Your Ultimate Guide to Family Facilities at O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport

Family arrivals at O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport

Picture this: you’ve just landed at O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport, the lively hum of trolleys rolling by fills the concourse. Toddler giggles echo near the brightly lit play zones while the enticing aroma of fresh croissants and brewed coffee drifts through the air. Families hustle with purposeful energy, weaving through terminal spaces designed to make travel easier for little ones and their grown-ups. Whether you’re juggling nappies or hunger pangs, this bustling hub makes it easier to feel settled and prepared before you even take a step outside. As someone who’s navigated these halls with kids in tow, the airport’s thoughtful family facilities are a welcomed relief.

Quick-Facts: Family Facilities at O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport

IATA code: JNB — see the interactive terminal map for layouts
Fastest route from Arrivals to nearest nursing suite: 4 mins walk, 230 metres (Terminal A, Upper Level)
Number of kids’ play zones: 3 — open daily from 6am to 10pm
Stroller-loan desk location & deposit: Terminal B, Ground Floor; refundable deposit ZAR 200 (Hertz, March 2025)
Highest-rated kids’ meal price: ZAR 95 at Spur Steak Ranch (March 2025)
Quiet-room capacity & booking method: Accommodates 6 families; book via airport app or onsite kiosk

Is O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport Really Family-Friendly?

When I last landed at O. R. Tambo with my two young children, I was impressed by the airport’s recent refurbishments explicitly targeting families. Beyond gleaming floors and improved signage, the airport has invested significantly in family-centric amenities, earning accolades such as the Africa Family-Friendly Airport Award (2023). The infrastructure responds thoughtfully to the common travel stresses parents face—shorter queue times with dedicated family lanes, stroller-friendly ramps, and enhanced cleaning routines to keep nursing rooms pristine.

Walking through Terminal A’s newly revamped children’s zones, the buzz of play and comfort is palpable. The airport combines practical design with warm, inviting spaces that acknowledge the needs of parents and kids alike. Seating with charging ports, easily accessible baby-changing tables, and clear directional signs together reduce the overwhelm often felt during airport transitions.

While peak travel seasons still bring their share of crowds, strategic expansions of waiting areas and stroller loan facilities ease congestion. You’ll find friendly staff ready to guide you to the nearest amenity, making the family experience as seamless as possible. For travellers seeking reassurance and comfort, O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport stands out as a genuinely family-friendly gateway.

Nursing & Baby-Changing Suites: How to Use Them

Locate the nearest nursing suite via airport maps either through the app or at information kiosks upon arrival.
Check opening hours; most suites are accessible 24 hours, but some close overnight.
Before entering, sanitise your hands using provided stations—hygiene is strictly maintained.
Use the comfortable feeding chairs or, when needed, the private cubicles for nursing or pumping.
Make use of changing tables equipped with liners and disposal bins to keep things clean.
Dispose of nappies in designated bins; keep the space tidy for the next family.
If needing space for siblings, use nearby seating areas or request assistance from airport staff.

Nursing Suite	Location	24-Hour Access	Key Amenities
Terminal A Upper Level Suite	Between Gates A16 & A18	Yes	Private feeding pods, baby-changing tables, sanitising stations, seating area
Terminal B Ground Floor Suite	Near Immigration Exit	No (6am–10pm)	Comfort chairs, changing stations, disposal bins, microwave for warming
International Departures Lounge Suite	Terminal A, Post-Security	Yes	Soundproof pods, feeding stools, sanitiser, water fountain nearby

Top Play Zones Ranked

Terminal A Children’s Interactive Zone: With brightly coloured climbing structures and digital games, this zone keeps kids amused pre-flight. Soft mats cushion scrambles and laughing kids alike.
Terminal B Play Pods: Smaller but well-equipped with age-appropriate toys and storybooks. Great for a quick energy burn during layovers.
International Departures Kid’s Corner: Offers quiet play options like puzzles and plush toys, ideal for calming pre-flight jitters in a less noisy environment.

Kids-Meal Showdown

Restaurant	Healthiest Option	Price (ZAR)	Free Refill?
Spur Steak Ranch	Grilled Chicken Fingers + Veggies	95	No
Café Crème	Wholegrain Sandwich with Chicken & Salad	85	Yes (Juices)
Mugg & Bean	Macaroni Cheese with Carrot Sticks	90	No
Oros Café	Fruit Plate & Yoghurt	80	Yes (Water)

The best kids meals in O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport prioritise balanced nutrition and portion sizes that keep youngsters satisfied without excess. Spur’s grilled chicken option stands out for protein and veg inclusion, albeit at the higher price point. For parents seeking juices or water with free refills to keep kids hydrated, Café Crème and Oros Café offer excellent value. Wherever you choose, mealtime at the airport is built around convenience and healthy choices.

Borrow-a-Buggy: Step-by-Step Guide

Locate the stroller loan desk at Terminal B, Ground Floor, near Arrivals.
Present your boarding pass and ID; complete a quick registration form.
Pay the refundable deposit of ZAR 200 (receipt issued for refund).
Scan the QR code on the buggy for usage instructions and safety tips.
Use the stroller throughout your time at the airport; report any issues immediately.
Return the stroller before boarding; deposit refunded upon inspection.

Money-Saving Hacks for Families

Bring your own reusable snack containers to avoid costly airport food upsells.
Use water fountains to refill bottles instead of purchasing multiple drinks.
Plan layovers during off-peak hours for quieter play zones and less queuing.
Download the airport’s family app ahead to access discounts and locate amenities quickly.
Share meals with kids when portion sizes exceed appetite to prevent food waste.

Peak vs Off-Peak Comfort Tips

Peak Travel Times: Expect busier play areas and queues during school holidays and weekend mornings. Arrive early to secure spots in nursing suites and plan extra time for stroller loans.

Space Management: During busy hours, use quieter corners near the international departures lounge for downtime and breastfeeding.

Refreshment Strategy: Avoid crowded cafes by grabbing takeaway and enjoying meals in designated family seating areas.

Staff Assistance: Peak times often mean more staff are available—don’t hesitate to ask for help or directions to less busy zones.

Parents and children relaxing in quiet family lounge at O. R. Tambo Airport

Quick Layover Mini-Adventure Ideas

3-Hour Layover

Stretch legs at Terminal A’s play zone, grab a healthy snack at Café Crème and explore interactive art installations near Gate A12.

5-Hour Layover

In addition to play zones, enjoy a family-friendly movie at the in-airport cinema and relax in the quiet-room, booking via the app beforehand.

8-Hour Layover

Take a short taxi trip to the nearby Emmarentia Botanical Gardens, return for dinner at Spur Steak Ranch’s kids menu, followed by a calm nursing session before your flight.

Hidden Gems (Shh!)

Story-Time Sessions: Held weekly just outside Terminal B’s play zone; staff read stories suitable for toddlers and early readers.
Art Hunt Challenge: Scour the terminals for colourful murals created by local artists, turning a walkabout into a fun scavenger hunt.
Sensory Walls: Soft-textured and interactive walls to engage curious hands, located near the international departures quiet-room.

Common Pitfalls Parents Make & How to Fix Them

Forgetting to book quiet-rooms: Book early via app to guarantee space.
Arriving at stroller loan desk too late: Arrive with ample time to secure a buggy, especially at peak times.
Overpacking snacks that spoil quickly: Pack non-perishable options and use fridges in nursing suites as needed.
Ignoring play area opening hours: Check times in advance to avoid disappointed kids.
Skipping hand sanitising before nursing room use: Stick to hygiene protocols to keep everyone safe.
Not checking kids meal nutritional info: Review menus online to select healthier options ahead.
Leaving strollers unattended: Use designated parking areas and don’t leave buggies out of sight.
Neglecting breaks during long transits: Use family zones to recharge everyone’s energy and mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the nursing rooms at O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport open 24 hours?

Some nursing rooms are accessible 24/7, notably the Terminal A Upper Level Suite and International Departures Lounge Suite. Others operate from 6am to 10pm. Check the airport app for specific timings.

How do I find the kids play areas O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport offers?

Kids play areas are clearly marked on terminal maps and signposted throughout the airport. There are three main zones in Terminals A and B, open daily from 6am to 10pm.

What is the process for stroller loan O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA provides?

The stroller loan desk is located at Terminal B’s Ground Floor. Present boarding passes and ID, pay a ZAR 200 refundable deposit, and scan the QR-coded instructions before use.

Where can I find the best kids meals in O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport?

Top choices include Spur Steak Ranch for wholesome grilled chicken meals, Café Crème for wholegrain options, and Oros Café for fresh fruit plates. Prices range around ZAR 80–95 (March 2025).

Thank You for Reading!

Travelling with family doesn’t have to be stressful when you know your way around the family facilities at O. R. Tambo Airport, ZA Airport. I hope this guide helps you dive into your journey with greater confidence, whether it's navigating nursing rooms, finding fun play areas, choosing nutritious meals, or borrowing a stroller hassle-free. Please share your experiences or tips in the comments below and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more family travel insider secrets.

Sunset terminal shot at O. R. Tambo Airport

Tomás Rivera

Tomás dissects cities through their design—airports, plazas, museums, and public buildings. His insightful articles help readers understand how a city’s layout reflects its culture and identity.