MKE Airport Partners with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin to Unveil New Children’s Play Areas

MILWAUKEE (March 20, 2025) – Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin came together on Thursday to unveil brand new children’s play areas located on both Concourse C and D.

The remodeled spaces, now officially branded as the Make-A-Wish Kids Zones, feature updated play equipment, new paint and décor, and new custom carpeting. The unique flooring depicts Milwaukee’s great lake as well as a representation of MKE’s longest runway, Runway 1L or “One Left.”

“It was a natural fit to partner with Make-A-Wish on our updated children’s play areas,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “MKE and Make-A-Wish share a long history together, and many wish children have traveled through our Airport as part of their wishes coming true.”

“Make-A-Wish Wisconsin is thrilled to partner with Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the new Kids Zone play areas on Concourse C and D,” said Make-A-Wish Wisconsin Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications Forrest Doolen. “These spaces will give children and their families joy during their travels and highlight the need for airline miles to help grant wishes for kids battling critical illnesses.”

Around 75% of wishes granted by Make-A-Wish involve air travel, and MKE’s new Kids Zones offer a refreshed space for children and their parents to relax, play, and enjoy a stress-free airport experience. The Kids Zones are free to use and open 24/7, ensuring anyone flying through MKE can experience the newly updated spaces.

“Many other airports don’t offer inclusive, family-friendly amenities like this,” said County Executive David Crowley. “I commend Brian and his team for working to bring this exciting new space to fruition and continuing to create an airport travel experience that is second to none.”

Travelers can find more information about the updated spaces at flymke.com.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport offers nonstop flights to 30+ destinations coast-to-coast, and more than 200 international destinations are available with one easy connection. MKE is served by Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, and United. The complete list of nonstop cities can be found at flymke.com.

MKE is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, Airport Division, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors. The Airport is entirely funded by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the Airport’s capital improvements or for its day-to-day operation.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.