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Amy's Playground
Category: Active Life Playgrounds Playgrounds
1115 Mission StSouth Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 799-0304
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
45 reviews for Amy's Playground
45 reviews in English
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Review from Randy R.
Malibu, CA
12/20/2011
I usually hate going to birthday parties at these places, all my friends are having kids right now and seems like I've been invited to these things way too much lately. Mostly I hate going because the places I've gone to are sticky from floor to ceiling and I feel like I don't want to touch anything. But I was here at my nephew's birthday party last week and was really kind of shocked by how clean it was compared to the other places I've been to. The girls who were working there were sweeping and wiping pretty constantly and I'm not really a germaphobe or anything but to me it made a big difference between wanting to leave immediately and being able to sit and enjoy myself for a bit.
I also wanted to comment on how great the staff seemed to be in helping my brother and his wife with their guests. My bro told me afterwards it was the best party he's had for any of his 3 kids (the party I went to was for his 4 year old).
Really cool vibe in there too, sort of had an oldtown Pasadena loft look with brick walls and wood rafters, didn't feel at all like being in some Kiddie Zone place. So I'd say if you're going to have to have a party for your kid at an indoor playground this is definitely the right place to do it. -
Review from Kris K.
Seal Beach, CA
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great place for birthday parties. Simple, clean, super organized, and cute! this place is an indoor playground where kids can go wild and have the time of their life indoors.
Since you can't wear any shoes inside, even parents, the place is very clean. They even have a small area for babies to hang out. Which makes it an overall safe place for all ages.
Birthday parties on the weekend usually lasts around 2.5hours. So you're in and out. Fastest birthday party ever.
They don't serve food, but for parties, you can bring in your own food.
The staff helps with food, cake, and decor.
very nice. -
Review from Ivan M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/19/2012
Amy's playground is a decent place to take your kids for a private birthday party but not as a playground on weekdays.
The Good: If you have the place for yourself and your friends then it's good. The play area is a little small and the variety of toys available is not great but the kids like the jumper and the slide maze. If the kids are there with their friends, they could be playing with anything and have a good time. The place is kept pretty clean and the staff is pleasant. The staff does walk through every 15 minutes to pick stuff up, clean off bathrooms and wipe anything down that needs it. They keep an eye on the bouncer and let the kids know if they are getting out of hand.
The Bad: If you go to play on a normal day or if you happen to go for a shared space party, where the public is allowed in with your guests, beware! The nannys that take the kids there are the worst! They don't watch their kids at all. Kids are rude, play rough and generally act like kids with no supervision because they are not supervised closely. The nannys are on their cell phones, texting or talking among themselves. This has been my experience 4 out of 4 times there with the regular folks in attendance.
The End: If the employees would enforce rules and be on the nannys to supervise the kids... meaning if kids get out of hand, they are asked to leave, then this place would be good. I would definitely go 4 or even 5 stars. Definitely private party is the way to go. -
Review from julie l.
San Gabriel, CA
2/2/2012
This place is decent. I'd give it 3.5 if yelp had half stars.
The only reason I knocked it down 1.5 is because for the variety of toys/ entertainment and the occasional rude customers. They do have these nice slides and a big bouncer, but the bouncer gets crowded and dangerous if there are more than a handful of kids in there.
I agree with Denis- usually everyone that goes is pretty nice and respectful. Once in awhile you'll have parents who bring their kids and don't monitor them. (the ones who throw things, hit, etc.) If the staff walked the playground a little it would be even better.
One thing is nice is the padded infant play area. It's all padded and is great for infants who aren't walking yet.
The staff are very nice and the place looks pretty clean. -
Review from Eddie B.
Los Angeles, CA
Not quite 3000 sqft of actual play area, maybe 1,800 or at least it don't look it. Clean and nice staff. Kids loves it.
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Review from Jimmy W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2012
It's the usual indoor playground-type place that's just about everywhere nowadays. Very similar to My Gym. They have most of the usual toys, cars to drive, jumpers, etc. We've been there for 2 B-day parties now.
As stated, the staff will basically do everything for you, which again, is typical of most of these places.
A few of the drawbacks:
1. The people working that day were pretty unfriendly. They basically rushed you in and out, which is typical of these types places since you're only booked for 2 hours.
2. The place is not very big at all. Not only the play area, but just about everywhere else in there too.....where they have the food, where you eat, where you change your shoes, etc. I think there are only 4 tables to eat at!! So it can be kind of cramp. I would say this place is not ideal at all if you're expecting more than 30 people for your party.
3. The parking is HORRIBLE! Looks like it was only street parking.
A few places let you bring all our own food, and this is one of them, so that's a good thing. -
Review from Tiffany P.
Chino, CA
1/31/2012
Great place for a kids birthday party where all you have to plan for is food and a cake. Setup/cleanup is taken care of by the staff. It is extremely time-regimented here, so "cake time" is almost rushed when it comes close to the end of the two hours. It's a little awkward, in my opinion...
Even though Amy's is a little on the small side, the kids seem to enjoy the indoor play area. There's a few couches and a lot of bench seating for the adults. I like that there's a locked gate so that the kiddies can't just run out the door without someone (or staff) noticing.
BRING SOCKS! -
Review from Matt C.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Took my daughter to her friends B-day party here. It's cool for kids, but not much for adults to do. I guess it forces us to walk around the gift shop and makes it more likely to purchase something. They had pedi-ped shoes galore. They offered face painting and tatoos for the kids which is always a winner as far as they're concerned. Everything is padded so the kids can run around like crazy people and they're not likely to get seriously injured. They have a lil hair salon/make-up area for the kids but it wasn't open this time.
This place offers a safe and fun area for your kids to burn off all their extra energy that way parents can get a little piece and quiet while the lil ones take that extea long nap ;) -
Review from Pei S.
South Pasadena, CA
4/7/2012
Amazing, I haven't seen a playground that sanitize all their toys multiple times a day. That's very responsible.
Free Wifi, gourmet coffee, w/ clean picnic tables were awesome. This place knows what parents need.
However, I wish that they can post a sign to prohibit sick kids (those who are having cold/flu) to come. 4 of the kids that we encountered were sick the last time we went. -
Review from Yifan H.
Temple City, CA
4/10/2012
I had my baby girl's 1 year old birthday party here. All the kids had a great time. The place is nice and clean, and staff are very friendly and helpful. Totally recommending this place to friends who have kids!
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Review from Joel M.
Pasadena, CA
12/6/2011
Okay, Amy's Playground should have 5 stars, and that's all there is to it.
My son and I were actually planning on going to another indoor playground called "Under the Sea", and for some odd reason, they were closed, so while I was getting coffee in South Pasadena, I figured I'd check out Amy's, since they were right around the corner from Kaldi.
Apparently, the staff has changed, because I was instantly greeted with a smiling face by a young girl when I walked in. After, I was told that we could stay pretty much the whole day for only $9. That right there pretty much sold me, talk about getting your money's worth!
Later, I came out to look at some of the gifts in their foyer, and the young girl who greeted me was gone, but another woman spoke with me very earnestly and courteously. Turned out, this was the owner, Amy, who is herself a parent...kudos.
The place itself isn't the biggest, but that's the great thing about it. I didn't need to run around chasing my son, or worry about him getting hurt, or kidnapped or anything. You can perch yourself in one place and have full view of everything going on. Not only that, but for a toddler's hangout, it was VERY CLEAN! More kudos...
All-in-all, my son had a total blast...he actually threw a small tantrum when we had to leave (the true sign of enjoyment). All the kids were really sweet to me too, but that's because I look like DJ Lance from Yo Gabba Gabba, so I'm used to it. -
Review from Natasha K.
Los Angeles, CA
Recently went to a private birthday here and didn't know what to expect for an indoor playground. Walked in and was amazed at all of the pedi peds, books, toys, make-up, games, etc. Very organized boutique with lots of specialty items to look at and check out. Further past the store is the place for little ones to run around and get crazy. Granted that they are much smaller, it's a much bigger space for them (nearly 3.000 square feet), so it works perfectly! There's a jumper, two-story tunnel maze to crawl through, role-play mini house and cars for them to ride around in, mad random toys, and cushioned area for younger babies. Along the wall, there are picnic tables where parents can hang out and observe the open play space. I really liked that the bathroom and play areas were clean. The staff was very professional and friendly. Amy's playground is an ideal place to have a birthday party. You can bring your own food and drinks! They do have free activities during the week with a paid entry for your little one. Free Admission for Parents and Caregivers. Visit packages available... 5 discount pack $39. For under $10 it's a perfect place indoor for a change from the park if the weather's lookin gloomy.
For more information:
http://www.amysindoorp... -
Review from Geny K.
Studio City, CA
12/18/2011
We just had my son's birthday party at Amy's playground. It was nice to have the option to bring in our own food and cupcakes. The assistants helped unload everything as well as reload our gifts and items back into the car while we were eating and the kids were playing.
The "playground" itself was perfect for this age group. There were options for younger kids (babies under 1) and older kids up to 5. Also, I liked that it wasn't too large in there so the playing area was very contained. Everyone was able to see where their child was and played along with them.
The only reason why we docked off a star was that we felt a bit rushed when it was time to leave. It would have been nice for one of the assistants to go around and announce a 10 minute warning, but instead we got a, "Time to go!!!" at like 10 minutes before the party was over so all of my guests just rushed out and it was all crowded in the entrance since everyone was scrambling for their goodie bags and shoes in the cubbies.
Other than that, the assistants that helped us that evening were very nice and helpful with making sure that everything remained stocked, things were cleaned up, packed up any leftovers and that my son was happy.
I would definitely come here again. -
Review from Marylu P.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I found Amy's by accident. I was yelping for a good place to take Emma for her 1st haircut and Amy's Playground came up.
She loves it here! It's clean, the girls at the front are nice. And the boutique is awesome too!
The girl that cut Emmas hair was quick, nice and knew exactly how to keep Emma entertained long enough to snip snip snip!
Big fun bounce house for mommy and me play time, cute little wooden house to play "house", cars, tubes, all in all good fun for your tiny tot! -
Review from ST L.
San Gabriel, CA
2/20/2012
I had my daughter's 5th birthday bash here. The staff was very accommodating. Everyone had loads of fun!
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Review from Wen Y.
Los Angeles, CA
7/4/2011
Went to a birthday party here with my toddler and thought it was great. Clean, friendly staff, plenty to do. I love the fact that they have 2 types of bouncers. The playhouse/kitchen area is brilliant and makes me want to go to Home Depot to modify one of their storage units and make one at home. Buckets of toys and balls are a great idea. The picnic benches are a great idea.
In reading other people's reviews, do parents really expect their small children to take care of themselves at a place like this or even the park? I thought one of our roles as parents is to teach and protect them and you can't do that from a distance. -
Review from Johnny C.
South Pasadena, CA
1/10/2012 1 photo
Went there this last weekend and had a blast! Great place for kids there to play -especially if they are young in age. They have two bouncers (one for older kids and one for the younger kids) as well as a pretty cool 2 floor maze/tunnel system with built in slides and crawling spaces. Staff was friendly and helpful. They are closed on the weekends for birthday parties. I highly recommend any parents with young kids to consider using them for a birthday party for a small to medium size group.
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Review from Toshi I.
2/27/2011
I came here for my nephew's 1st birthday party. I was a little startled when I was told to put my shoes in the cubby before entering the play area. I was expecting just a tad bit more friendly greeting. I can't comment on prices here but the place is very clean, very cute and although not a huge venue, the toys, bouncies and play house kept the kids ranging from 1-8 pretty busy. I noticed a gift shop and a place for hair cuts here.
There was a big bouncy with slide for the kids over the age of 3, a smaller bouncy for the kids under the age of 3, and a decent sized habittrail with a fun slide.
This place has lots of picnic bench style seating. Note: They tend to creak which can be a bit startling when you get up and when you sit down!
The party is for a 2 hour slot and it was just enough time for the kids to get their play time in. -
Review from Denis K.
Pasadena, CA
5/25/2011
Amy's Playground, their staff and equipment - Easy 5 stars.
The PARENTS and kids (with a few exceptions) 1 star.
Why are the kids so mean to each other. And where are the parents? Oh yah, you're sitting far far away not even watching your kid. This is NOT a Daycare. If your kid hurt another kid, YOU are responsible.
Other than that, the facility and staff are perfect. My little girl loves this place and never want to leave everytime she comes in.
Note to owner: Sorry about the 3 star treatment. You deserve 5. But the kids and parents completes the experience. So all i can suggest is for staff to walk around to not only ensure safety but to make sure that play is pleasant for everyone. -
Review from Erin S.
Agoura Hills, CA
Updated - 12/31/2010
From my good friend, who lives in Los Feliz...
So we FINALLY got to Amy's yesterday for a haircut for Martin Eli. I avoid getting him haircuts like the plague because it is always such a trauma. He screams and fights like he is being tortured to death. It makes me feel horrible! He always gets a terrible haircut and I leave discouraged.
We walked in yesterday and the lady was totally sweet and relaxed. Karen. She got him to sit in the chair by himself and to talk about trains and cars and she was actually able to give him a nice trim so I can finally let his hair to grow out. He looks so handsome with his new do! I was so proud of him. And the whole thing probably took 15 minutes so easy. Then I was able to buy a birthday present. We got in the car and then we got to see the train go by which made his day.
There you go! We will only go to Amy's from now on! Next time I will leave enough time for us to hang out and play.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/29/2009
I love Amy's! The only sad thing is that my kids are growing older and, with school, we don't go as… Read more »
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Review from Michelle A.
Los Angeles, CA
2/14/2011
I went this past weekend for a friend's child's party. I will admit I do not have children myself and did not know what to expect on any level.
I walked in to be 'un-greeted' by a women who walked up to me and rudely said "I'll take your gift". I assumed she worked there so I said "okay". At least she could of said "hello & welcome to Amy's Playground, I'll take your gift".
Then she said (very abruptly) "your shoes go in the cubby over there & if you don't have socks we sell them here"....."WOW" I thought!
To the staff working there --- don't assume everyone that comes through your door has been there before - don't assume they have children and are used to being talked to like a 5 year-old on a daily basis and don't assume they instantly know how your busineess operates. And the big one - don't assume you can treat customers badly, I assume word of mouth is everything in your business.
I have many friends with kids and even tho I live around the corner from here, I will refer all of them somewhere else.
If it was not for my friend's having the party for their little one, I would of walked right out. $1 later and a flimy pair of socks...I walked in the back & tried to make the best of it - -
Review from Esther Y.
Los Angeles, CA
3/27/2011
I absolutely LOVE this place as does my son! I've been to a lot of indoor playgrounds and I think this was THE best. The reason why I like this one the best in comparison to the rest is that it's CLEAN and toys are kept in good condition. I love how the employees walk around every so often to put toys back in their proper spots and will take wipes to clean them. I also love the picnic benches that are there where you can sit and watch your kids (you can see your kids playing from ALMOST anywhere they're at) and bring in your own lunches to eat at the table. They also have free wi-fi, so I see a lot of parents bringing in their laptops.
Love how they have complimentary coffee, magazines, and little sofas placed throughout the play area. They offer some snacks and drinks at reasonable prices and sell socks for $1 if you forget to bring yours. Oh..and they have high chairs and changing tables in the bathroom =)
I also had a bday party here, and although I wish they would give a little bit more time to set up, the staff did an amazing job getting everything ready in the little amount of time. I also wish they would let you bring stuff before hand so you don't have to lug everything on the day of the party. But like I said, given the short amnt of time (I think it was 10 minutes?) the staff did an AMAZING job with set up, clean up, etc.
The only cons are that on rainy days it gets crowded and hard to find parking and I don't think they put an age limit as to who can come in. I've seen lots of BIG boys come in who play rough, which I'm not too comfortable with especially because parents and staff don't do anything to control them. I also feel like Amy (the owner) could be friendlier and personable. -
Review from C G.
Los Angeles, CA
8/24/2011
Totally agree with Denis K- parents need to diligently watch their kids. This is a playground, not day care!!!! Kids were getting into arguments over toys, saw rough play and older kids running into small tots. The place and staff are always warm, but the kids need to be watched.
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Review from Heather T.
Burbank, CA
4/22/2011
I just had my daughter's 2nd birthday party here. It was the best. The helpers were out of this world! The playground is immaculate, the kids had a blast, the parents had fun and it was well worth the money. I hired the face painter/tattoo person as well (best $35 I ever spent)! I had kids ranging in age of 1 year to 12 years. They all had a blast and it was great. Thank you thank you to Amy and her staff for making my daughter's 2nd birthday the best one ever.
The only thing I think that could change would be to allow parents just a little bit more set up time. The 15 min we got just wasn't enough. Other than that I have no complaints and HIGHLY recommend Amy's! -
Review from Ron C.
Temple City, CA
4/18/2011
A very neat and decent place for the toddler to play and have fun. They even have a small cushioned area for babies that don't know how to walk. There are only 2 couches and it will be great if they have more. The picnic benches and tables are located on one side of the playground and not quite easy to check the kids who are playing on the other end. Also the tables are a bit too close to each other, and feel like a little bit too packed.
They have parties one after another, and they won't let you in like 5 -10 mins before your party time. -
Review from Dawn S.
Atlanta, GA
9/14/2007
"Amy, what you gonna do? I think I could stay with you for a while, maybe longer..."
I don't know who Amy is but bless her pure and beautiful soul. I was having a quasi meltdown of overwhelm with entertaining my nine mos. old while booking contractors for our house and attempting to plan a wedding, launch a business, and start a new education program.Ha! Who knew all I really needed was a quiet moment to sit with my boy and watch him be joyful. I don't know if I've ever seen my son so calmly and genuinely entertained as he was and remained for the duration of our stay at Amy's.
The front of the place is a charming shop of toys, the back a CLEAN, neat, and fun play area. If you have a really little one, this place blows the other indoor playgrounds we tried out of the water. A jumper just for tiny ones, a soft play area, lego blocks and several cars for him to ride around in.. While it was much less crowded than other places, it was evident that those who do come here come often.
When we left, I promptly bought a ten pass card. At less than $5 a visit, it's the least expensive and most fun therapy I've yet encountered. -
Review from Pete S.
8/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
Bring socks if you want to play!
For those parents, have you ever wanted to leave your kids in a playground and not worry just for a second that they can run off and be lost somewhere? Well, Amy's playground could help solve that problem. Think of this place as someone's extra large living room with a bouncer and a handful of toys most ideal for kids under five. This place is great for small parties, I heard it's $300 for 2 hours. If you were going to rent a bouncer in your front yard, that would be able half the cost right there! Plus the staff here are great, they help you with the kids cakes and presents.
The large comfy couches are great for adults to relax on. Only drawback here is the picnic like dining tables are tightly squeezed next to each other. Parking on the streets are 2 hours only, from 7-7 enforced weekly, another drawback. I think there is a lot in the back but not sure if you can park there.
Oh, you would still have to supervise your kids, it's not a daycare but at least you don't have to clean up your toys afterwards.Listed in: Kid Friendly
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Review from Dee T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/20/2011
I love Amy's. My kids love Amy's. I've been coming here for almost 6 years. The girls always are busy cleaning and cleaning all the toys. The bathroom are clean and handy with "home-like" changing table with wides. They do sell diapers if you need. They have free wifi and current magazines. I don't ever feel that my kids will get sick from here. If they do it would be from their clientele. However most people that come here are pleasant and responsible.
I had my daughters 4th birthday here and I was very impressed by the help and organization of the party. Everyone that came was happy that the party was here and no were else.
As a parent of young children, I have been to many of those indoor so called playground. No of them stood out as clean and airy as this place.
Amy, you rock. -
Review from MommytoMaudie ..
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2007 3 photos
A treat, my sweets!
My daughter LOVES this place!! She's not even 2 yet and she goes CRAZY when we get to the front door of this place. Its very clean and usually the girls who work here walk through and wipe everything down, you gotta love that! Probably best for 5 & under.
"- Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun private parties only
- Cost: Children $8; Siblings & Children (under 2) $6
An indoor play area for kids located in the Mission Street shopping district of South Pasadena, Amy's Playground has a 3,000 square foot play area that features a giant maze, playhouse, bouncer, and a separate "fun space" for small children. Discount packs are available for frequent visitors, and the center is available for private parties on weekends.
Getting There: From the 110 freeway north, exit on Orange Grove Ave. and turn right. Turn left onto Mission. The play center is between Fremont and Fairview."
** She is now 2 & stll hearts this place!! -
Review from Dana K.
Los Angeles, CA
2/15/2008
We usually love this place, but be forewarned that if its a rainy day, your head might explode, once inside, because its super-crazy busy in there. Its nice that they have cubbys for your things within sight, and also the lil shop in the front is great too--esp for distraction tactics. It just feels more welcoming and clean here than some other indoor play places we have been to. Great spot to wear out the kids!
oh,and another thing of note is that if you dont get parking in back, be prepared to search the neighborhood for a spot. -
Review from Rose B.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
7/9/2011
My Favorite indoor playground ever!! My son and I love this place! Lots of great toys that provide hours of fun for my kid and the staff is very friendly and always have a smile on their faces! Would recommend this place to everyone I know!
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Review from Jonathan O.
Monterey Park, CA
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
My son and his friends and family loved the place. It's a bit expensive but well worth the happiness I saw in my son's eyes.
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Review from Tricia Y.
Monterey Park, CA
10/14/2010
great place for birthday parties.
we had our daughter's 2nd birthday party there and it was wonderful!!
loved that you could pay for the cheapest package and bring in your own food.
the "helpers" did everything.. they even loaded all the presents in the car for us..
very fun!! -
Review from Latina Carina A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Great place for younger kids/toddlers. My toddler has such a blast every time he's here. I love the fact that you can play the whole day and you're only charged for each child(unlike other places that also charge for each adult).
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Review from Bora L.
Los Angeles, CA
4/8/2011
We just had our daughter bday party at Amy's and it was awesome! We were a little worried about their 2-hour block of party time, but their party assistants with very helpful with keeping everything on time. They were very organized and efficient, which allowed us the parents to enjoyed the party as well. Once we got there, the assistants unloaded the car, set up the table of foods, served the cake, and they even packed the leftovers and loaded our car for us. We were so happy with them that we tipped them well at the end. Not to mention, the kids really enjoyed the space and all the fun jumpers, slides and equipment. It's a great place for a kid party!
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Review from Maureen W.
South Pasadena, CA
6/17/2009
Great place to bring your young kids if you are a stay at home mom...weekdays are free play. On the weekends this place is always booked up for parties. We have attended several parties here. I think at about 5 years old, the kids start getting bored. Amy's is not super big, but it's clean and there are a lot of fun toys to climb on and explore in. My 2 year old loves it.
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Review from Marcelle A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/12/2011
great indoor playground! my son loves it! there's a little more variety of toys and games, than other indoor play houses and it's pretty spacious, too. they have couches around the play area so the adults can have a comfortable place to sit.
they sell snacks, juice and water for those of us who may need them. amy's even has an on-site hair salon for kids (the stylists have specified hour and i believe you can check their web site for their hours).
i went on a rainy day, so the place was packed; otherwise, we had fun. -
Review from Grace L.
Austin, TX
12/4/2009
This would be a great playground for a handful of kids... stay away if it's remotely wet outside.
I'm giving it 2 stars because of how overcrowded it can get. They should really put a limit on how many children and adults can enter. The place is not big at all and many parents don't keep an eye on their children (notice how other parents have stated that they can just sit at tables and play on their laptops). When there are children running free without supervision, you can expect a lot of bullying, hitting, fighting for toys, and screaming. Sure, kids will be kids, but they know when their parents aren't watching!
Again, if they had a limit on the number of people admitted to their small playground, it would be a much safer and pleasant place for both parents and children to spend time in.
Remember to bring socks! -
Review from maddy m.
Los Angeles, CA
12/30/2007
It happened to be an awfully rainy day when we happened to be there, so there were a lot of kids. They keep the place super clean. Very fun atmosphere and spacious enough. What my toddler daughter loved the most, unexpectedly, was the store in front. They have a lot of cute books, toys and clothing.
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Review from dawn l.
Millbrae, CA
9/7/2009
Great local spot to take the kids so that they can "drain their batteries" a bit. My family decided to go with three kids total - a 5.5 mo old, a 2.5 yr old, and a 10 mo old. When we got there I was not aware that the kids and adults needed socks to go in so we had to purchase socks at the counter for $1 each. No big. I like the latched gate separating the front area from the back play area. I quickly surveyed the space and saw a large tube maze structure much like those at McDonald's, a large inflated jumper, a smaller inflated jumper, a dollhouse in the back, about seven riding toys (rolling and stationary), balls, buckets of plastic toys, an activity center with beaded maze and turning letters, a velcro tic-tac-toe wall, and picnic tables in the sitting area. Also adjacent to the sitting area is one smaller picnic table for kids to eat/have a snack.
The large play area was perfect for the 2.5 yr old but not so much the 10 mo old, who is currently a crawler. AP has a padded, small playspace for crawlers (see pic) that is better for new crawlers. The 10 mo old is motoring so he just hung onto the edge, longly looking at the rest of the space that the older kids were playing in. So after I let him loose into the general area, he was a happy camper. The kids at play seemed to be as old as 6 or 7, which was surprising to see. I personally think that any kids who are obviously too physically large for the play things here should probably not be allowed in as they can play pretty rough and be unaware of the younger kids at play. I had to watch the 10 mo old and I noticed a bunch of other parents lingering nearby their younger toddlers as well.
AP offers multi-visit packs that can run you as cheap as $5 a visit. Love the fact that they offer lower pricing for siblings and no charge for parents/caregivers. They offer a small variety of snacks that helped avert a meltdown crisis when the 2.5 yr old managed to con grandma into buying her some Doritos after seeing some packs of Goldfish on a table that she couldn't have. AP is also a storefront that offers higher-end kids shoes and toys and haircuts in their barber shop area.
IMHO, I would just be aware of these things before and while you are at AP:
-Open play really means open play. All the kids are playing together so you really have to pay attention to what's going on if you have a younger toddler/infant.
-If you are a germaphobe, this place probably isn't for you. I saw the staff cleaning off toys and play equipment which was awesome but some of the parents were not very good about cleaning up their kids after a snack break. Also you can't escape the general stickiness of things that have been played with over and over again by kids. I don't mind this so much but you just have to be prepared if you are sensitive to this kind of environment.
-The parking lot is small so you may have to look around the busy adjacent streets for parking.
-AP is not open on weekends. They also don't seem to answer their phones if you need to call with a general question.
-Free wi-fi if you're confident that your kid doesn't need general supervision.
-At one point there seemed to be A LOT of kids playing. With the music on, the parents chatting, and the kids playing I thought it was a tad chaotic at one point. I don't think AP has a max capacity.
-I thought of what yelper Andrea L's commented on about visibility when I was there as well. The 2.5 yr old I was with was "lost" in the maze structure every time she was in there. I don't see how you can be in the sitting area and be able to "see" your kids at play. Thankfully there are several couches and benches on the floor, but you sometimes have to keep an eye out for an open space to sit down. Otherwise, get ready to sit on the floor!
-One last minor thing - the picnic tables in the sitting area are arranged parallel to each other so it can be difficult to share the space with other parents who have spread their stuff out on the table tops. I understand why it's set up like that but I wish parents would be better about sharing the space.
Bonus:
-There is an Orowheat "outlet" next door where you can cut out one part of running an errand to buy bread products.
AP is a really great concept and I wish there was something like this where I live in northern California. I'll definitely find time to visit again when I'm back in the area.
