The observation deck at RDU airport is a great spot for your airplane-loving kids, and such a fun opportunity for the whole family!

• Have you ever wanted to watch airplanes land one after another?
• Have you ever wondered what the air control tower has to communicate to the airplane to help it land?
• Have you ever wanted to pretend you are an airplane and run down your own runway?
• Have you ever just wanted to play in the sand and hear the big jets roaring past you?

If you or your child fit any of these categories then you should definitely go visit the airport observation park!

Here’s the Deets:

The parking lot is not the biggest, so if a lot of people are there it can fill up. There is only one small climbing structure shaped like a giant spider, so if you’re going for a playground you may be disappointed. However, there is a sandbox and a play runway for the kids, which is perfect for bringing sand toys, bikes, or other ride on toys.

The Observation Deck

Once you tire of the play area, make your way on up to the observation deck where all the magic happens! 😊

Up here you can view the airplanes from a better vantage point and they have a speaker so you can hear the dialog between the planes and air traffic control. The deck is very nicely built and has lots of shaded benches for seating. There’s an entrance with stairs and an entrance with a ramp, which makes it easy to get a stroller up there, but also easy for a toddling baby to escape! 😳

We only saw airplanes land from the deck, so I’m not sure if they ever take off from that area. Unfortunately there’s a building placed between the observation deck and the runway, so your view is obstructed a bit. Good news is that as of August 2019, they are also doing some construction next to that building so you can see dump trucks, diggers, and other construction equipment at work in between airplanes! 🚛

Pack a picnic!

Once you’ve had your fill of airplanes, there’s also some tables there so you can pack a lunch! We actually had a large group meet up here once for a picnic. My only complaint is that the area is not very well shaded so it gets hot in the summer! We camped out under the deck to keep everyone cool, but you’ll need to bring your own chairs for that.

Is your kid more into trains than planes? Try Brier Creek park, Knightdale Station park, and Pullen Park and then stop for a treat at Wake Forest Dairy Depot!

Pros

• bathrooms nearby
• unique opportunity to see airplanes and hear air traffic control
• shaded benches for viewing
• sand surface playground

Cons

• no shade at the playground or tables
• small playground
• obstructed view of airplanes