As we roll into the rainy season, now is the time to have some indoor play options in your bag of tricks. Good news! The Eastside is now home to three new drop-in play areas where your tykes can roll, jump, hop, climb, slide and burn off the crazies every day of the week. The best part? These hot spots don’t require a membership or tons of cash, so you can drop-in and play when the weather’s not-so-hot.
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
DaBuDa Playhouse & Cafe
Named after the owner’s son’s first word (though they’re still not sure on the meaning), self-proclaimed party queen Callia Kwan based this new Bellevue drop-in play place on favorites of her own children. Bright, clean and colorful, DaBuDa’s space includes four moving play structures, three slides, a raised obstacle course, balloon pen, water like “pool” and a handful of kiddie cars and scooters to zoom around in.
Extras
A full kitchen is close to completion along with the installation of a latte machine – a glorious addition for sleep deprived ‘rents. A small area is available for party rentals, and a larger separate party room is set to open for even more festive occasions. Asian-inspired fare is available (think pineapple buns, sushi and moo shu pork) along with kid favorite standards like pizza, grilled cheese, bagels and fruit and yogurt platters.
Best Time to Go
DaBuDa’s Playhouse is best enjoyed by toddlers and preschoolers and because it has only been open a month (and is tucked back in a crowded office park off Northup Way and 20th), the space is not overly crowded. Kwan says that in general, Mondays are the best times to avoid any possible crowds.
photo: Dabuda Playhouse and Cafe via Yelp
Good to Know
Similar to other locations, punch cards are available providing a 25% discount on 10 visits. But definitely like them on Facebook as spur of the moment and happy hours deals are often posted. Combined art/play activities are also featured (days and times vary – check their Facebook page) and Kwan is working to partner with neighborhood organizations like Kindermusic, so she can offer joint music/play classes in the coming months.
DaBuDa Playhouse & Cafe
13427 NE 20th St., Ste. 120
Bellevue, Wa 98005
425-305-7123
Online: mydabuda.com and on Facebook
Cost: $10/Child; $9/Siblings; Adults and Infants (under 1) Free
Hours: Tue-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat.,10 a.m.-3 p.m.; parties only on Sundays (check their Facebook page for updates)
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
Giggle Jungle
Nestled in the western corner of Redmond Town Center, Giggle Jungle is the newest offering in the mall’s quickly becoming “kid corner” (along with Gymboree Play & Music and the mall’s outdoor sensory garden). Offering the ever-popular pink, green, blue and white motorized toys, two of the favorites include the dolphin carousel and climbing pyramid. Your lil’ nut can even ride on the swinging peanut, without worrying about allergies. Of course, there’s also the bubble pen, bouncy house area (with a slide), a small toddler area and building blocks for stacking and crashing.
Extras
Like the Giggle Jungle on Facebook to get a 10% discount or buy a punch card for 5 or 10 visits for an even better discount. Or better yet… stop by for happy hour the last hour they’re open each night for only $5. The Giggle Jungle allows outside food and offers free Wi-Fi access, so you can drop by with dinner and kids in tow and leave with full bellies and tired tots. A win-win in our book!
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
Good to Know
Socks are required and kids must be under 48 inches to play. Parents must also stay and supervise their tots. Packed with fun, Giggle Jungle is still small enough to keep an eye on your little giggler at all times. If you’re thinking this sounds like the perfect place to throw your tot’s next bash, Giggle Jungle offers a small room for parties which includes use of the party room for 1 1/2 hours and all day free play for up to 16 partygoers. Party packages cost $299 on weekends and $199 on weekdays.
Giggle Jungle
Redmond Town Center
7330 164th Ave. N.E., Ste. E165
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-558-3600
Online: gigglejungle.com or on Facebook
Cost: $10/Child; $8/Sibling; Adults & Infants (under 1) Free; Punch cards: $45/five visits; $80/ten visits; group discounts available
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Funtastic Playtorium
Definitely one of the more active, crowded and wild of play indoor spaces, the Funtastic Playtorium is a large, recently-opened spot in Factoria Mall. Situated next door to the Children’s Museum, this space is good for your most climby-est, slidey-est adventurer.
Within a huge meshed-in structure, kids up to 10 years old can tunnel, side, bounce, creep, climb and ride. Unlike smaller play areas, it’s tough to keep an eye on junior the entire time, but the structure is sturdy enough for adults should you want or need to venture in. (Psst… bracelets are provided for adults and kids alike to monitor comings and goings). A loud ball blaster section allows for aiming at targets or the foam balls can be piled into an air fountain.
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
Extras
The Funtastic Playtorium features a dedicated and larger-than-usual toddler area with soft climbers, blocks and even a slow-moving climb-through wheel. The whirling octopus is a major crowd pleaser for toddlers and is located outside of the climbing structure (a definite plus as the Littles warm up to venturing into the vast, enclosed climbing area).
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
Good to Know
Wi-Fi is available and you can bring in outside food (Psst… pizza from nearby Pizza Roma delivers!). A large room is available for party rentals, which provides fantastic-ness for up to 15 kids, unlimited play time and 50 minutes in the party room. Party Packages cost $199 on weekdays and $249 on weekends.
Funtastic Playtorium
4077 Factoria Square Mall S.E., Suite F-16
Bellevue, Wa 98006
425-533-6574
Online: funtasticplaytorium.com or on Facebook
Cost: $7.99/Child (under 3) for two hours or $9.99 for unlimited play; $9.99/Child (over 3) for two hours or $12.99 for unlimited play
Hours: Mon-Sat.,-10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Have you visited these new indoor play spaces? Do you have a favorite? Tell us in the Comments below!
— Jennifer B. Davis
