Flying from Heathrow with children? Every terminal now has a free Stay & Play area after security, plus baby changing facilities, free Wi-Fi and places to eat. Use this guide to find the best place to play, eat and recharge before your flight.
Restaurants, lounges and shop locations can change, so it is worth checking Heathrow’s live terminal guide before you travel.
- Before you leave home
- Terminal 2 with children
- Terminal 3 with children
- Terminal 4 with children
- Terminal 5 with children
- Emergency shopping and airport essentials
- Family FAQs
Before you leave home
A little planning goes a long way when you are travelling with children. Heathrow recommends checking your airline’s rules for pushchairs, car seats and baby bags, allowing extra time for check-in and security, and downloading the Heathrow app for live flight updates, maps and directions.
- Security is simpler than it used to be: at Heathrow, liquids and large electronics can usually stay in your cabin bag.
- Baby food and milk are allowed: take enough baby food, prepared baby milk, sterilised water and expressed breast milk for the journey, although security staff may still need to screen them.
- Pushchairs usually go to the gate: most airlines let you use your pushchair in the terminal and hand it over at the gate, but always check your airline’s policy first.
- Fast Track is optional: if you want a quicker route through security, you can pre-book Heathrow Fast Track.
- Public transport can work well for families: Heathrow Express is step-free and children aged 15 and under travel free with a paying adult.
- Driving instead? Compare terminal-specific parking, hotels and lounges with APH before you set off.
Read Heathrow’s family travel advice | Check Heathrow security rules | Pre-book Heathrow Fast Track | Compare Heathrow parking and hotels with APH
Terminal 2 with children
Terminal 2 is a good choice for families who want clear facilities and a simple plan. There are two play areas after security, so it is easier to keep children entertained even if you are flying from a satellite gate.
- Play areas: Stay & Play areas after security near Gate A16 on Level 4 and near Gate B46 on Level 1.
- Where to eat: Shan Shui is a strong family option if you want a sit-down meal, and Heathrow highlights it as a current Terminal 2 restaurant. During school holidays, kids eat free at participating Heathrow restaurants when an adult buys a main meal.
- Need a lounge? Heathrow currently lists Plaza Premium and No1 Lounge in Terminal 2.
- Closest overnight stay: Aerotel is within walking distance of Terminal 2 via the Terminal 2 and 3 complex.
- Plan your journey: Open the Heathrow Terminal 2 guide
- Book with APH: Compare APH Terminal 2 parking, hotels and lounges
Terminal 3 with children
Terminal 3 is a good fit if you want a straightforward family food option and a simple post-security play stop. Heathrow’s current maps show the family play area on Upper Departures after security.
- Play area: Stay & Play after security on Upper Departures.
- Where to eat: Giraffe is one of Heathrow’s clearest family-friendly restaurant picks, with a children’s menu and a broad all-day menu.
- Need a lounge? Heathrow currently lists Club Aspire and No1 lounges in Terminal 3 departures.
- Closest overnight stay: Aerotel in Terminal 3 Arrivals is the handiest overnight option for an early flight.
- Plan your journey: Open the Heathrow Terminal 3 guide
- Book with APH: Compare APH Terminal 3 parking, hotels and lounges
Terminal 4 with children
Terminal 4 gives families a solid mix of practical facilities and a useful bonus for aviation-mad children: Heathrow says there is a dedicated viewing area after security.
- Play area: Stay & Play after security near Gates 15 and 16 on Level 2.
- Where to eat: Co-Pilots Bar & Kitchen is a current family-friendly option with a dedicated children’s menu.
- Need a lounge? Heathrow currently recommends Plaza Premium in Terminal 4.
- Closest overnight stay: Hilton is the nearest terminal hotel and is linked to Terminal 4 by a covered walkway.
- Bonus tip: If you have time after security, head for the viewing area and let the children watch aircraft movements before boarding.
- Plan your journey: Open the Heathrow Terminal 4 guide
- Book with APH: Compare APH Terminal 4 parking, hotels and lounges
Terminal 5 with children
Terminal 5 remains one of the easiest Heathrow terminals to use with children thanks to its current play area, strong food choice and good lounge options. It is also worth remembering that the satellite gates can be a fun plane-spotting stop for children who love aircraft.
- Play area: Stay & Play after security near Gate A2 on Level 2.
- Where to eat: Giraffe is a reliable family pick in Terminal 5, with a dedicated children’s menu and all-day choices for adults.
- Need a lounge? Heathrow currently lists Club Aspire and Plaza Premium in Terminal 5, along with Be Relax Spa treatments.
- Closest overnight stay: Sofitel is the nearest hotel for Terminal 5.
- Bonus tip: If your flight departs from a satellite gate, the journey out can double as a simple plane-spotting distraction.
- Plan your journey: Open the Heathrow Terminal 5 guide
- Book with APH: Compare APH Terminal 5 parking, hotels and lounges
Emergency shopping and airport essentials
If you need nappies, wipes, snacks, medicine, a charging cable or a last-minute activity for the flight, keep the interactive images below. They work well as visual guides, but the key family facts should still stay in the main text of the page so readers can find them quickly.
Family FAQs
Are there play areas in every Heathrow terminal?
Yes. Heathrow says every terminal has a free Stay & Play zone after security for younger children.
Can I take baby milk and food through security?
Yes. Heathrow allows enough baby food, prepared baby milk, sterilised water and expressed breast milk for your journey, although security staff may still need to screen them.
Can I keep my pushchair until the gate?
Usually, yes. Most airlines allow pushchairs to be used in the terminal and taken to the gate, but the final rules depend on your airline.
Is Wi-Fi free at Heathrow?
Yes. Heathrow offers free Wi-Fi for the duration of your stay once you have registered.