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  • August 8, 2025

Travel Hacks for Traveling with Kids: A Look Inside the Terminal

August 8, 2025

Flying with kids soon?  From keeping little ones entertained to ensuring comfort, safety and full tummies, it takes planning and patience. Luckily, at SJC we designed our terminals with families in mind.  

Here’s a look inside for tips, features and hidden gems that make traveling with kids just a bit easier.  

Get the Wiggles out at Zoom Zone

Zoom Zone in Terminal B

Location: Terminal B, between Gate 24 and Gate 25

Zoom Zone is an interactive, kid-friendly play space designed and built by the Children’s Discovery Museum of San José. Designed around the theme of “all things that fly,” it’s a hands-on learning zone where kids can explore how wind, wings and imagination take flight. It’s the perfect pit stop for getting the zoomies out before boarding! 

Discover the Rolling Ball Sculpture

Rolling Ball Sculpture in Terminal A

Location: Terminal A, near Gate 8

This audio-kinetic sculpture by George Rhoads is a fun surprise for kids and adults alike. With colorful balls, spinning wheels and clinking chimes, it’s a creative nod to Silicon Valley innovation. A smaller version lives here at the airport, while the full 16-foot-tall sculpture is on display at the Tech Interactive, a family-friendly museum in the heart of downtown San José.  

Kid-Friendly Eats, Right Inside the Terminal

Eats at SJC

Whether your kid’s a picky eater or a snack lover, SJC’s got you covered with easy, convenient food options located throughout the terminals.  

Dining Spots with Kids’ Menus:  

Other Kid-Friendly Picks: 

Grab-and-Go Snacks:  

Download a Free eBook

eBook sign

Available Throughout the Terminals  

Keep curious minds engaged with a digital book! Thanks to a partnership with the San José Public Library, travelers at SJC can access hundreds of downloadable e-books through our free Pop-up e-Library. No library card or app needed ... just scan the QR codes throughout the terminal to get instant access for up to three weeks. Perfect for reading on the plane or at your destination. 

Meet Our Happy Tails Crew

Kids with SJC Happy Tails animals at SJC

Keep an eye out for furry friends as you explore the terminal! SJC’s Happy Tails program features more than 50 certified therapy animals — including dogs and cats. These volunteer animals and their handlers stop by regularly to help ease travel stress and bring smiles to travelers of all ages.  

While therapy animals don’t follow a set schedule and aren’t guaranteed daily, spotting one during your journey adds a heartwarming surprise to your terminal experience.  

Don’t Miss: Ernie’s Runway  

SJC’s family-friendly fun doesn’t stop in the terminal. Ernie’s Runway is a playful online game that lets kids (and adults!) dress up the airport’s now-famous baby chick mascots — originally launched during SJC’s 75th anniversary celebration.

With over one million outfit combinations, players can customize their own chick with travel-inspired outfits, accessories and backgrounds, then download and share their creations. The game is updated with fun promos and travel-themed prizes, making it a creative way to pass the time before takeoff — or even after your trip is done.

Check it out and see why Ernie + Friends have become fan favorites with families traveling through SJC. 

Ready for Takeoff

From play zones to kid-friendly bites and even surprise visits from therapy animals, SJC is here to help make every family’s journey a little smoother – and a lot more memorable. With all these fun amenities and activities, it’s no surprise that in 2024, the Motherhood Loves Community retailer named SJC one of the Top 10 Terminals for Tots: The Best Airports in the U.S. for Kids.

Safe travels!