Jaunted

The way you know you've reached the Airport Park is you're going to run into some logs. Well, not real logs but ones carpeted convincingly enough. Around them are interactive butterfly projections, which will scatter from you if you move, but will "sit" on you if you stay still. Of course kids freak out over this.

Beyond the logs (and still indoors) are real and fake trees reaching up into the ceiling, the row of chaise lounges and a whole center of bean bags, bordered by undulating kelly green curves of modern seating (complete with outlets every few feet, thank god). Listen to the piped-in sounds of outdoors (birds chirping, bicycle bells ringing, etc) and don't neglect to use the provided computers to access the (paid) WiFi, or just siphon off the WiFi on your own devices—you get one free hour at AMS.

Pro-tip: Scattered throughout the park are several exercise bikes equipped with USB hook-ups to charge your portable electronic devices. Coolest thing ever. Basically plug your USB cord into the little cord sticking out of the bike and start pedaling. We hope more airports jump on this green gadgetry idea.

Now, OUTSIDE! Doors just off the interior park lead to small outdoor deck where, on a nice day, you'll find passengers soaking up the sun while spotting KLM and Delta planes parked at their gates just below. Feel free to bring snacks outside to the cafe tables, to the picnic tables or to the benches and metal mesh armchairs. Just don't forget the sunglasses and SPF.

Accessing the Airport Park is free and easy: it's open during regular airport hours, and located in the Schengen departures area after security.

Disclosure: Special thanks to Schiphol Airport for the access and to Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (@VisitHolland), our host. All photos and opinions presented are completely our own.

[Photos: Cynthia Drescher for Jaunted]