Hi,
I am in North Phoenix and have 18 month old triplets. My husband and I are trying to find a place to take them to so they can play freely. We tried Chucky Cheese but that was chaos. We need to find an indoors secure location that is toddler friendly. We need it to have gated / secure areas since we are out numbered when we are able to get out with them. We found a place Imaginary Avenue on Shea Avethat was perfect but they may be going out of business in July. Does anyone have any ideas that don't cost much for occasional play time for toddlers?
Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful advice. I am looking into everyone's suggestions. As for Imaginary Ave I hope we can also continue to go there after 7-09 (my kids loved it). If anyone has any other suggestions please keep sending them. If I find anything new or have another great experience with one of the suggestions I will surely let everyone know. Thanks again for taking the time to contact me.
Arrowhead Mall has that little playarea and then just sit by the enterance so if you get one of them that tries to sneak out!
I can't believe Imagination Ave is going out of business!!! I've taken my kids there for years! I wish there was another place like it. I went to a great park with my playgroup that would still be good for summertime because they have water spouts (like Desert Ridge) and the playground is shaded with a huge barn structure. It's in the DC ranch neighborhood. Go Pima to Union Hills and go East, drive a few blocks and it's on the right...I think it's 84th Street but you will see the park on the right. It was one of the best little parks we've been to! I hope more people respond so I can get good ideas :) Oh, and the library is also a must! We like the Desert Broom Library on Tatum/Cave Creek. They have great story time there.
I used to take my kids to a friend's church for their Tot Time. It's Shiloh Community Church on 32nd St. north of Union Hills. They set up their gym with baby/toddler friendly things to do (including a couple little climbing things and a jumpy castle, blocks, kitchen stuff, etc.) and the only exit is gated. I think it's on Wed. mornings, which doesn't work in our schedule anymore, which is the only reason we stopped going. You buy a family pass for like $10 or $15 for the whole season. My kids always had fun there.
Hi L.,
I am so glad you liked Imagination Avenue! I am the owner and it is nice to hear when people had a good experience. We are trying to sell the business but if we can not, our last day will be Wed., July 22. You could purchase a monthly pass until June 22 and that could be a huge savings for you since you could come as much as you like until we close.
Thanks again!!! :)
D.
Dear L.; The Arizona Children's Museum on 7th Street and Van Buren has a really great room for toddlers where they can explore safely on their own. I saw lots of young kids, some who could only crawl, having fun there when I took my grandsons who were 8 and 10. They don't let older kids into this room, but they have great stuff to do for all ages. The entry fee was $9.00 each but you might be able to get a membership, which would really be worth it. D.
The children's Museum downtown has an area for under 3 that is gated off and has staff watching the exits. You can get try it out for $9.00 a person and if you like it save your reciept and at the end of the visit you can use that money towards your year membership for 3 people a year membership is 110.00 and is tax deuctable. I think it is 145? for 4 people. We love it! I hope that helps.
Hello! Someone else suggested Tot Town at Shiloh Community Church on 32nd Street north of Union Hills. Right now it's every other Wednesday morning. Here is the web address for their current schedule:
http://www.shilohcommunity.com/files/tot_town.pdf
There is also a similar Tot Town at another church, in north Glendale? I think it's a Baptist church, but can't remember the name. You should be able to Google it. I believe it's on Monday mornings.
Good luck!
I am so sad to hear about Imagination Ave! I take my daycare kids there once in awhile. That place is wonderful. The only other place I can think of is the Mall play area. I put all my kids in bright orange shirts so its easier to keep track of them. It works great :) I will be watching to see what other places people suggest, we are always looking for a fun place to go.
I just reread you post, there is another Imagination Ave on 32nd street and Shea area. I hope its not closing too. Thats the one we go to. You could give that one a try. Good luck in your search
I also enjoy taking my kids to the play area at Arrowhead but there are other malls that have play areas too. Have you looked at the website for AZ active kids www.azactivekids.com
I try to go there when I need ideas for my kids. Check it out she also sends out newsletters if you want them and offers discounts on event tickets. We went to a sesames street show and got tickets for 1/2 price.
The Phoenix Public Library just started and amazing program called the Culture Pass where members can check out passes to about 15 different museums including the Children's and the Zoo for free admission for 4. You can go to the website or the library for details. Good luck!
