11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling with a Toddler Through Denver Airport

Denver Airporter is reader-supported. This post may contain sponsored or affiliate links. For additional information, please view our policies.

I’ve flown out of Denver International Airport hundreds of times and considered myself a DEN expert – until I traveled with my one-year-old for the first time.

Suddenly, none of my frequent traveler knowledge mattered.

Navigating security with a stroller, finding clean changing tables, and keeping a toddler entertained during delays was an entirely new experience that I did almost zero prep for because I thought I already knew everything about this airport. I was wrong.

So whether you’re a seasoned traveler or traveling with a child for the first time, here are 11 things I wish I’d known before that first trip.

*Me, going through security at DEN with my one-year old for the first time*

Know the Best Bathrooms

*The best bathroom at DEN – next to B11*

Not all airport bathrooms are created equal, especially when you’re juggling kids and carry-ons.

Denver Airport has newer, updated restrooms in each concourse that are absolute game-changers for families. These modern facilities feature high ceilings that don’t feel claustrophobic, spacious changing areas that actually fit your diaper bag, and tend to be much cleaner AND quieter than the older, busier restrooms.

They also don’t have hand dryers, or loud noises, which really comes in handy when you’re dealing with a toddler who’s afraid of scary bathroom noises.

See my guide on the best bathrooms at Denver Airport here.

Your Stroller Selection Matters

The stroller you choose can make or break your airport experience.

The first time I travelled through DEN with my one-year old, I borrowed the 3DLite travel stroller from a friend, and I liked it so much that I bought it afterwards. It’s a great travel stroller that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

The next year, I started traveling every other month with my toddler, and I found that I wanted something more sturdy and robust, so I went with a stroller like this one.

The key is matching your gear to your actual travel frequency.

If you’re a frequent flyer, invest in a high-quality travel stroller that can handle constant folding, gate-checking, and the wear-and-tear of regular travel. But if you only travel once or twice a year, don’t break the bank.

Ask Security to Change out their Gloves

This one sounds small but makes a huge difference.

TSA agents handle hundreds of bags, shoes, and personal items every day. When they’re about to handle your baby’s bottles, sippy cups, or snacks, politely ask them to change their gloves. Most agents are happy to do this – they’re parents too and understand the concern.

It takes two seconds and gives you peace of mind that your little one’s items aren’t picking up germs from everything that came before.

Too Many Snacks are Never Enough

Pack double what you think you’ll need, then add a few more.

Airports are unpredictable – delays happen, flights get cancelled, and hungry kids don’t care about your travel timeline. Familiar snacks from home are worth their weight in gold when you’re dealing with a cranky toddler at 30,000 feet.

There are More Nursing Rooms than You Think, But They Can Be Hard to Find

Denver Airport has several breastfeeding and pumping spaces that don’t always show up in searches, including some quieter spots tucked away from the main concourse traffic.

Google says this regarding nursing rooms at Denver Airport:

But there are way more, actually.

The official Denver Airport site lists the following locations for nursing rooms:

A Gates: Center Core, near A19, near A27
B Gates: Center Core, near B11, near B65
C Gates: Center Core, near C55, near C61

Something to be aware of – many of these are tucked away, and you need to know where to find them. The airport lists B11 as a location, for example, but I went to B11 and couldn’t find it. Turns out, it was tucked closer to B15.

*Even though DEN says the room is near B11, it’s actually on the opposite side (shown by the arrow) near B15*

Get TSA Pre-check and/or CLEAR or use West Security

I have both TSA Pre-check and CLEAR, so this point doesn’t really fall under something I didn’t know, but I think it’s an important “nice to have” for this list.

TSA Pre-check and/or CLEAR are sanity savers when traveling with kids. TSA Pre-Check means you don’t have to remove shoes (including kids’ shoes), unpack electronics, or take out liquids. When you’re already managing car seats, strollers, and diaper bags, every step you can skip matters.

CLEAR gets you to the front of the security line faster, which means less time standing around with restless children.

If you have neither, I recommend using West Security. It’s almost always faster than South Security.

Yes, There Are Elevators. You Just Need to Know Where They Are!

You don’t have to lug your stroller up escalators or navigate stairs with kids in tow.

Every concourse has elevators – they’re just not always obvious.

The trickiest ones are at security.

If you’re at West Security, the elevators are hidden behind the down escalator.

The elevators at South Security are a little more obvious – they’re to the right of the down escalators.

Sometimes It’s Just Better to Check a Bag

While I’m normally a carry-on-only traveler, when I’m flying solo with my toddler, I almost always check my bag.

Why? Because the key to surviving travel with little kids is keeping your hands free. You need those hands for holding your child, managing their belongings, dishing out snacks, and dealing with the inevitable spills and meltdowns.

One less bag to track means you can focus on what really matters – keeping your little one safe and happy.

There are Food Options Everywhere

I already knew this one, but it’s a good reminder for anyone who doesn’t frequent Denver Airport.

There are legitimate restaurants, coffee shops, and grab-and-go options throughout every concourse. From sit-down meals where kids can stretch their legs to quick snacks for gate-side munching, you’ll find something that works for your family.

The key is not panicking if your first choice has a long line – there’s always another option around the corner.

The Play Area in Concourse C is Only Worthwhile for 1-2 Year Olds

There’s a small play area in Concourse C, and it’s important to level your expectations for what it is.

I feel like there was a very limited window for when the play area worked for my child, and it was between 1-2 years old.

If your child is in that age range and it isn’t a hassle to get to, great. But I wouldn’t seek out the play area if you have kids outside of this age range.

There Are Plenty of Spots to Get Fresh Air

Airport air can feel stale and stuffy, especially when you’re traveling with kids who are used to running around outside.

Here’s something many travelers don’t know: each concourse at Denver Airport has an outdoor lounge where you can step outside and breathe real air. These outdoor spaces are perfect for families – kids can watch planes taxi and take off (which is endlessly entertaining), you can sit on actual lounge chairs instead of hard airport seats, and everyone can enjoy snacks in fresh air instead of recycled cabin air.

It’s like a mini vacation within your travel day and can be the reset your family needs before boarding a long flight.

You’ve Got This!

Denver Airport is huge and can feel overwhelming, but once you know these insider secrets, you’ll navigate it like the seasoned parent you’re becoming.

Remember, every family travel veteran was once fumbling with a stroller at security.

The key is preparation, patience, and knowing that even with the best planning, something will probably go sideways – and that’s okay.