Denver International Airport

Free mini-golf at Denver International Airport

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to get some fresh air during a layover?

A few airports around the country have outdoor decks where you can do this.

And one of them is Denver International Airport (DEN), which has three post-security outdoor decks with comfortable seating, firepits, views of the airfield and pet relief areas.

At DEN, you’ll find one outdoor deck on each concourse: at Concourse A-West (near Gate A15), on Concourse B-West (near Gate B7) and Concourse C-East (near Gate C67).

If you’ve got a long layover and are willing to go back through security, there’s also a lovely, 82,000-square-foot open-air plaza located pre-security between the Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel.

Open now through September 30, the deck has lounge seating, grass-like turf and a variety of events.

One of our favorite events on DEN’s summer agenda is free mini golf.

Throughout June, travelers and community members may play a free round of nine holes on the plaza from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

As it does every year, free mini-golf at Denver International Airport is a great candidate for Airport Amenity of the Week.

Airport attractions: horses, stars & free cards for moms

Whoa, Nellie: thoroughbreds at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

They’re not flying horses. But if you’re flying through Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) you can take a selfie with a horse.

The 150th Preakness Stakes – the second race in the Triple Crown series of thoroughbred horse races – takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on Saturday, May 17.

To celebrate the Preakness Stakes race and the accompanying Preakness Festival, two large models of thoroughbred horses are now on display at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Both horses are located on the upper level of the airport, near the center of the terminal and the C security checkpoint. One horse is located pre-security and the other is located post-security.

Passengers may snap a selfie with one or both of the horses.

But, unfortunately, no rides.


Fresh art at Denver International Airport

We’re looking forward to flying into Denver International Airport (DEN) soon and seeing this cool new constellation-inspired artwork near Gate C54.

Free Mother’s Day cards at Norfolk Int’l Airport

Flowers, phone calls, brunch, and big hugs are in store for many moms this weekend.

And maybe a bonus postcard.

Over Mother’s Day weekend Norfolk International Airport (ORF) will be handing out free “Thanks, Mom” postcards at the Information Desk between 9 a.m. and 9 p.,m.

They’ll even give you a free stamp to send that postcard (while supplies last).

Happy 30th birthday, Denver International Airport

Thirty years ago, on February 28, 1995, the future staff of StuckatTheAirport.com was having a hard time leaving Denver’s Stapleton International Airport.

It wasn’t that we loved that airport so much.

It was because operations were switching over from Stapleton to the brand new Denver International Airport (DEN) facilities, 19 miles down the road. And, as workers were, literally, rolling up the rugs and stacking up furniture, computers were shutting down and flights were getting later and later.

Those of us who received food vouchers for our delayed flights were having a hard time spending them at the one concession still open that was selling soda and juices for $10 a pop.

Eventually, our flight took off and Denver International Airport (DEN) opened for business.

The airport, which is now the 3rd busiest airport in the country, celebrated its 30th birthday on February 28 and shared some great images, an informative timeline plus a cool timelapse video of the airport’s impressive growth over the years.

Take a look. And let us know your favorite amenities, and if you’ve encountered any aliens from other planets, at Denver International Airport.

Two airports get new play areas for kids

Airport play areas come in handy if you’re traveling with kids who need to burn off some energy before the flight.

We can’t promise you that all airports offer this amenity, but we’re pleased to share news of two airports with fresh play spaces for kids.

In South Carolina, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is teaming up with the Upstate Children’s Museum and local toy company Plus Plus USA for its new kid zone.

The play area, called GSPlay, features colorful large interlocking toy pieces that kids can connect in endless shapes and layouts, a scavenger hunt and an interactive map that invites children to mark their next destination.

First kid’s play area at Denver International Airport


At the end of December, Denver International Airport (DEN) debuted its first play area for kids.

Located on Concourse C, near Gate C48, the play area has an outer space and alien theme (a nod to the alien conspiracy theories about DEN) and features colorful climbing structures for young kids.

And kids, their parents and just about every traveler will surely smile when they spot the newest art installation at DEN Airport.

It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back,” by Thomas ‘Detour’ Evans, is made of colorful upcycled luggage and is on Concourse B-East near Gate B60.

At DEN Airport: Flip board at Marczyk Fine Foods

The Stuck at the Airport food team was on hand at the recent opening celebration for several new concessions at Denver International Airport (DEN) out by Gate C64: ChoLon Modern Asian, Marczyk Fine Foods and Teatulia Tea & Coffee Bar.

All three offer great food and drink options, but we were charmed by the split-flap display board at Marczyk and some of the gourmet market items on the shop’s shelves.

Marczyk Fine Foods is a Denver-based specialty market and deli known for its farm-fresh produce, gourmet products and high-quality meats. Their new DEN outpost has a great selection of grab-and-go items, as well as fresh sandwiches, salads and snacks. Wine and beer are served in the sit-down area of the market.

The flip board over the deli counter not only welcomes passengers but is also loaded with some (corny) jokes; “because what harried parent doesn’t appreciate something to entertain kids when the plane is delayed?,” says Barbara Macfarlane, one of Marczyk’s founders.

Why do elephants paint their toenails red? (flip flip flip)

To hide in cherry trees. (flip flip flip)

Ever seen an elephant in a cherry tree? (flip flip flip)

See it works! (flip flip flip)

And why are elephants’ feet flat? (flip flip flip)

From jumping out of cherry trees!

Bonus foods to buy at DEN’s Marczyk shop

In addition to the fresh deli sandwiches you can order at Marczyk Fine Foods, there are shelves filled with gourmet items to eat right away or take home. We spotted gourmet coffee, roasted peanuts, marinara sauce and both olive oil and balsamic vinegar in lovely gift-worthy containers.