Monday 11 January 2016

Welcome to the Jungle - An Indoor Playground Review - Kidsopolis

Even though we've had a warm winter so far, it's been damp.  We haven't been able to hit the hills for any tobogganing, skating or other outdoor winter activities.  We decided that it was time to check out an indoor playground and work off some energy.   I first heard about this place because of a promotion on Groupon, unfortunately they were all sold out of the deal for weekend play, but we decided we'd check it out anyway.

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds ideally some in Toronto proper (indoor or out or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me:


Playground Name:
Kidsopolis

Location:
Unit 15-16 407 Speers Road ,Oakville



kidsopolis, Yu Kids Play System

Parking:
There is free parking in the lot.  This location is a five minute drive from the Oakville Go Station, or 30 minute walk.


Theme of Park:
Innovative, interactive and safe play for children of all ages.  The design of the playgrounds feels like it's come out of the imagination of Dr. Seuss.

Cost:
$12 for the first child, $10 for any additional siblings.  Two adults may accompany any one child. There are also multi-passes available for purchase.  Anyone who wants to visit between 6PM-8PM Monday to Thursday can take advantage of $6 admission.

 The Minions swinging on the hanging vines that look like candy gumdrops



Variety of Equipment for different ages:
This playground's activities and play are geared towards kids aged 1-6, with the candy coloured Yu Kids Play Structures (all as pictured above) only available for use for kids under 48 inches tall.  The other section of the playground is available for kids of all ages and admission provides kids over 48 inches in height with two laser game tokens (Mission Impossible type game, avoid the lasers and enter the code into a keypad across the room.  I would've liked to have played myself).

Jack in the moving balloons fan room.


Best Part(s) of the Park:
This playground featured ideas I have seen no where else, ever.  The balloon room is a caged room at the top of a play structure with four fans blowing in from all angles, with the addition of a number of fairly durable balloons kids can chase, bump and actually feeling like they're catching bubbles.  Other unique items included a transparent jumping bubble where you can look down at kids below you and exit via an inflatable slide, and the hanging vines which slowly rotate. There was also a more traditional play structure/maze that has slides, tunnels, and interactive games.  The kids played happily for around two hours.  Basic snacks and drinks (think juice and granola bars) are available for sale at reasonable prices.  Molly said her favourite part was "absolutely everything" while Jack was crazy about the "bubble room".

Molly getting ready to take aim on target.

Downfalls:
I witnessed a "Dad Fight" (some dads getting into a very loud "discussion" over a pre-schooler bowling over a toddler in the playground) but it quickly quieted, and both parents left pretty shortly after.  Like any playground my issue generally stems from kids behaving badly and absent parents, although none of these things have anything to do with the playground itself.

Overall Rating:
I give this indoor playground five stars/a near perfect 5/5 score.  I base this on the satisfaction level of the kids in combination with the price paid.  This is a really neat place and I've never seen anything quite like it. Both kids have repeatedly asked if we can go back.  While I wish that Toronto had either some more indoor play options within the city or (even better) free indoor play structures for kids in colder weather, I know we need to usually head west to get to this type of facility and am thrilled this place exists just over a 30 minute drive away.

A part of the all ages play structure


To read my indoor playground review for Balls of Fun in Mississauga click here.

To read my indoor playground review for Lil Monkeys Playground in Burlington click here.


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