Seattle is home to a number of indoor play spaces created for the sole purpose of getting the wiggles out when it’s just too cold and too wet to go outside. But for Eastside parents, this means either taking a trip into the city or braving the long lines at the few spaces open in the burbs. Until now. Say hello to Let’s Play Sammamish—a new community play center located in the heart of the Issaquah-Sammamish Plateau. Rain, schmain; it’s time to play!
photo: Let’s Play Sammamish
Filling a Void
Frustrated with the lack of indoor play spaces on the Eastside, local mom Piper Strand decided to take matters into her own hands. Let’s Play Sammamish is housed in a 3,000 square foot garage on Strand’s family property near Beaver Lake. But this is no ordinary garage, this is a haven; a place where you can bring your kids and let them get their wiggles out, gab with other parents, and not have to worry about the clean up. To say this place is awesome and something that has seriously been lacking in suburbia is an understatement. From foam blocks to bouncy houses to fuse ball, there is literally something to entertain every age and stage.
photo: Danielle Fernandez
Make Yourself at Home
Let’s Play Sammamish is broken into two large rooms with every toy a child could dream of. And the best part? You don’t have to buy or store them. Barbie’s Dream House? Check. Electronic Basketball? Check. Fashion Catwalk? Check. This space has it all… and then some!
Strand wanted this to be a place where the community could come together and parents and kids could make new friends. With plenty of comfy seating and wide open areas, Strand has definitely accomplished this.
photo: Danielle Fernandez
Snack Time
Bringing your own lunch or snacks is encouraged, and just in case you are that parent who always forgets to pack a snack, Strand has you covered with some options available for purchase. Let’s Play is clearly run by a mom after our own hearts; you will find extra wipes in the bathroom, hand sanitizer aplenty and Meltdown Passes (if your kid freaks out within 20 minutes of arrival, come back on a different day on the house!).
Parties
What kid doesn’t ask for a bouncy house for their birthday party? Let’s Play offers affordable private rentals of their entire space for parties, and with basic packages starting at $225 for 2 hours it’s a no-brainer. Check out their website for more information and other party options. Insider Tip: Weekday rentals are a steal at $150.
photo: Let’s Play Sammamish
Not Just a Play Space
While ball pits and bouncy houses are fun, you may be looking for more culture for your budding school-age kiddo. Let’s Play offers music classes of mixed ages from infants through age 5 through Lake View Music Together. Art and yoga classes are also offered for 3-7-year-olds through Kid Yoga. Check the website for more information on these programs and upcoming new ways to keep your tykes busy; horticultural classes anyone?
photo: Let’s Play Sammamish
Extra Time to Play? Yes, Please!
If you’re worrying how you’re going to keep your sanity over winter break or between now and when the big guy in red shows up, Let’s Play Sammamish has the answer. The play space will be open every Saturday in December from 10 a.m.-noon in addition to Dec. 22 from 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; Dec. 29 from 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; and Dec. 31st from 10 a.m.-noon. These hours are in addition to their normal playtimes. Note: Let’s Play Sammamish will be closed on Dec.24.
photo: Danielle Fernandez
Let’s Play Sammamish
1804 E. Beaver Lake Dr. S.E.
Sammamish, Wa 98075
Online: letsplaysammamish.com or on Facebook
Hours: Tues., 10 a.m.-noon; Wed., 3 p.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 9:30 a.m.-noon (more play hours will become available as demand increases).
Cost: Suggested donation of $7 for the first child; $5 for additional children per family
