A brand-new interactive play space has landed at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, thanks to a collaboration between The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU) and Greenville-based toy company Plus-Plus USA! Designed to make travel smoother and more enjoyable for families, this one-of-a-kind space is the latest in a growing trend of airports providing engaging experiences for young travelers.


Introducing GSPlay: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport’s New Play Area
GSPlay was unveiled at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) at a ribbon cutting on Thursday, January 17. GSPlay, an interactive, imaginative play space created in partnership with Plus-Plus USA and The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. This vibrant new addition offers families a creative and engaging environment where children can play, explore, and create before their flight.
GSPlay features an innovative design inspired by the signature Plus-Plus shape, surrounded by bright, cloud-filled décor that encourages open-ended play. Young travelers will enjoy hands-on activities, including:
- Interactive Travel Map: Kids can mark their next destination using Plus-Plus pieces, making geography and travel planning fun and engaging.
- Exclusive Giant Plus-Plus Pieces: Currently found only at GSPlay and TCMU, these oversized building pieces invite creativity and hands-on fun.
- Scavenger Hunt: Designed to spark curiosity, this activity encourages deeper exploration of the play area.
“We are thrilled to introduce GSPlay as the newest addition to our award-winning customer experience program at GSP,” said Dave Edwards, President and CEO of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. “This innovative play area enhances the travel experience for families and helps create a welcoming atmosphere for all passengers.”


Ryan Hamilton, CEO of Plus-Plus USA, expressed his excitement about the project: “Being born in Greenville and flying out of GSP since I was a child myself, it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a space that brings joy and creativity to young travelers.”
Lauren Luneckas, CEO of The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, added, “GSPlay captures the magic of learning through play. This thoughtfully designed space ensures that families and children feel valued and welcome at GSP.”


The Importance of Play Spaces in Airports
Air travel can be stressful for families, especially when traveling with young children. Long wait times, security lines, and the unpredictability of travel schedules can create anxiety for both parents and kids. Dedicated play areas like GSPlay provide a much-needed outlet for children to burn off energy in a safe, colorful, and engaging environment.
These spaces help reduce travel-related stress by allowing kids to engage in active play, which can improve mood and ease the transition between airport procedures. For parents, having a designated area where children can safely play provides peace of mind and a moment to relax before their journey. GSPlay sends a clear statement: families are welcome, and their travel experience matters.


About Plus-Plus: A Greenville-Based Toy Company
Plus-Plus USA, headquartered in Greenville, SC, is known for its simple yet endlessly creative building toy that features a unique single-shape design. Originating in Denmark, Plus-Plus has become a favorite among educators, parents, and kids for its open-ended play opportunities that foster imagination and fine motor skills. The company’s commitment to quality and creativity aligns perfectly with the mission of TCMU, making this partnership a natural fit for GSPlay. By bringing their signature play elements to GSP, Plus-Plus USA is not only providing entertainment but also reinforcing the value of hands-on, screen-free learning in unexpected places—like an airport!
Airports with Play Areas for Kids
While some major airports offer play spaces, GSPlay is a unique addition for an airport the size of GSP, making it an exceptional feature for traveling families. Here are a few airports that also provide interactive play areas:
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL): In partnership with The Magic House, this play space offers interactive exhibits inspired by the museum’s educational programming.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): The National Children’s Museum created a whimsical play space featuring STEM-focused activities that spark curiosity and learning.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): SFO’s “Kids’ Spot” features interactive installations from the Exploratorium, a science and learning museum, creating an engaging experience for young travelers.
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): This airport has two play areas, featuring climbing structures and educational elements.
Despite these offerings at larger airports, GSPlay stands out as an incredible amenity for a mid-sized airport like GSP, proving that world-class experiences can be found even in smaller travel hubs. The partnership between Plus-Plus and TCMU ensures that this space is not only entertaining but also thoughtfully designed with learning and creativity in mind.


Family-Friendly Travel at GSP
As our CEO Lauren Luneckas shared at the ribbon cutting, play areas do more than entertain—they bring joy, reduce stress, and create connections. Most importantly, they send a message: Families and children are an essential part of our community. They are valued. They are welcome here.
Next time you’re at GSP, let your little ones build, explore, and create before takeoff!