NUThin' but Good Times in Merrimack, NH: a Review

Set to open it's doors in December 2010, I was quite excited to take my two children, ages 4.5 and 2.5 to NUThin' But Good Times. Unfortunately, this opening was delayed. This indoor playground finally opened to the public in February 2011 and I took my children, along with some friends and their children, just this past week for the first time. Here is what you can expect:

Play: NUThin' But Good Times offers a very large climbing structure best used by children 4 and older. There are about three openings in which the children can climb into this structure by means of stairs or an incline. Once inside, they will find obstacles to climb over and under, a balance beam, ropes to hang from, monkey bars, a large and fast black tunnel slide, a snake slide, and a three-seat wide slide that my older son deems "the lava slide" simply because of it's adornment. At 4.5, my oldest son had no difficulty with any portion of this large climbing structure. At only 2.5, my youngest son needed aid by either myself or his brother to help him along some of the more difficult portions (climbing, mostly). A good feature of this structure is the fact that it's parent-friendly so we're able to climb on up there with our children, guide them through, or simply play with them. Even at 33 weeks pregnant I found myself following my 2.5-year-old around a bit.

Beyond this large play structure, there was also a smaller area for younger children 3 and under. There was a small climbing structure with a small slide and a padded area where they could crawl or walk around.

Safety: I did notice the safety measures the owners put into place at NUThin' But Good Times. Any poles in the middle of the floor were covered with a soft material, as were the poles of the climbing structure itself. The larger play structure was also encased in mesh covering so there's no way a child could fall from the large distances above in which they were playing.

Cleanliness: Because this facility is only weeks old, I did expect it to be clean and my expectations were met nicely. No food or drink is allowed in the play area and shoes are taken off upon entrance and placed in a large closet (where you can also store coats and bags - please note that strollers are not allowed). Socks are a must, so don't forget them in those warmer summer months! The boys and I also entered the bathroom twice and found it to be extremely clean as well.

Food: NUThin' But Good Times has a concession stand. We could smell popcorn as we entered the facility and they sell other things such as soft pretzels and drinks. Outside food is not permitted. This is one rule I'd be glad to see go as we spend a great deal of time at indoor playgrounds and my children most definitely benefit from a snack, or even a lunch if we are there during lunchtime.

There is a designated area where you and your children can eat. Tables are set up outside of the play area and food is not permitted beyond these tables.

Comfort: There are seats all throughout this facility that make it a more enjoyable visit for adults. NUThin' But Good Times also boasts free Wi-Fi if you'd like to take advantage of it. I can see the thrill this would bring to some adults, but I would personally much rather they watch their children while they are playing than read a book or browse the web. We arrived just as it opened and there weren't many people there to begin with, but after about an hour, it became completely overwhelming. Speaking to a friend of mine, she had also taken her toddler to play during school vacation week and said it was so incredibly busy with children that she had to leave. I'd rather see a parent help their child/children enforce the rules than avert their attention to the computer.

Pricing: Prices are as follows:
Children 4+ are $9.00
Children 3- are $5.50
Adults are $2.50

When I called to ask about infants I was told that if your infant is small enough that they are in a carrier/sling for the entire time of your visit, then you will not have to pay for them, but if they are old enough to be out of the carrier/sling, then they are supposedly old enough to utilize the younger children's section, and will therefor have to pay.

NUThin' But Good Times also has group pricing. Group pricing is as follows:
For a party of 12 or more paying customers (this includes adults).
Children 4+ are $7.00
Children 3- are $4.00
Adults are $2.00

To get this group pricing, all attendees must meet at the entrance at the same time. I did like the fact that you did not have to reserve a spot for a group with a credit card. As a moms group organizer I know full well that cancellations happen at the last minute, and I've learned not to reserve the group pricing at other indoor playgrounds due to the fact that we may not meet the expected number of attendees and I have already paid for everyone up front. With NUThin' But Good Times, we all met in the lobby and paid individually.

Parties: I saw two separate party rooms during my visit to NUThin' But Good Times. An explanation of their party packages is on their website.

If you'd like more information please visit the NUThin' But Good Times website at www.nuthinbutgoodtimes.com or give them a call at 603-429-2200. NUThin' But Good Times is located at 746 D.W. Highway in Merrimack, NH.