Sunflower lanyards at the information booths, a pass so a grown-up can walk a child to the gate, a quieter rest area, and play areas open around the clock. Ask for the lanyard first; everything else follows.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
8500 Pena Blvd, Denver 80249 · The child play areas and the nursing and changing rooms are open 24/7.
The Rest and Recharge area on the Concourse A mezzanine “generally remains quieter than many areas throughout the busy concourse.”
“The green lanyard with sunflowers discreetly signals that the wearer, or a member in the group, has an invisible disability and may need additional support.” “There are no prerequisites for asking for or wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower-branded lanyard.”
Our note DEN doesn't say when it's quieter. The one calmer spot it names is the Rest and Recharge area on the Concourse A mezzanine, with seating and recliners.
Our note The airport links to two short “Let's go to the Airport” videos from the Autism Center of Excellence, one in English and one in Spanish, plus TSA Cares. Watching one together the night before lets your kid see the airport before the real thing.
Three things to know
Ask for a Sunflower Lanyard at any of the four information booths, in the terminal and in the center of each concourse. The booths have a sunflower decal. No proof is needed.
A grown-up who is not flying can ask the airline ticket counter for a Dependent Needs Pass to walk a child to the gate. It is up to the airline; bring the passenger's name, the flight number and your photo ID, and you go through security too.
Child play areas near Gate C54 and Gate A25 are open 24/7.
Named by the airport; it publishes no noise scale and names no loud spots
Louder
Quieter
Rest and Recharge area, Concourse A mezzaninequiet zone
The airport suggests arriving at least 2 hours before boarding.
Drop-off is on East and West Level 6 of the terminal. There are two security checkpoints, East and West.
Free nursing and changing rooms are on every concourse after security and in two spots in Jeppesen Terminal, open 24/7, with a sink and a changing table.
Each concourse has an outdoor deck with firepits.
The CATS team (Canine Airport Therapy Squad), more than 140 registered therapy animals, visits travelers in the airport.
Service dogs are allowed in all public areas.
The airport links a guide for traveling with children with developmental disabilities.
Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before boarding. Drop-off is on Level 6, East or West. Ask any information booth with a sunflower decal for a free Sunflower Lanyard. Security has two checkpoints, East and West. On Concourse A, the Rest and Recharge area on the mezzanine is the quieter spot the airport names, and there are play areas near Gates C54 and A25. Change anything.
One tip before you go
Watch the airport's own “Let's go to the Airport” video together the night before; it comes in English and Spanish. If a grown-up is only dropping off, ask the airline about a Dependent Needs Pass to walk your kid to the gate.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
