14 Drop-In Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Area Kids

Photo courtesy of Giggleberry Fair
Photo courtesy of Giggleberry Fair
2/2/20 - By Veronica Lameiro

Winter, spring, summer  or fall, it’s always a good season to play! No matter what the weather looks like outdoors, indoor play spaces are perfect for keeping little ones entertained, and exercised. Here’s a list of great spots you can visit with your kiddos, even when the climate’s not working in your favor. And don't forget to get more ideas for indoor fun with our Indoor Activities Guide

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1. Kids At Play - East Falls

A child’s main job is to play and learn, and that’s just what they’ll do at this indoor, multi-sensory playground appropriate for toddlers to 12 year olds. A zip-line, roller coaster car and ball pit are just some of the fun attractions your kids will enjoy. They also offer classes, and you can book a space for birthday parties as well. Pre-crawlers are free with a paid admission, and adults are free with a paying child. Kids at Play also offers licensed therapy and sensory gym.

2. We Rock the Spectrum- Northeast Philadelphia

Children ages 12 and under with varying abilities can enjoy this 3,300 square foot playspace that includes trampolines, a zip line, a rock wall, and an imaginary play area. You can pay for 2 hours of play or for an all-day pass. For frequent visitors, cost effective memberships are also available.

3. PlayArts - Fishtown

Arts and play come together in this 4,500 square foot facility in Fishtown ideal for infants, toddlers, and older kids. Dance, music, theater, and art classes are offered, and parents can pay an annual or quarterly membership to enjoy more perks. Chinese Learning Lab is another class that has been incorporated into this playspace's offerings.

4. Philly InMovement - Queen Village 

This space provides gymnastics and movement education classes, but also has an open gym option for 10 month old - school aged children. Mini-Movement, for younger children, is held in Bella Vista on Percy Street. Children's classes, drop-in sessions, and Kinder Camp are programs at this location. Philly InMovement offers children's classes including Fast Track classes, Enrichment Summer Camp, and Adult programming.

5. NEST - Center City and Chestnut Hill

This children’s enrichment center, ideal for newborn babies to 7 year olds, was founded by three couples looking to keep their kids entertained in the city. The center city location offers a nature-themed indoor playground with a tree house, costumes, a toy market, building blocks plus a pre-walker area. This is a one-stop-shop for everything from art and music classes, to haircuts, birthday parties, and more. There’s even a snack cafe where parents can sip on coffee and watch their children play. They also offer a monthly membership that includes discounted parking, unlimited access to the play space and free coffee and wifi.
 
Photo courtesy of NEST

6. Lulu’s Casita- Ardmore and West Chester

With two locations, this playspace provides fun for kids 0-5 years old to play and explore. There are bilingual storytimes, Friday Pizza Nights, and music sessions.Parents can grab a cup of joe while watching their youngsters playing in a relaxed atmosphere.

7. Oasis Family Fun Center - Glen Mills

There’s a soft playground area with obstacles and tunnels that will entertain kids up to 12 years old. There’s also a soft ball arena with over 5,000 soft foam balls to play with, as well as jumpshot trampoline basketball. Older kids are sure to be intrigued by the laser maze challenge, rock climbing wall, and arcade. Don't forget to play a game of bowling while you are there.

8. Giggleberry Fair- Peddler’s Village

Kids are sure to have a blast in Giggleberry Mountain, a large indoor obstacle course that is sure to keep them entertained. In Giggles Discovers, children can pretend at a fire station, make-believe with puppets, and splash in the water zone. There’s also a game room and a carousel.

9. Chatter Splatter - Conshohocken

Open on weekdays, Chatter Splatter is a great meet up for playgroups and moms. Kids make new friends and parents can also socialize as they watch over their kids The recommended age group is 6 months to 6 years old. Outside food is allowed; however, no nut products are permitted. Snacks are also available for purchase. Every child gets a juice, fruit and cookies, and adults get free coffee daily at 10:30 AM and 1 PM. It is important to note that the playspace is open on select Saturdays each month.

10. The Little Pod- North Wales

Children can play, climb, explore, and learn through interactive play seven days a week. Moms and dads are sure to appreciate free wifi. Parents can also reserve for birthday parties.

11. Splash Lab Arts- East Falls

This is an awesome place to let the kids get messy and not have to clean up the wreckage! Splash Lab has open play hours daily from 9 AM - 1 PM. Kids love painting on the walls and building on the LEGO wall. Visitors can expect Baby and Me options, Afternoon Art, and even camp opportunities.

12. Media's Toddler Town- Media

Newest to the list, this venue is geared mainly towards kiddos 5 and under. Guests can pop in for a visit or get a membership to save money. Monthly and yearly memberships are available. The space has a play area with a little town depicting charming Media as it features favorite hot spots such as The Media Theatre and Pinocchio's Restaurant as well as a firehouse and police station. This new spot hosts birthday parties too!

The ball pit is especially fun for kids playing at My Gym. Photo courtesy of C. Mooney

13. My Gym - Springfield, Lionville/Exton, Yardley, and Cherry Hill

Kids learn that exercising is fun with ninja training, gymnastics, and karate classes sure to keep them on their toes. You can pay a lifetime membership fee and enroll in a wide variety of classes. They also offer punch passes, so you can drop in and play. The first class is always free.

14. Little Sport - Maple Shade, NJ

This sport-themed playspace is ideal for active little ones. Designed for children aged 6 and under, there is space to no only run and jump but also shoot hoops and climb, slide, and ride. Classes are available and are centered around the idea of combining sport and play to teach life skills. 

 

This post was updated in 2020.

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