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Unfortunately this play space closed in fall 2014. Back in January when I updated our roundup of drop-in indoor play spaces in Queens, I included the just-opened Elite Kids Place in Glendale even though my family hadn't yet checked it out personally. Well, now we have, and after the hours we spent playing there, I can say from firsthand experience that little kids love this hip indoor playground. My four-year-old tired herself out climbing the rock wall and the hanging ladder over and over, while my toddler relaxed in the chair swings and tinkered at the tool table. And those are just a few of the attractions at this locally owned, well-priced, drop-in play space. Elite Kids Place was opened in December 2013 by Queens mom Edyta Maselbas, who says she gets a lot of her ideas for the play space from her eight-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son. When my kids and I visited, Edyta's own mom was there, too, and both ladies immediately made my family feel at home. Previously a group of offices, the bright and open space has been completely transformed and features lots of cool multisensory attractions like a rock climbing wall, a hanging ladder, swing chairs and a wide variety of little-kid toys. While my kids went nuts exploring the place, I relaxed in one of the comfy swing chairs (they accommodate adults!). I did have to assist my four-year-old on the rock wall and ladder though. Meanwhile, my toddler was obsessed with painting on the black stone wall with water. She loved watching her pictures evaporate and then starting over—she said it was "like magic." There's also a toy piano and other kid-size instruments to try, a tool table, stuffed animals and push-and-pull toys, plus a book nook if kids need a break from active play. After three hours, my girls still didn't want to leave! Elite Kids Place has a socks-only policy, even for grown-ups, but don't worry, if you forget to wear any you can always buy a pair from the on-site gift shop, which also has a nice selection of toys including brand names like Melissa & Doug. In addition to drop-in play, Elite offers kids' classes like Zumba, art, yoga and science; special events such as holiday parties and regular drop-off kids movie nights; and themed birthday party packages. Siblings receive a 50% discount on classes. Drop-in open play at Elite Kids Place costs $10 per child on weekdays, except Mondays which is only $5 per kid. On weekends, it's $14 per child. A 10-pack of passes runs $99 and expires in six months, but can be used on any day of the week. Open play hours are Monday-Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-7pm but it's best to call ahead to confirm the space isn't closed for a private party: 718-628-8884. Aside from Noble Planners next door, which hosts classes for toddlers and often collaborates with Elite, there aren't a lot of kid-friendly businesses in the immediate area. But if you need a post-play meal, family-friendly restaurants Saverio's Stone Fire Bistro and Johnny Rockets on Cooper Avenue are both a short drive away. Elite Kids Place is located at 67-21 Central Avenue near 67th Place in Glendale, Queens. Check out other great place to play indoors with kids in Queens and all of NYC.

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