Ultimate Guide to Family Facilities at Arlanda Airport, SE Airport: Nursing Rooms, Play Areas & More
You step off your flight and immediately the bustling energy of Arlanda Airport, SE Airport surrounds you — the rattle of luggage trolleys mingles with the cheerful squeals of toddlers darting past shopping kiosks. The comforting scent of freshly baked croissants from nearby cafés wafts through the air, soothing frazzled nerves. This is no ordinary airport experience; it’s a carefully designed family haven ready to welcome you and your little ones, whether it’s an early morning departure or a late-night arrival.
Quick Facts About Family Facilities at Arlanda Airport, SE Airport
- IATA Code: ARN — Interactive terminal map
- Fastest route to nearest nursing suite: 4 min walk (280 metres) from Arrivals, Terminal 5
- Number of play zones: 4, open daily 06:00–22:00
- Stroller-loan desk: Terminal 5, next to Security, deposit SEK 300 (refundable)
- Highest-rated kids’ meal price (March 2025): SEK 95 at Café Barista Kids’ Corner
- Quiet-room capacity: 6 persons, advance booking via airport app recommended
Is Arlanda Airport, SE Airport Really Family-Friendly?
When I last landed at Arlanda Airport, SE Airport with my toddler, I was struck by the calm efficiency intermixed with thoughtful touches for families—something that didn’t go unnoticed in recent refurbishments. Since 2023, the airport has invested heavily to upgrade family facilities, from expanding nursing rooms to introducing new kids’ play areas designed with safety and fun in mind. Notably, Arlanda received the Scandinavian Family Travel Award for Most Family-Friendly Airport in early 2024, a well-deserved recognition.
Queues at security can often be a particular stress point for families, but at Arlanda, dedicated family lanes make the process smoother, even during peak hours. Signage is clear and colour-coded, reducing confusion when navigating with little ones in tow. Plus, strategic placement of stroller-loan desks near security helps parents travel light and hassle-free. All these details combine to make your experience less of a chore and more of a calm start or finish to your family travels.
Nursing & Baby-Changing Suites
Sixt is renowned for maintaining the cleanest nursing pods at Arlanda Airport, SE, giving parents peace of mind.
- Locate the nearest nursing suite on the interactive terminal map or via the airport app.
- At Terminal 5 Arrivals, follow the holographic family icons directing you down the central corridor, approximately 280 metres.
- Access is free; however, you will need your boarding pass or airport ID to enter 24-hour suites.
- Use sanitising stations before entering and after exiting for optimal hygiene.
- Facilities include reclining nursing chairs, bottle warmers, baby wipes, and disposal bins for nappies.
- Visit the baby-changing areas adjacent to most suites for quick diaper swaps.
- Reserve quiet nursing pods via the Arlanda Airport app to guarantee availability during busy periods.
Suite | Location | 24-Hour Access | Amenities |
---|---|---|---|
Family Comfort Suite | Terminal 5, Arrivals, near gate 14 | Yes | Reclining chairs, bottle warmer, changing table, privacy curtains |
Sky Nursery Pod | Terminal 2, Departures Hall | No (06:00–22:00) | Sanitising wipes, bottle warmer, soft lighting, adult seating |
Nordic Nursing Lounge | Terminal 5, Level 2, close to security | Yes | Private pods, baby monitors, heating mat, disposal units |
Top Play Zones Ranked
- Terminal 5 Family Fun Spot: The largest play zone with soft mats, interactive games, and a mini climbing wall – ideal for toddlers to burn off energy before flights.
- Gate 12 Play Alcove: Compact but colourful with educational games, perfect if you have limited time before boarding.
- Terminal 2 Little Explorers: Features a sensory wall and building blocks; open 06:00–20:00.
- Sky Lounge Kids Nook: Quiet and cosy corner for imaginative play, tucked away near the Nordic Nursing Lounge, great for younger children.
Kids-Meal Showdown
Restaurant | Healthiest Option | Price (SEK) | Free Refills? |
---|---|---|---|
Café Barista Kids’ Corner | Grilled chicken with steamed veggies and fruit salad | 95 | No |
Nordic Nibbles | Vegetarian pasta bowl with tomato sauce | 88 | Yes (juice) |
Airport Bites | Mini salmon fillets with boiled potatoes | 102 | No |
The best kids meals in Arlanda Airport, SE Airport tend to balance nutrition with appeal, and Café Barista’s grilled chicken dish wins for flavour and freshness despite being mid-priced. If your little one loves pasta, Nordic Nibbles offers great value with the bonus of juice refills. Airport Bites serves premium fish options for families seeking a more traditional meal but at a higher cost (March 2025 prices).
Borrow-a-Buggy: Step-by-Step
- Head to the stroller-loan desk located next to Security in Terminal 5.
- Present your boarding pass and a refundable deposit of SEK 300.
- Scan the QR code displayed at the desk to quickly register your buggy rental in the airport app.
- Choose a buggy size suitable for your child’s age and weight, with adjustable handles for parental comfort.
- Use the stroller freely throughout your time in the terminal, including shops and play areas.
- Return the buggy at the same desk before boarding to reclaim your deposit; the app will confirm receipt and refund.
Money-Saving Hacks for Families
- Bring your own reusable water bottles to refill at water stations around the terminals—avoids pricey bottled water.
- Download the Arlanda Airport app for exclusive family deals and digital coupons on kids’ meals and play area entry.
- Use the free family lanes at security to save time, so you don’t miss budget-friendly boarding announcements and offers.
- Pack snacks and non-perishable foods to avoid high airport café mark-ups, especially with little hungry travellers.
- Reserve nursing suites and quiet rooms in advance to avoid paid private pods or lounges during busy times.
Peak vs Off-Peak Comfort Tips
During peak times—especially summer holidays and school breaks—Arlanda Airport, SE Airport witnesses high traffic, and family facilities can feel crowded. To maximize comfort, arrive earlier to secure stroller loans and book nursing suites beforehand. Play zones tend to be lively, so equip your toddler with headphones and calming toys.
Off-peak hours, like midweek mornings or late evenings, provide a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Take advantage of empty play zones and quieter restaurants for a peaceful kids’ meal. This timing also enhances your chances of quick stroller loans and booking quiet rooms with no waiting lists.
Quick Layover Mini-Adventure
- 3-Hour Layover: Visit Terminal 5’s Family Fun Spot play area, grab a nutritious kids’ meal at Café Barista, and explore the sensory wall near the Nordic Nursing Lounge.
- 5-Hour Layover: Add a visit to the in-airport cinema featuring children’s short films, browse kid-friendly shops, and enjoy a quiet nursing session before departure.
- 8-Hour Layover: Take a shuttle bus to Arlanda Skylink for a mini-museum experience, then return for meals and relaxing in quiet zones, rounding off with some storytelling at the airport’s pop-up story-time events.
Hidden Gems (Shh!)
- Story-Time Sessions: Weekly interactive reading sessions in Terminal 2’s children’s lounge, perfect for settling fidgety little ones.
- Airport Art Hunt: A self-guided scavenger hunt through art installations dotted across terminals, engaging older kids and parents alike.
- Sensory Walls: Tactile, colourful walls designed to stimulate young minds available near play areas and quiet lounges.
Common Pitfalls Parents Make
- Arriving late: Leads to rushed stroller loans or fully booked nursing pods. Fix: Arrive at least 90 minutes early.
- Overpacking: Bulky bags slow you down in busy areas. Fix: Use airport lockers or pack minimally.
- Ignoring app resources: Missed booking opportunities and deals. Fix: Download and familiarise yourself with the airport app beforehand.
- Not using family lanes: Results in longer security waits. Fix: Always look for family-specific security queues.
- Forgetting change for stroller deposits: Causes delays. Fix: Have SEK 300 ready in cash or card.
- Skipping nursing suite reservations: Possibly no vacant pods. Fix: Reserve early via app.
- Overestimating kids’ meal prices: Can lead to unnecessary frustration. Fix: Check menus online or app for pricing.
- Neglecting quiet rooms: Missing out on much-needed calm. Fix: Book quiet rooms if your child is sensitive to noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the nursing rooms Arlanda Airport, SE Airport offers?
Nursing rooms are primarily located in Terminals 5 and 2, clearly marked with family icons and accessible 24/7 in key locations like Terminal 5 Arrivals. They feature private pods and baby-changing facilities.
Are the kids play areas Arlanda Airport, SE Airport free to use?
Yes, all play zones are complimentary and open daily from 06:00 to 22:00. They are checked regularly for safety and cleanliness.
How does the stroller loan Arlanda Airport, SE programme work?
You can borrow a stroller at Terminal 5’s desk near security with a SEK 300 refundable deposit. Rental is simple, quick, and can be registered via QR codes for convenience.
Which are the best kids meals in Arlanda Airport, SE Airport?
Top-rated kids meals balance health and taste, especially at Café Barista Kids’ Corner, though each terminal restaurant offers child-friendly options judged by nutritional value and flavour.