Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the operator of Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia, has partnered with space agency NASA to open a new children’s play area in Concourse B.
The Kids’ FunWay offers a safe play area for children filled with climbing attractions inspired by aviation-themed structures. The centerpiece of the play area is Tommy Tower, which has been modeled after Dulles International’s historic air traffic control tower. A kid-sized statue of Orville the Squirrel, named after Orville Wright of the Wright Brothers, welcomes children as they enter. Additional play area elements include two futuristic jets, climbing luggage and tires. The Orville character and two aircraft elements are on loan from the aeronautics research public engagement group at NASA. Additionally, youngsters will be able to use the interactive ‘Play Me’ video game console, loaded with over 100 games in six languages.
The Kids’ FunWay also includes seating for parents, shoe cubbies and USB/plug-in charging stations just outside the area. The interior walls are decorated with kid-friendly educational facts about airplanes and aviation. The play area is open to children no more than 42in in height and younger than 12 years old.
Image courtesy of Dulles International/J David Buerk
