Flying with kids is stressful enough without a confusing airport, and Indianapolis International Airport keeps things simple. The single Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal has just two short concourses joined behind security, so walks to the gate are manageable even with little legs, strollers, and carry-ons. The bright, open Civic Plaza gives kids room to stretch before security, and there are dedicated nursing rooms on both sides of the checkpoint. Here is what families need to know.
If you are planning a trip and need a guide to indianapolis airport with kids — nursing rooms, family security tips, and ways to keep little travelers happy — here it is.
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Photo: Another Believer, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Nursing and Lactation Rooms
IND has three private nursing rooms on the main level of the terminal. Room 09T.303A is pre-security, near ticket island #8 on the north side of the ticketing hall by Southwest Airlines. Past security, Room 04A.303 is on Concourse A across from Harry & Izzy’s near the International Arrivals area, and Room 04B.303 is on Concourse B across from Gate B5 near Tinker Coffee. A call button outside each room gives you access, and the rooms can be locked from the inside for privacy. Each has a comfortable chair, a table, and electrical outlets for pumps; the post-security rooms are larger with partitions for shared use. Nursing mothers should know TSA’s breast milk rules: breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces is allowed through the checkpoint as long as it is declared for inspection. If you need help finding a room, Guest Services can be reached at 317-487-7243.
Keeping Kids Entertained
To be honest: IND does not have a dedicated children’s play area that we could verify, so plan to make your own fun. The good news is the terminal helps. The concourses are lined with art exhibits and murals, the Civic Plaza’s huge windows are made for planespotting, and there is a toy store in the terminal for emergency entertainment or forgotten favorites. Free WiFi throughout the terminal keeps tablets streaming, and the two sensory rooms — one on each concourse — double as calm retreats if a child gets overstimulated.
Getting Through Security with Children
Give yourself extra time, especially for flights departing between 6 and 8 a.m., the busiest window at IND. Children 12 and under can keep their shoes on at the checkpoint, and strollers go through the X-ray belt folded. Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are allowed in reasonable quantities — just declare them to the TSA officer. If a parent or guardian has TSA PreCheck, kids 12 and under can use the PreCheck lane with them.
Family-Friendly Food and Practical Tips
Both concourses have restaurants ranging from sit-down spots to quick coffee and snacks, plus options in Civic Plaza before security — handy if you arrive early. Bring more snacks than you think you need, and an empty water bottle to refill after the checkpoint. Restrooms throughout the terminal include accessible stalls with extra room for strollers and bags.
Photo: Another Believer, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Make Your IND Journey Easier with AirportGo
AirportGo is built for the whole airport journey, not just the gate. Before your flight, use the packing checklist and trip tasks so nothing gets forgotten. During your trip, search the airport directory for gates, food, restrooms, and ATMs, follow step-by-step walking navigation to your gate, and keep an eye on TSA checkpoint times. After you land, the find-my-car feature uses your saved parking photo and location to walk you right back to your vehicle. It even works offline without internet, so a spotty connection won’t slow you down. The app is available now on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Contact: airportgoofficial@gmail.com