Now that the weather finally feels like winter, parents everywhere are left with that never-ending question of how to keep kids busy and active -- and safe -- in these cold temps. From tots to tweens, there are a number of options for indoor playspaces which are taking extra precautions to keep kids safe and healthy, while still providing the same level of energetic entertainment and FUN. Plus, many offer a chance for parents to kick back and unwind with a cup of coffee and chat with a friend. So really, a win for all.
Trampoline Park
Skyzone, Allendale The endless entertainment options at this massive space will leave you jumping for joy -- literally. With a large space of wall-to-wall trampolines for open jump, plus skyslam basketball bounce, foam pits and private spaces for parties, the whole family will leave happy -- and tired. Plus, Skyzone offers Little Leapers time every Saturday and Sunday morning for the tiniest toddlers 5 and under to safely jump and play.
Urban Air, South Hackensack With climbing walls, an indoor playground, ninja course and climbing hill in addition to the standard trampolines, Urban Air is not your average trampoline park. If kids need a break from jumping, they can go on an adventure with their Virtual Reality snowball fight or Simurai battle game. Little kids can also safely play in the The Bowl, a special section for younger jumpers.
Bounce! Trampoline Sports, Valley Cottage While not technically in Bergen County, this trampoline (and more!) spot is just north of the NJ border and worth the drive. Trampoline areas and foam pits are separated for older and younger kids, in addition to their climbing obstacle courses and ninja courses. When the kids get tired, they can cool off in the arcade, which has your standard games and prizes, plus virtual reality for all ages to enjoy.
Pretend Play
Tay + Te Imaginative Play, Northvale Service cars at the auto shop, cook up some pizza, put out some fires and stop by the supermarket at this play place where kids wear many different hats -- literally. The clean space is very manageable for little ones, and provides a safe area for young kids to explore and learn by using their creativity. The enclosed space also allows parents the chance to relax in the lounge area while kids go on an adventure.
Paper Street Play, Park Ridge Let your child's imagination -- and your child -- roam free at Paper Street Play's indoor playhouses, where kids rule. From serving up food at the diner to helping animals at the animal hospital, when kids engage with other kids in a space free of screens, they're growing their minds without even knowing it. With Paper Street Play's art and music classes plus special events, it's easy to have fun while learning.
The Village Edgewater During these unpredictable times, The Village Edgewater is currently offering private play sessions for groups of up to 6 kids, so families can safely enjoy the space. Grab a cup of coffee or one of their delish, fresh-baked treats at the café while your tot engages in the montessori-style space that offers them a chance to run free, and learn while they play.
Hudson's House of Play, West New York Open play, private play and classes are offered at this space where kids' creativity can run wild. Kids can climb aboard the school bus, put on some firefighter gear, shop at the market, bake up some treats and so much more in the imaginative play space. Pre-K enrichment classes and music classes are also available with open play, for hours of fun.
Playgrounds + Climbing
Xtreme Energy, Englewood Fun for all ages does exist at Xtreme Energy, where kids up to the teen years can enjoy the large open space, filled with a number of ways to get out some energy. Kids can jump, play dodgeball or fling themselves on the velcro wall of the trampoline trax; put their adventurous side to the test on the ropes course, ninja warrior course and climbing wall; or get lost on the three-level play maze for younger kids. While some features have been paused during COVID, there's still plenty of fun for everyone.
High Exposure, Northvale Kids and parents can get their climb on at High Exposure, which allows families to put their climbing skills to the test on the multitude of rock walls that appeal to a variety of ages and abilities. From silly walls that let you sit on the toilet "throne" at the top to more difficult climbs, it's a family outing everyone can enjoy. Ninja Warrior obstacle courses are also available for training plus a private NERF arena.
Lily and Liam, Englewood Kids can climb on the play structure, play in the wooden blocks "sandpit," or enjoy the many environmentally-conscious toys available, which have been curated with younger kids in mind. The area was designed to be safe for the littlest ones so parents can stay stress-free, too. Music and craft classes available as well.
Catch Air, Paramus Whether kids are exploring the ocean-themed indoor playground, playing interactive games in the open space or hopping on one of their soft moving rides, there is plenty of space for kids to safely enjoy this under-water adventure. Toddlers can play in the sectioned-off space designated for little ones.
Jumpin Jax, Paramus From the padded crawling area for the littlest players to the rock climbing wall and zip line for older kids, there's plenty of play options for all ages. The indoor playground lets kids jump, climb, slide and balance across their safe and sanitized structures, while parents can grab a bite or drink at the café. Pre-school programs, camps and enrichment program are also available.
1 Gym 4 All, Waldwick This safe, sensory gym is specifically designed to be inclusive so that all kids can enjoy play. A number of swings are available during open play along with a trampoline, climbing structures and zip line, plus costumes for pretend play dress up. Kids can also explore their creative side in the arts and crafts area.
Billy Beez, West Nyack Climb, slide, jump and repeat at this indoor play place that truly has it all. With over 1,000 feet of slides, sports courts from basketball to soccer, trampolines and climbing courses, Billy Beez is the bee's knees of indoor playgrounds suitable for all ages. Plus, the mini beez area allows little ones to get in on the fun without worry.
Fountain Fitness Center, Ramsey Want to let your little one run around -- without any big kids in sight? Visit Fountain Fitness Center for one of their Toddler Turf Times on the 12,000 square foot turf field with plenty of space to distance. Kids can bounce on the inflatable and enjoy soft mats, ball play, hula hoops, parachutes and more obstacle courses.
The Great Story, Ridgefield and South Hackensack The play options are endless at The Great Story's two Bergen County spots, including an indoor jungle gym, racing zone, trampoline area, cube area and toddler zone. With plenty of imaginative play and a small climbing area, this spot is great for younger kids to explore without the worry of older ones taking over.
Palisades Climb Adventure/Sky Tykes Adventure Course, West Nyack Did you know that the world's tallest indoor ropes course is just across the NJ/NY border in the Palisades Center? After you've done some shopping, the whole family can get in a challenge at the Palisades Climb Adventure, for kids taller than 42 inches, or Sky Tykes Adventure Course, for younger kids shorter than 48 inches. Both provides thrills, and if you dare to look down, likely some chills.
Bounce
BounceU, Paramus The easiest way for kids to release some energy? Jump around...jump around...jump up jump up and get down. And that's exactly what they'll do at one of BounceU's open bounce times. Kids can enjoy 1.5 hours of bouncing in their two rooms, with much smaller group sizes allowed, in order to keep everyone safe.
Bounce Safari, Waldwick A safe, clean space for kids to bounce? Bounce Safari offers two rooms full of inflatables, games and climbing structures for kids young and old. Visit during one of their open bounce sessions where kids can play in the 3-story crazy maze, obstacle course, slides, or with the giant LEGOs.
