OREANDA-NEWS. December 25, 2013. Just in time for the busy holiday travel season, a children’s play area named “LAX Beach” has opened in the New Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

LAX Beach celebrated its opening by hosting a “birthday party” for the space, featuring nearly 50 kindergarten children from nearby Playa Del Rey Elementary School and six LAX therapy PUPs (Pets Unstressing Passengers).

Located past federal passenger security screening to conveniently serve travelers awaiting flights, the 971-square-foot LAX Beach provides fun for children ages 2-8.  The space is composed of hand-painted, soft, sculpted foam pieces resembling beachscapes such as waves, surfboards, beach toys and sea life – a nod to TBIT’s unique architecture inspired by the Pacific Ocean on the airport's west side.  LAX Beach features a slide and equipment for children to climb on and "ride."  Adjacent seating overlooking the area offers a place for guardians to relax and watch their children.

LAX Beach is located near the dining terrace in the terminal's Villaraigosa Pavilion (Great Hall) and is open during terminal hours. 

Westfield, the terminal concessions developer and manager, designed and created the \\$350,000 play area, which was paid for by Los Angeles World Airports and manufactured by Playtime, LLC.  No money from the City's general fund was used. 

The play area becomes part of Westfield's world-class dining and retail collection in the New TBIT that features over 60 new premier shops and restaurants – including 22 Los Angeles-based brands – cutting-edge design and dazzling amenities.

“I think it’s safe to say that happy children make better flyers.  With the opening of LAX Beach, we are going to see a lot more happy children on our international flights,” said Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey. “It’s just another step along the path LAX is taking to improve the traveling experience for every passenger – no matter how young.”
“We understand that air travel – particularly for those flying internationally – can be a cumbersome process for families with small children,” said Eileen Hanson, vice president of Marketing for Westfield’s Airport Division. “LAX Beach is just one of an array of family-friendly options in the New Tom Bradley International Terminal providing a fun and stress-free experience for travelers of all ages.”

LAX Beach joins a host of other family-friendly options at the new TBIT, including:  Small gifts, big smiles at Sanrio Surprises, home of Hello Kitty® and the ideal spot for gifting;  Bead Factory , where children can design their own bracelets;  Made-from-scratch cupcakes and delicious, dainty confections at Vanilla Bake Shop; Kitson , where shopping is fun for everyone and a favorite go-to for celebrity parents with clothing, toys and the hippest merchandise;    Comfort food classics that are kid-tested and parent-approved at Marmalade Cafe; Quesadillas, tacos and more to suit palates of all ages at Border Grill;   Affordable dining for the whole family at Panda Express; and   A dedicated section for children’s books at Relay and The Economist.