A few months ago, you were standing on a playground thinking that if you had to push a swing or negotiate turns on the kiddie slide for even one more second, you might hop into the family truckster and drive off into the sunset never to be heard from again. Now, you would give anything to get your little loves outside. Since we’re a few months away from your dream becoming reality, we’ve put together a list of Indoor Playgrounds in Bergen County so your kids can blow off some steam before you blow your stack.
Tay & Te Imaginative Play, Northvale
We fell in love with the modernized structures at Tay + Te, as soon as they opened in June this past year. Little visitors can shop for food at the Organic Market, whip up a specialty pie at the Pizza Parlor, come to order at the miniature-sized Convention Center, or channel their inner Doc McStuffins at the Vet Office stocked with countless pet stuffed animals that may just come to life if the right little one walks through the door. There is also an extremely popular police car and a fire truck complete with life-sized fire dog and the spot gets bonus points for a cozy lounge with coffee for tired moms!
Xtreme Energy, Englewood
The newest playspace for the kidset in Bergen County has a name that is perfect suited for its young clientele. When it's mid-winter and they're starting to climb the walls, head over Xtreme Energy in Englewood where energy burn off is guaranteed. Let the kiddos ride the slides, take a jump in the foam pit, hang on the ropes course or jump on the trampoline track. Then settle down with some VR and cure hunger pangs at the in house cafe- guaranteed to have them napping the whole ride home.
Lily and Liam, Englewood
You often have two choices when you take your kiddos to an indoor play space: beg your kids to let you grab a coffee before you get there, or sit and take swigs of tepid water from their sippy cup while wishing you had begged harder. Not at Lily and Liam. Turn your socked hooligans loose, then head to the on-site café to supervise with a coffee or juice in one hand and a nut-free snack in the other.
The Big Playhouse, Westwood
Tired of inflatables and climbing structures but need to get your guys out of the house? The Big Playhouse is an indoor play space with tons of time set aside for open play for the 6 and under set. This indoor mini-town for imaginative play includes a “café”, “doctor’s office”, “construction site” and “barnyard”. Parents grab a seat, enjoy the free wi-fi and a coffee while their little ones roam.
Bounce U, Paramus
Known for their birthday parties, Bounce U. offers plenty of other ways to play including open play, kids camps and special events. Plus, they just opened their Xtreme Ninja course, suitable for all ages (wonder if that includes those of us who are just young at heart?).
Billy Beez, West Nyack
The ultimate indoor play park for family fun, Billy Beez boasts a rainbow super speed slide for family races, a ball pit with cannons on the upper level, sports courts and an a mini beez area for the littlest ones in the group.
The Great Story, Hackensack
How’s this for a great story? You bring your kiddos here (play groups of 10+ can be accommodated too!). They get tuckered out on the climbing structure, in the dress up area, the sandpit or the ball pit, all while you grab a tea and watch from the sidelines (for once). Then everyone goes home tired and they all lived happily ever after (at least until dinner time).
Hudson’s House of Play, West New York
This indoor play space is decked with a firehouse, bake shop, and veterinarian’s office for little ones aged 5 months – 5 years- and did we mention the killer Hudson views? We love the coffee bar and refreshment area as a reward for the sleepy new parents who brought them. Check out their free play hours and super cute classes before you head over.
Westfield Garden State Plaza Play Space, Paramus
You’ve got to get a birthday gift for your MIL and a return or two. But the kids are home and it sounds like a really terrible idea to haul them along with you. Bribe them with lunch and a trip to the new play space at Westfield Garden State Plaza. With it’s Jersey Shore theme, including pirate ship netting, sand dunes and sea creatures, and elements of the Amazon children series Tumble Leaf incorporated into the space (Amazon Books hosts story time on Saturday mornings at 11am), you’ll get your errands done in no time. Multi-tasking at its finest.
Jump On In, Hasbrouck Heights
They could work up a sweat trashing your family room. Or, they could work up a sweat playing JumpShot basketball and hiking up and down giant inflatables during the open jump sessions at Jump On In. Sort of a no-brainer, right?
Catch Air, Paramus
Time to go under the sea with this underwater themed indoor play space. Your team will never want to leave as they enjoy the ball cannon area, the play structure, the interactive dance floor, large screen, games and digital art. Walk-ins are welcome and bring your laptop, there’s wi-fi!
