The Indoor Playground Now Open in Palm Bay

The brand new opening of The Indoor Playground in Palm Bay, Florida, offers an interesting alternative for children and parents looking for a different kind of playground experience. My wife and I took our "almost 3-yr old" granddaughter to The Indoor Playground on a hot Saturday last week and had a blast. If you live in Central Florida, then you know the kind of day I'm talking about: unrelenting sun, stick-to-your-clothes humidity, the only breeze coming from thirsty mosquitoes sharpening their attack skills, rain clouds just daring you to stay dry... Yeah, it was one of those kinds of days. Not the kind of moment to be visiting a playground. Or should I say, outdoor playground. Indoor playground? Well, that's a different story.

We were warmly welcomed by owner Tom Restivo as we stepped over the threshold and into the amazing air conditioning of The Indoor Playground located at 3085 Jupiter Blvd SE Suite #7. We checked in at the register located immediately inside the front door and with everyone wearing socks (Yep, adults too) our little Grand Girl took off for the inflatable bounce house, giggling with delight at the colorful activities around the carpeted space. After a time she climbed up on the wooden play set, explored the Kitchen, Barbies and Doll House, scaled the small rock wall, scooted down the plastic slide, ran past the Legos and ended up at -- the wooden Train Set. Grandpa Ron (that would be me) joined her as we worked on the track and got the train rolling with several cars. Hearing her yell, "All Aboooard!" cracks me up every time. (Memories of the Melbourne Mall's Electric Train ride, no doubt.)

What To Expect

Visiting The Indoor Playground surprised me on a couple of levels. First off, this isn't a place for teenagers to romp and play. The toys and play area is configured for much smaller hands and feet. Seen the Melbourne Mall's kid play area? T.I.P. is very comparable. In reading through the Indoor Playground's website, I learned that the owner got the idea for his family owned business from visiting the mall's play area. After two years of research and planning, he and his wife opened the Palm Bay location and the "Likes" they are getting on Facebook keep coming.

Pricing

Some creative pricing packages are available. A single daily visit for the first child is $7 while each additional child is $5. We decided to try the monthly rate for one child at $28. With that price, we -- or Mommy and Daddy -- can bring our little granddaughter as many times as she wants for the 30 day stretch.

In addition to Family rates and such, there's also a Babysitters Monthly Membership. How does that work? The Babysitter buys the pass which allows them to bring up to 2 children to enjoy the facilities. Different children can be brought on each visit -- a creative solution to those watching little ones who may not be direct family members.

Play Time -- Keep Your Eyes Open!

I was also surprised that there are no wrist bands or hand stamps like what would be found at the new Chuck E. Cheese location in Melbourne. The reason for this is because the parents or care givers are expected to keep an eye on their children -- just like you'd expect on a public playground. The Indoor Playground isn't a place that you just drop your kids. No, you take your kids, and enjoy them while they're there. (That is still allowed, you know.)

Bring Your Own Food and Drinks

Another surprise: bringing in food and non-alcoholic drinks. Unlike other places that may balk at bringing your own snacks and refreshments, The Indoor Playground encourages such things. Sure, they have snacks they sell (All candy, chips, soda, juice boxes, and baby food are $1) but to walk in with a Starbucks coffee or a bag of Panera's Bagels (or an entire picnic or meal) isn't going to get you 'the look'. Adults have a variety of places they can sit at, utilizing tables, chairs and comfy loungers. There's even free Internet Wi-Fi.

And if a hunkering for ice cream hits, you can always grab your shoes, take ten steps, and be at the Brain Freeze Ice Cream shop located practically next door. Good stuff!

Special Events

Our Grand Girl recently got to enjoy a Friday night "Pajama Party" at The Indoor Playground. Her mother shared that she had a wonderful time listening to stories, playing with the toys, making new friends.

Guests can also register for Birthday Parties and other fun activities such as Family Nights, Arts and Crafts, and even a Circus Night (planned for this coming Friday) with live clowns.

A Safe and Fun Place

The Indoor Playground provides exactly what you'd expect: a fun, safe, comfortable indoor experience for your little ones to enjoy-- come rain or come shine. And if you hear a loud, "All Aboooard!" and see an "old" guy tinkering on the wooden railroad tracks with a little blonde girl, stop by and say, "Hi."

We'll share the tracks with you.

Promise.

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More Info

The Indoor Playground on Facebook

The Indoor Playground Website
Street Address: 3085 Jupiter Blvd SE Suite #7, Palm bay, FL 32909
Phone: 321-345-4200
E-Mail: tom@theindoorplayground.com

Next door neighbor: Brain Freeze Ice Cream