Who says you need a rainy day to have thrilling indoor play? How about just needing a break for a few hours in the late afternoon before the other parent relieves you! Instead of counting down the hours and calling for your spouse’s exact freeway location, whisk the little ones to these indoor hotspots. The kids will have a blast working up an appetite for dinner, and you will get that much needed break. You may even jump in on the fun and burn off those last, stubborn, post-pregnancy pounds!
Sky High Indoor Sports
Got a case of the “Stop jumping on the furniture!” broken record? Bring the kids to this massive trampoline park and you’ll find yourself chanting, “Jump your heart out babe!” Located in an unassuming office park and charged with plenty of parking, Sky High offers 4 distinct jumping courts: a kids area for the little jumpers, a refereed dodge ball court, an enormous main court, and a foam pit perfect for practicing canon ball inspired jumps. AIRobics classes are available for those who want an explosive 50 minute, 1000 calorie (supposedly) burning aerobic workout.
To save time, download and complete all waivers for each jumper ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to reserve jumping times online since popular times can get sold out. Promotions run all the time so always call and ask which days have discounts.
Insider tip: Bring hand sanitizers to clean their feet after play. Only laced shoes are allowed for those not too keen on bare feet. Bring plenty of ice-cold water for everyone because they will be drenched in sweat from all of the activity.
Sky High Sports
2970 Airway Avenue
Costa Mesa, Ca 92626
714-437-5867
Rockcreation Sport Climbing Center
Got a bunch of monkeys in your bunch? Nurture those climbing skills to good use (yes, climbing is actually an artful skill!) and let the kids belay, anchor, and boulder their way through correct roping techniques and terminology. Kids’ admission is $11 and about $9 for shoes and rental equipment. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is ready to help beginners learn the basics of climbing. During the summers, they offer a week long Reach Camp for the kiddos where they will learn all the in’s and out’s of rock climbing. Birthday parties are also a great way to introduce and allow the little ones explore rock climbing with their buddies.
Rockreation
1300 Logan Avenue
Costa Mesa, Ca 92626
714-556-7625
Wildfire Gymnastics
Gymnastics isn’t just for girls! Boys need practice developing balance, coordination, and somersault skills too! Believe or not, it may just prepare them for the upcoming soccer or little league season. The kids will have a blast shuffling on the challenging balance beam, canon balling into the enormous foam pit, and flying down the zip line! They’ll even get a kick out of a different kind of “horse” ride.
Wildfire Gymnastics
14761 Bentley Circle
Tustin, Ca
714-832-1315
Pretend City Children’s Museum
A museum in the guise of a little city dedicated to nurturing pretend-play. Watch as the kiddos delightfully transform into gardeners, princesses, lifeguards, rock stars, policemen, and the ever-popular grocery store clerk. The experience is complete with pretend money and ATMs to teach the little ones about money and thriving in their own little world. Be sure to check their calendar since a range of educationally engaging classes are offered daily including going green activities, story times and puppet shows. The kids can even fill up their own gas tank in their vehicles…so you take the back seat this time. They offer a café with snacks, drinks and Daphne’s Greek food.
Insider Tip: Monthly Parents’ Night Out events are offered at around $35 per potty-trained, aged 4+ children for about 3 hours. You must register and purchase tickets ahead because onsite registration is not allowed. So go and enjoy that date night!
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, Ca 92618
949-428-3900
Little Prince Kids Café
Imagine an indoor McDonald’s playground on steroids. That’s exactly what Little Prince is: a big, indoor entertainment castle complete with a huge plastic ball pit, reading room filled with hundreds of books, dress-up area, and various playgrounds…even a safe and separate toddler area with swings and bouncers. The awesome part: an interactive staff that plays with your kids while you enjoy their colorful menu that has a little of everything for everyone.
Little Prince Kids Café
5300 Beach Boulevard, Suite 118
Buena Park, Ca 90621
714-690-1432
Know of any other great spots to play indoors? Where do you take your little tykes for a playdate? Tell us in a comment below!
— Sommy Rhee
photos courtesy of Brian Rhee & Pretend City Children’s Museum’s Facebook page
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