Traveling with Kids Through Chicago Airports
Quick Answer
For stress-free family travel through Chicago airports, arrive 2.5-3 hours early for domestic flights with children. Both O'Hare and Midway offer family restrooms, nursing rooms, and play areas. Professional black car services provide complimentary car seats and help with luggage, eliminating the car seat hassle at the airport.
Timing Your Arrival with Children
Traveling with kids requires extra buffer time. Here's what we recommend based on age:
| Child's Age | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 2.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Toddlers (1-3 years) | 3 hours | 4 hours |
| Young Children (4-7) | 2.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Older Kids (8+) | 2 hours | 3 hours |
Pro Tip: Toddlers need the most buffer time. They may have meltdowns, need diaper changes, or refuse to stay in the security line. Plan for the unexpected.
Family-Friendly Amenities at O'Hare
Nursing Rooms & Family Restrooms
- Terminal 1: Nursing room near Gate B22, family restroom at B7
- Terminal 2: Nursing room near Gate E6, family restroom at F8
- Terminal 3: Nursing room at G Gates, family restroom at H6 and K10
- Terminal 5: Nursing room at Gate M7, family restroom at M12
Kids' Play Areas
- "Kids on the Fly": Interactive play area in Terminal 2, pre-security
- Observation Deck: Terminal 2 parking garage rooftop - watch planes take off
- Brachiosaurus Skeleton: Terminal 1 - kids love posing with "Butch"
Family-Friendly Amenities at Midway
Midway is smaller and often easier for families:
- Nursing Room: Located in Concourse B past security
- Family Restrooms: Available in all concourses
- Kids Activities: Interactive kiosks near gate areas
- Compact Layout: Less walking between gates
TSA Tips for Families
- TSA PreCheck: Kids 12 and under can use PreCheck with enrolled parents. Worth every penny.
- Formula & Breast Milk: Allowed in quantities over 3.4oz. Declare at screening.
- Strollers: Collapse at security, gate-check for the plane. Bring a bag for the wheels.
- Car Seats: Free to check, but consider a travel bag for protection.
- Shoes: Kids under 12 don't have to remove shoes.
The Car Seat Challenge
Car seats are one of the biggest pain points for family travel. Here are your options:
Option 1: Bring Your Own Car Seat
- Install in-flight for FAA-approved seats (safest for kids under 40 lbs)
- Gate-check if not using on plane
- Cons: Heavy, awkward, may get damaged in cargo
Option 2: Rent at Destination
- Car rental add-on ($10-15/day)
- Cons: Quality varies, installation falls on you
Option 3: Professional Black Car Service with Car Seat
- Complimentary car seats pre-installed
- Driver assists with luggage while you handle kids
- No wrestling with seat installations at curbside
- Infant, toddler, and booster seats available
Why Families Choose Black Car Service
- No rushing to find rideshare with car seat
- Driver waiting at arrivals, not circling
- Spacious SUVs accommodate strollers and luggage
- Fixed pricing - no surge after delayed flight
- Kids can relax in comfort after long flights
Kid-Friendly Food Options
O'Hare Top Picks for Kids
- McDonald's: Terminals 1, 2, 3, 5 - familiar favorites
- Garrett Popcorn: Terminal 3 - great snack for the flight
- Nuts on Clark: Terminal 1 - candy and treats
- Publican Tavern: Terminal 3 - upscale but kid-friendly menu
Midway Top Picks for Kids
- Gold Coast Dogs: Classic Chicago hot dogs
- Potbelly: Sandwiches and cookies
- Garrett Popcorn: Chicago Mix is always a hit
Packing Checklist for Family Travel
Carry-On Essentials
- Change of clothes per child
- Diapers + wipes (extra for delays)
- Snacks in ziplock bags
- Entertainment (tablets, books)
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Comfort item (blanket, stuffed animal)
Documentation
- Birth certificates for lap infants
- ID for kids with separate tickets
- Medical consent if traveling solo
- Insurance cards
- Emergency contact list
Final Tips from Seasoned Family Travelers
- Early Flights: Kids are usually better behaved in the morning. Worth the early wake-up.
- Direct Flights: Layovers with kids are exhausting. Pay extra for direct when possible.
- Pre-Board: Families with young children can pre-board on most airlines.
- Walk the Terminal: Burn off energy before boarding. Kids need to move.
- Expect Delays: Build in buffer time at every step. Rushing creates stress.
Family-Friendly Airport Transportation
Complimentary car seats. Spacious SUVs. Driver waiting at arrivals. Make airport travel easier for everyone.