We’ve all had those days when the kids are bursting with energy and the house feels a little too small. On these occasions, it’s good to know where to escape to—with the children, that is! The local park is always a great option, but when you want a change of scene or the weather’s not cooperating, head to an indoor playground. These spacious play areas are packed with activities to keep your little ones moving and your day filled with fun.
Here’s a round-up of where to take the family on your next indoor playground adventure in Vancouver.
The Great Escape | thege.ca
#105 – 20645 Langley Bypass, Langley
Children aged three and under have their own toddler area at the Great Escape. It’s a carpeted space with soft play activities, climbing apparatus, slides, play panels, toys and books. There’s also an interactive game floor with sights and sounds for all ages. Older children will enjoy navigating the three-level, Mayan-themed playground with slides, swinging bridges and more. You can add on laser tag, mini-golf or the Air Trek obstacle adventure course.
Kerrisdale Play Palace | vancouver.ca
5670 East Blvd, Vancouver
Kerrisdale Play Palace is open in the spring and summer when the ice is removed from Cyclone Taylor Arena. The rink is transformed into a giant, indoor playground for children aged 12 and under. There’s a toddler/preschooler section with padded flooring, carpet games and lots of toys. We especially love that there are baby and toddler drop-ins during the week, which ensure lots of space just for little ones. Kids of all ages will enjoy the inflatable bouncy castles, obstacle courses, giant slide, a basketball shooting area and ride-on cars. This year, Play Palace is open from April 9 to August 29.
Kidtropolis | kidtropolis.ca
110 – 5940 No. 2 Road, Richmond
Toddlers and preschoolers love pretend play, and there are lots of opportunities to spark their imaginations in this 18,000 square foot, kid-sized city. There are miniature shops and businesses lining the “streets”, and children can go to school, the grocery store, the hospital or a restaurant. They can dress up as pilots, firefighters and police officers. There are even ride-on cars and a gas station where they can fill up their tank. When the kids are ready for a bit more physical activity, the soft-play jungle gym, tree house and slide are a perfect outlet. Kidtropolis is ideal for children aged 2-10. Bring your tots on Toddler Tuesdays, when kids between ages two and four receive a discount on admission.
Ooie World | ooieworld.com
102 – 15355 Fraser Highway, Surrey
This play centre is under new ownership and has been implementing changes in phases. The newly-upgraded toddler area is a perfect spot for children under five to hang out. Older children will be thrilled to discover the larger playground, giant slide, easy-to-climb rock wall and ball court. On weekends, the two-level playground glows in the dark with lights and music. Bumper car rides are available for an extra charge.
Jungle Jac’s | junglejacs.com
589 Nicola Avenue, Port Coquitlam
This exciting jungle-themed playground will keep boredom at bay. There’s a dedicated play area for the youngest visitors with slides and toys. Older children can run amok in the huge climbing structure complete with tunnels, water-effect slides and ball pit. For a full experience, add on laser tag, bumper cars and trampolines. In the summer, visit the outdoor inflatable bounce zone for even more entertainment (with purchase of trampoline pass). There’s no shortage of fun!
Play Abby | playabby.com
#5 – 2043 Abbotsford Way, Abbotsford
Play Abby has a toddler playground featuring slides, tunnels and obstacles for children under four. School-age children will have a blast in the larger play structure with one of the longest tube slides in the Lower Mainland, a giant wave slide and an interactive play court. Round out your experience with a game of laser tag for an additional charge (ages five and up). Parents are welcome to join in and play too, or to take some time for themselves with a yoga class in the studio.
Funplex | funplex.ca
12070 – 88 Avenue, Surrey
Funplex has a designated toddler area for children up to age four. There are mats for babies to crawl on, padded climbers, big soft blocks to carry and build with, and activity panels for busy hands. Older children will find lots to do in the awesome three-storey jungle gym. They can test their skills on the climbing wall, hop around the interactive floor, and get active in the sports court and miniature gym. There’s also a laser maze for an additional cost.
Captain Kid’s Fun Centre | captainkids.ca
20165 – 91A Avenue, Langley
The designated toddler area at Captain Kid’s features padded flooring, soft play toys to climb on and a bead maze for practicing hand-eye coordination. Children up to age 12 will love the endless excitement of the 30-foot high play centre. There are large slides, a crocodile pit, snake pit and tunnels. This huge playground is decorated with a fun nautical theme and will keep kids occupied for hours. An eight-visit value pack is available for frequent visitors.
The Adventure Zone | theadventurezone.ca
2nd Floor, Kid’s Market, Granville Island
This multi-level indoor jungle gym at Granville Island Market is sure to impress littles—but make sure to bring socks. There’s an “i-Floor” and “i-Wall” where kids can participate in responsive and fun virtual reality games. You’ll also find a ball pit and 2 party rooms for birthday party bliss.
6Pack Indoor Beach | 6packbeach.com
#115-13180 Mitchell Rd., Richmond
This indoor beach is tons of fun. 700 metric tons of fun, to be exact. That’s how much sand you’ll find here! There are drop-ins for small children, with times varying through the week. You can even host a birthday party there. It’s like hanging out in a giant sandbox without getting exposed to the elements.
Laserdome Plus | laserdome.net
2455 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver
Laser tag, a 24-foot space jungle playground, and rock climbing… oh my! Enjoy three rock climbing walls, plus 7500 square feet and four levels of laser tag space. You can also have birthday parties here, too. Make sure to bring your socks to play on the playground.
Circus Play Cafe | circusplaycafe.com
1650 East 12th Avenue (On the corner of Commercial Drive), Vancouver
This beautifully designed play space has slides and toys and structures to develop gross and fine motor skills. You can host birthday parties here, or attend classes and workshops. They also have a quiet reading room if all that playing gets to be too much and you need a time out.
The Edge Climbing Centre | edgeclimbing.com
#2-1485 Welch Street, North Vancouver
15,000 square feet of climbing awaits you at the Edge Climbing Centre. Your birthday parties will be safe and fun with a staff ratio of 3:1, which is the highest in the lower mainland. While there isn’t a minimum age, older kids may enjoy the space more than younger kids. Enjoy the party room and let the kids climb the walls instead of just bouncing off of them!
Check out these great indoor play spaces for year-round fun, learning and adventures. The fun doesn’t have to stop when it’s rainy and cold outside.
~Adapted from an article by Alison Tedford
Tagged under: indoor play spaces,Indoor playgrounds,playtime,Vancouver,indoor play area
Category: indoor-play
