Tired of chasing the kids around the house? Indoor playgrounds provide a convenient place for kids to exert energy when it’s too cold to play outside. Here are five awesome indoor play areas in San Diego.
FUNbelievable
11655 Riverside Dr., Ste. 155-157, Lakeside
www.funbelievableplay.com
FUNbelievable is a 6,000 square-foot play space for children up to age 12. It includes a mega play structure, slides, rock walls, a ball pool, and a dedicated baby and toddler area. Founder and co-owner Lynne McTurk created the family-friendly environment with playgrounds large enough for parents to play alongside their children. There are no video games or televisions in the facility, encouraging family interaction. If parents want to relax, they can do that, too.
“We included lots of comfy sofas in our lounge area, free Wi-Fi, complimentary magazines, state-of-the-art massage chairs, and of course, our in-house café,” McTurk says.
Kid Ventures
10760 Thornmint Rd., 4S Ranch
851 Showroom Pl., Chula Vista (Eastlake)
2865 Sims Rd., Point Loma (Liberty Station)
www.indoorplaysandiego.com
There are three Kid Ventures in the county—the 4S Ranch location is the largest. Designed for kids age 6 months to 12 years, each location features a castle, pirate ship, fire truck and various interactive play spaces for children to enjoy. Kid Ventures is enrichment-based, with an educational activity every half hour. Barb Robinson, the regional director, believes their programs set Kid Ventures apart.
“It’s a place for your child to come and have an educational and enriching experience,” Robinson says.
Charlene Runas celebrated her daughter’s birthday at Kid Ventures in Eastlake. “We found it convenient because her birthday is in January, so it’s usually too cold or rainy,” Runas says. “The staff provides activities for all the kids, along with set up and clean up.”
Play Town Indoor Playground
858 Jackman St., El Cajon
www.goplaytown.com
Play Town’s indoor playground is designed for children ages 0 to 6 years. The 4,500 square-foot play area includes a bouncer, climbing structure and interactive floor projected video game system. Manager Kim Hendrix says the bouncer is a favorite for the kids. There are also ride-on toys, train tables and an enclosed infant zone. Outdoor food and drinks are allowed. Play Town hosts various classes and events during the week, such as craft and story time.
“We’re a safe and clean environment where kids can be physically active in a comfortable setting,” Hendrix says.
PlayWerx
6060 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad
www.playwerx.com
Playwerx is geared for toddlers to 9 year-olds. It includes an 18-foot-tall indoor play structure with two slides, a giant ball pit, a rope swing and various bridges for kids to climb over. Part of the structure includes a toddler section. For parents, there is free Wi-Fi, coffee bar and café.
“Kids get good physical exercise and parents get a little bit of a break,” says owner Joanne Coval. “Parents can hang out and work or socialize and have their favorite cup of coffee.”
Play City
871 Showroom Pl., Ste. 105, Chula Vista
www.playcityeastlake.com
I brought my child to a birthday party at Play City recently. He loved the indoor inflatable slides and large three-story play structure.
“It’s fun for the kids,” says Play City’s marketing manager, Alita Fernandez. “Aside from being fun, it’s clean. That’s one of the main compliments we get.”
Play City is about 12,000 square feet and opened in June 2017. It caters to children ages 2–10, although any child is allowed. Parents are permitted to accompany children with special needs on play structures.
“Play City is a great place to help release excess energy the kids have,” says Alanna Salazar, mother of two. “I really like that we can bring food from outside. They have plenty of chairs and tables. Just one hour of play here and my children are ready for nap time!”
Melissa Mecija is a freelance writer and mother of two. She is also a reporter/anchor for 10News, the ABC affiliate in San Diego.
Published February 2018
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