Just in time for the chilly temps of winter, a new, independently-owned and operated indoor playspace has debuted in Bay Ridge. Fairytale Island packs a lot of fun (and food) into its 3rd Avenue storefront. Here’s our report from the indoor playground and party venue’s grand opening weekend!
A Familiar (Fairy) Tale
Fairytale Island co-owner Jimmy Wu, a father of two children, ages one and two, saw the need for an indoor playspace in his neighborhood of Bay Ridge. “Being a parent is stressful,” he says, adding that having a place like Fairytale Island — where kids can play and parents can either jump in with them, or have a cup of coffee, can help keep everyone in good spirits.
In the works for a while, the business signed a lease for the 4,000-square-foot space in June. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fairytale Island is designed for kids ages one to eight years old.
Those who enter the playspace must sign a waiver and remove their shoes; everyone also cleans their hands with a sanitizing wipe before crossing the threshold.
Packed with Fun
Featuring play structures and toys largely sourced from China, Korea and Japan, there’s more than enough here to occupy kids of all ages and styles of play (i.e. quiet and mellow, or high impact and energy.) On the day we visited both types of activity taking place, with no issues.
Run, Jump, Climb, Slide & Swing
If your child needs to burn off some steam, there’s plenty of room for that here. A central play structure includes tunnels, swings, slides, a ball pit, and even a trampoline.
At the front of the structure, a giant, hollow plane features two levels for play — and houses bars and swings for swinging; kids can make an exit down a slide into the ball pit.
Scale the Wall
For climbing enthusiasts, a small, but serviceable climbing wall can be found in a tucked away in an alcove down the main corridor of the space.
Shop Til They Drop
Even further back kids will find the shopping area, where a pretend grocery store is outfitted with grocery carts and faux food displays. Appropriately, on the other side of the large space is an area featuring multiple play kitchens or various types, mercifully ensuring that there can be more than one tiny cook in the kitchen. (We admit we are glad aren’t the ones that have to keep that area clean.)
The Big Dig
But wait, there’s more. At the very front of the playspace is a faux sandbox, filled with seed-like bits that function as a play medium, but are a lot less messy than the real thing. In addition to traditional sand toys, kids can also play archeologist by finding the “dinosaur bones” hidden underneath.
Have a Seat (and a Snack)
In addition to all of this play space, Fairytale Island also features a cafe with a variety of options to sustain you or your child. Choices range from smoothies and smoothie bowls, to popcorn chicken, chicken wings and avocado toast, to ice cream, shaved ice and egg waffles with assorted tasty toppings. Drinks range from hot and cold coffee/espresso beverages and teas.
Perhaps even better, there’s room to spread out, with lots of tables and chairs, outlets for charging phones, etc.
Celebrate at Fairytale Island
Have a winter birthday baby? Fairytale Island might be your indoor celebration solution.
It currently offers two party packages: private and non-private. The private package includes pizza/popcorn chicken, goodie bags, Honest organic juice, fries, and cupcakes with two-hour private playtime, and the option to stay for open play after the party. The rate is $749 up to 16 kids (including birthday child).
The non-private package offers the same food and beverage for up to 11 kids for $349.
Parties can be scheduled from 10 a.m. to Noon, and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; non-private parties two-hours in length can be scheduled anytime between Noon and 5 p.m.
Both options include use of Fairytale Island’s party room, which is a good size, fun and festive.
More to come!
Future development at Fairytale Island include daytime programming of storytimes, music, and crafting, as well as a morning menu for parents with early risers. Watch the Fairytale Island Facebook page for the latest news.
Open daily, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
7110 3rd Ave.
Bay Ridge
646-667-9096
Online: facebook.com/fairytaleislandplayground
Have you checked out Fairy Tale Island? Tell us about you visit in the comments!
— Mimi O’Connor
