What’s the hot new place for kids to have fun these days? It’s the airport! It may sound random, but more than 30 airports across North America have spent millions of dollars creating state-of-the-art children’s play areas. And experts say that’s a smart money move because it helps kids burn off energy before a flight, so they’re more likely to be calm and quiet on the plane, which keeps the rest of the passengers happy.

For example, Orlando International Airport recently installed a 3-thousand gallon aquarium filled with tropical fish.

Nashville International Airport built 6 performance stages throughout its terminals and hosts free concerts.

And Boston’s Logan Airport created a kids’ zone with rope ladders, and big slides modeled after baggage-claim luggage carousels.

Your local airport may not have a kids’ zone, but experts say it’s just a matter of time. Travel industry experts say that even small, rural airports are realizing that catering to children is a smart business move. That’s because all the pre-boarding playtime tires kids out.

So by the time they board the plane, they’re ready to fall asleep and are less disruptive to other passengers. Also, if children enjoy going to the airport, instead of throwing tantrums because they’re bored. Then, odds are, parents will take the whole family on more trips. And that equals more money for airlines.