Navigating Family Facilities at Malpensa Airport, IT Airport: Your Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Nursing Rooms, Play Areas, Kids Meals & More

Family arrivals at Malpensa Airport, IT Airport

Step into the bustling hum of Malpensa Airport’s terminals, where wheeling trolleys punctuate the steady rhythm of lively toddlers darting between parents and cosy family nooks. The faint, irresistible aroma of freshly baked croissants flutters through the air, mingling with soft giggles echoing from nearby play zones. As you navigate suitcases and strollers, this vibrant scene is your doorway to a travel experience carefully refined to welcome families with open arms.

Quick Facts About Family Facilities at Malpensa Airport, IT Airport

  • IATA code: MXP — explore the interactive terminal map to pinpoint family zones faster.
  • Quickest route: From Arrivals Hall 1 to the nearest nursing suite takes only 4 minutes (approx. 300 metres).
  • Play zones: 3 indoor play areas open daily from 06:00 to 22:00.
  • Stroller-loan desk: Located at Terminal 1, Desk 12; refundable deposit €50.
  • Highest-rated kids’ meal price: €8.90 (March 2025).
  • Quiet-room: Capacity for 8 families; booking via app or info desk recommended.

Is Malpensa Airport, IT Airport Really Family-Friendly?

If you’re wondering whether Malpensa Airport is the right choice for families traveling with young children, the answer is a resounding yes. Recent refurbishments prioritise family comfort—spacious nursing rooms were expanded in 2023, featuring soft lighting and soundproof pods. The airport’s ongoing commitment earned it the “Family Traveller Award 2024” for European airports with excellent family amenities.

Queues at security and check-in desks have also been improved with dedicated family lanes, significantly reducing wait times during peak hours. When I last landed at Malpensa, I was pleasantly surprised how quickly my stroller was checked through, letting my toddler stretch legs in one of the vibrant kids play areas while waiting for boarding.

Overall, the airport strategically maps out family facilities for convenience and peace of mind, so you’re never far from a nursing suite, a play zone, or clean baby-changing stations. This thoughtful design makes Malpensa Airport an excellent choice for parents seeking stress-free travel.

Nursing & Baby-Changing Suites

  1. Locate the nearest nursing suite via the interactive airport app or signage near your arrival terminal.
  2. Access suites is free but requires scanning a QR code to open the door for security.
  3. Use the hygienic and spacious baby-changing tables fully stocked with disposable liners and wipes.
  4. Adjust lighting and temperature controls tailored to infant comfort.
  5. Find comfortable rocking chairs or private pods for discreet nursing.
  6. Sanitise your hands at entrance and exit stations.
  7. If you have questions, family service staff at info desks are happy to assist with directions or offer extra supplies.
Suite Location 24-hour Access Amenities
Terminal 1 – North Wing 3rd Floor, near Gate A12 Yes 3 nursing pods, 2 baby-changing tables, sanitiser stations, temperature control, rocking chairs
Terminal 2 – Main Concourse 2nd Floor, beside Café Bistrot No (06:00–22:00) 4 nursing rooms, 4 changing tables, feeding seat, bottle warmer, ambient sound machine
Arrivals Hall Level 0, near carousel 5 No (07:00–20:00) 1 nursing suite, 2 changing tables, privacy blinds, handwashing area

Top Play Zones Ranked

  1. Terminal 1 Kids Corner (Gate A34) – Brightly coloured with soft mats, interactive wall panels, and small toys to keep toddlers amused while waiting. Open 06:00–22:00.
  2. Terminal 2 Play Garden – A spacious enclosed area with a mini climbing frame and digital drawing wall that stimulates creativity. Staff occasionally host story-time sessions here.
  3. Games Lounge (Level 2, Near Food Court) – Designed for slightly older children, this zone offers tablet-based games and a cosy reading nook for quiet downtime between flights.

Kids-Meal Showdown

Restaurant Healthiest Option Price Free Refill?
La Piadineria Grilled chicken wrap with mixed veggies €7.50 Yes (water only)
McDonald’s Apple slices & 4-piece chicken nuggets €8.90 No
Biò Cucina Naturale Vegetable pasta with tomato sauce €8.20 Yes (juice, water)

Choosing the best kids meals in Malpensa Airport, IT Airport means balancing taste and nutrition. Biò Cucina Naturale stands out for wholesome ingredients without excess salt or sugar, offering free refills on drinks for hydration. McDonald’s remains a popular favourite, especially for its quick service, although the healthiest option is simpler here. La Piadineria’s grilled chicken wrap is a solid middle ground for parents wanting fast food that doesn't compromise on nutrition.

Borrow-a-Buggy: Step-by-Step

  1. Locate the stroller loan desk at Terminal 1, Desk 12, clearly signposted from arrivals and departures.
  2. Present government-issued ID and a €50 deposit (refundable) at the desk.
  3. Scan the displayed QR code to register your loan digitally for swift pickup.
  4. Receive a clean, gently used buggy perfect for infants and toddlers with adjustable seating.
  5. Return buggies within the indicated time slot to the same desk to ensure a full deposit refund.
  6. If you lose your QR code or need help, signal the family services staff for immediate assistance.

Money-Saving Hacks for Families

  • Book nursing rooms in advance using the airport app to secure quieter times and avoid extra charges.
  • Bring your own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce spends on drinks.
  • Use the free kids play zones to keep children entertained without resorting to expensive entertainment.
  • Opt for stroller loan instead of expensive checked baggage fees for bulky baby gear.
  • Choose healthier kids meals that come with free refills to stretch your euro further at mealtimes.

Peak vs Off-Peak Comfort Tips

Peak times—usually holiday mornings and late afternoons—mean busier corridors and longer waits at family facilities. Arriving at least two hours earlier than usual lets you use nursing rooms and play areas before they fill up.

The family check-in lane can become crowded. Use self-check kiosks to skip queues and save energy for your kids instead.

Pack noise-cancelling headphones or soft toys to soothe toddler nerves amid the hubbub of peak-hour announcements.

Consider reserving a quiet-room through the airport app for a tranquil break when terminals get loud.

Mom soothing baby in quiet room at Malpensa Airport

Quick Layover Mini-Adventure

  • 3-hour layover: Explore the nearby Terminal 1 Kids Corner, snack on light kids meals, and grab a quick coffee while the little ones enjoy playtime.
  • 5-hour layover: After playtime, visit the interactive art installations in Terminal 2, then catch a family movie at the airport’s mini-cinema for relaxing entertainment before your next flight.
  • 8-hour layover: Add a visit to nearby Malpensa Airport’s open-air garden for a breath of fresh air, enjoy an extended meal with healthy children’s options, then return indoors for some quiet reading or nap time in the booking-friendly quiet-room.

Hidden Gems (Shh!)

  • Story-Time Sessions: Quiet corners in Terminal 2 host weekly story-time readings by volunteer educators to engage children aged 2–6.
  • Airport Art Hunt: Engage kids with a creative scavenger hunt exploring colourful murals and sculptures scattered through terminals.
  • Sensory Walls: Tactile, interactive walls near the play zones invite children to explore textures and sounds, promoting mindful play for all ages.

Common Pitfalls Parents Make

  1. Not reserving nursing rooms early – fix: use the airport app or inform staff upon arrival.
  2. Forgetting ID or deposit for stroller loan – fix: keep necessary docs handy to avoid delays.
  3. Relying solely on airport snacks – fix: pack healthy munchies to supplement kids’ meals.
  4. Ignoring family lanes at security – fix: always seek out expedited family check-in lanes.
  5. Overlooking play zone opening hours – fix: plan visits within operating times (06:00–22:00).
  6. Underestimating walking distances – fix: allocate extra time especially with toddlers and luggage.
  7. Not hydrating enough – fix: bring refillable bottles and use water stations.
  8. Missing quiet-room bookings – fix: book in advance to secure space for naps or breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly are the nursing rooms Malpensa Airport, IT Airport located?

Nursing rooms are conveniently positioned in all terminals, prominently near Gate A12 in Terminal 1, beside Café Bistrot in Terminal 2, and near carousel 5 in Arrivals Hall.

Can I bring my own stroller or is stroller loan Malpensa Airport, IT recommended?

Bringing your own stroller is usually best for familiarity, but stroller loan Malpensa Airport, IT is a convenient, budget-friendly option if you want to travel light.

What are the best kids meals in Malpensa Airport, IT Airport for picky eaters?

La Piadineria’s grilled chicken wrap and McDonald’s apple slices are crowd-pleasers, though Biò Cucina Naturale offers a healthy pasta option that many parents prefer.

Do play areas Malpensa Airport, IT Airport require booking?

No, kids play areas at Malpensa are open-access, but they do adhere to opening hours and occasional capacity limits, so plan visits during quieter times for the best experience.

Thanks for Joining This Family-Friendly Journey

Travelling as a family can feel overwhelming, but knowing your way around the family facilities at Malpensa Airport, IT Airport takes the stress out of the equation. Whether you’re nursing, playing, dining, or borrowing a buggy, these well-designed amenities help you focus on what matters most: making memories with your little ones.

Have your own tips or questions? Share them below – and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get the latest family travel updates and insider advice straight to your inbox.

Sunset terminal shot at Malpensa Airport, IT Airport