proximity: Hilton Logan (connected to terminals) or Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor (free shuttle).Â
For exploring Boston: Stay in Seaport District (modern, near Children’s Museum), Back Bay (central, elegant), or Downtown (walking distance to main attractions).
Does Logan Airport have family restrooms?
Yes! All terminals have family restrooms both pre- and post-security with changing tables and space for strollers. Additionally, all standard restrooms (including men’s rooms) have changing tables.
Can I gate check my stroller at Logan Airport?
Yes! You can use your stroller all the way to the gate, then gate check it for free. Request a gate check tag from the gate agent, leave the stroller at the jet bridge, and retrieve it upon landing.
Is TSA PreCheck worth it for families flying through Logan?
Absolutely! TSA PreCheck significantly reduces security wait times at Logan (15-20 min vs 45-60 min). You can keep shoes on, laptops in bags, and move through faster with kids. Costs $78 for 5 years and many credit cards reimburse the fee.
What restaurants at Logan Airport are good for kids?
Best kid-friendly restaurants: Dunkin (every terminal, quick and affordable), Legal Sea Foods (Boston seafood experience with kids menu), and Wahlburgers (Terminals C and E, burgers and fries). All have high chairs and familiar foods kids recognize.
How early should I arrive at Logan Airport with kids?
2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international flights. Add 30 minutes during summer peak season or holidays. With TSA PreCheck, you can arrive slightly later but don’t cut it too close.
Traveling through Logan Airport with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper preparation, it can actually be smooth and even enjoyable. From understanding the family-focused amenities inside the terminals (Kidport play areas, nursing rooms, family restrooms) to picking the best transportation option for your family and choosing the right Boston neighborhood to stay, your trip can start off on the right foot.
Boston’s Logan International Airport offers thoughtful touches like children’s play spaces, kid-friendly restaurants, and stroller-friendly facilities that help families stay comfortable. Whether you’re catching an Uber to downtown Boston, taking advantage of the MBTA public transit, or heading straight to a family-friendly hotel near the airport, planning ahead makes all the difference.
So take a deep breath, pack those snacks and favorite toys, review this guideand remember: with the right tips and a little preparation, flying into Logan Airport with children can be a stress-free start to your Boston family adventure.Â
Ready to explore Boston? Check out my guide to the best things to do in Boston with preschoolers, or browse my complete Boston with kids travel guide for comprehensive planning help.
