Lost in Fun: Children's Attraction in Lincoln, Nebraska

I first heard of Lost in Fun a few years ago, and decided to check them out one day with my kids. The concept struck me as odd- an indoor play center that featured bouncy castles, swingsets, and basketball. In short, it sounded like everything that is fun about being outdoors in the summer was brought inside. Given this description, I wasn't sure if it was safe, and whether it would be any fun for my kids. After my first visit, I was reassured on both counts.

First, let me address the safety issue. When you visit, you will sign a waiver. This is standard practice for any sort of business where there might be a risk. And yes, there is a potential here. That being said, they've take so many precautions that I'm more than satisfied that this is a safe, fun place for kids to play. The floors are not only carpeted, but padded in many areas. The bounce houses are in areas where there is enough room to accommodate the size of the houses without any trouble. There are security cameras and monitoring, and the staff takes safety very seriously. I see far less danger in letting them play here than in renting a bounce house for my backyard for the kids to play in.

There have been several changes to Lost in Fun throughout the time we've been visiting, and they continue to improve it and make it better. At first, the bounce houses were in a large area to the side. Eventually, they expanded them to their own separate area, and created rooms to accommodate birthday parties. There was an area where kids could watch tv, but it was under one of the swingsets. They decided to make a whole section where parents and kids could sit and watch Spongebob, or some other kids program. They used to have glow-in-the-dark golf, but this was cramped and tough to play. They took it out and created a foam pit, which has been an enormous hit with the kids.

Lost in Fun really seems to get kids. I had my son's birthday party there last year, and the owner was very kind to us. Ever since then, he remembers us and says hello every time we visit. In return, I decided that any place that remembered my kids and welcomed them back was someplace I wanted to spend my money, so I bought a yearly pass. This lets us go there anytime we want for one year, and it only cost $175 for 2 kids. This week, we have been almost every day after school.

The pass also gives you 10% off birthday party packages, and I had so much fun at my son's birthday party that I absolutely can't wait to host another party there. The kids have fun, there's no mess for me to clean up, they have food available, and it's only $100 for 10 kids (less with the annual pass). Considering that I had been letting my kids invite friends to the park, and I'd have to do all the planning, organizing, watching the kids, and cleaning, and that it still cost me nearly that much with all of the supplies, I am more than happy to book at Lost in Fun and let them handle it.

The prices are phenomenal. Before I bought the yearly pass, it was only $10 each to take the kids and let them play all day long. Though they do list prices for different areas, they really only sell the all area passes. But they do allow you to play in all the areas, and I consider it a bargain.

The only complaint I have is that I wish there was free wi-fi available for the parents. My kids are older, and I am stuck sitting on a bench while they have fun. And they know they only get to stay until my boredom catches up with me. For parents with younger kids, it isn't as big a deal. They get right in and play with their kids (it's free for adults to play). But for older kids who aren't as attached to mom anymore, there isn't much to do.