Indoor Play Spaces in Warren and Sussex Counties

2/7/13 - By Erica Hartman

"The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house all that cold, cold, wet day."-- Dr. Seuss. Well, you're not making any more of a mess in MY house--my basement looks like a Disney Princess Island of Misfit toys. Even if Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring, I'm still not seeing the light at the end of this tunnel. Get out and explore some of the best indoor play spaces in Northwestern NJ--in other words, a place where your kids can make a mess and you don't need to clean it up!

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Chuckle Time (Andover, NJ)
Unfortunately, this venue has closed. 
Chuckle Time is a family favorite because of its little grocery store, 50's diner  and princess play area. They also have a 3 story play structure, slides, arcade games, a toddler play area, and a vending machine with healthy, organic snacks. The best part: you can watch your children from a parents waiting area with a TV and wifi. Like them on Facebook to stay up to date on their discounts and open play schedule. Why not get a bunch of friends together for a play date? Best for the under 8 crowd. Walkers up to 8 years old $10 plus tax, crawlers are $6 plus tax

All Play, LLC (Hackettstown, NJ)
​Unfortunately, this venue has closed. 
All Play recently opened and is great for families with a wide age range of children. When you first walk in you enter a huge pretend play space with play kitchens, a fleet of ride on toys, foam blocks, sports equipment and soft play spaces for little ones. The next section hosts arcade games such as air hockey and a claw machine. Finally the mother lode: 2 giant bounce houses. All Play offers a a bird eye view on the second floor for snacks and parents waiting and watching. Like them on Facebook so you are notified of open play hours and specials such as discounted Wacky Wednesdays. They stay open later than usual play spaces as they cater to older children as well--All Play can amuse kids up to 12 years old. $12 for the first child, $10 for the second sibling, and $1 off for each additional sibling. 12 months and under are free.

Clown Around (Flanders, NJ)
This indoor jungle themed playzone has been a family favorite for years. Always cleans and bright, they offer a soft play baby and toddler zone as well as a 3 story play structure with slides, ropes, nets, and obstacles. There is plenty of seating for parents and a snack room as well. They have free wifi and you can schedule play dates or attend open play. Check out their website for special events. 7 years and under. $15 for the 1st child, $10 for a sibling.

Monkey Doodles Play Room (Lake Hopatcong, NJ)
​Unfortunately, this venue has closed. 
The perfect play place for the droolers, crawlers, and the "I will put everything in my mouth that I lay eyes on" crowd. Monkey Doodles Play Room is designed specifically for the 5 and under set. A clean, airy space with a wooden play structure and slide, ball pits, tunnels, and a helicopter! You can drop in for open play or schedule private play dates. They also offer a variety of classes, with a new class specifically for super heroes. $10 per child and $8 per additional sibling.

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About the Author

Erica Hartman

First and foremost Erica Hartman is a proud wife and mother of 2 little girls, Proud New Jerseyean, Google Certified Trainer/Teacher, technology integration consultant, shopaholic and proud New Jerseyean, P90X grad and mommy blogger @elh

Erica is a Google Certified Teacher/Trainer and an Educational Computer Specialist for the Morris School District. Prior to she was a 6th Grade Connections/Language Arts Teacher in Sparta, New Jersey for nine years. She was also a technology professional development instructor for the Sparta Township School District. In 2007 she completed her Master’s in Technology Education from New Jersey City University and a Certificate in E-Learning and Online Teaching at the University of Wisconsin.

Besides being a Google Certified Teacher, she is also a certified Trainer for the New Jersey Governor’s Internet Safety Initiative. Her professional presentations include the  New Jersey Middle School Association Annual Conference, the Annual Turning on Learning Advance at Montclair State University, the Annual New Jersey Association for Educational Technology Conference at Georgian Court University, the NJEA Convention and the International Online Conference.

Erica also consults for the Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Education at Rutgers University, Computer Using Educators, EdTechTeam and has presented at the Google Teacher Academy in Chicago, New York, and Boulder. Finally, Erica is also an instructor for both the Google Workshops for Educators and Administrators. Follow her blog at theitclassroom.blogspot.com.

You can also follow Erica on Google+.