After being home with the kids for several days in a row, when the day’s high is a balmy 12 degrees, and you’ve exhausted all craft projects and screen time, an indoor play space can provide a much-needed break. As a mom of three energetic kids, I am always on the hunt for fun, engaging, and safe indoor play spaces that aren’t completely overcrowded or overstimulating.
I’ve rounded up several lesser-known indoor play spaces in the Denver Metro Area to add to your bucket list and mix up your routine.
Whether you have a high-energy toddler, a sensory-seeking kiddo, or need a new spot to add to your rotation this winter, these hidden gems each have something unique to offer.
Spark the Senses (Centennial)
Spark the Senses is a haven for children who thrive on sensory exploration. This thoughtfully designed play space offers a variety of hands-on activities that stimulate creativity and movement in young children.
Highlights
- Sensory-Rich Activities: From climbing features, a sandbox to dig for dino bones, a sensory dark room, and a mini-water park playroom to the giant ball pit – all the senses are engaged here!
- Unique Features: The café space for parents overlooks the play area, so you can sip your macchiato and keep an eye on the kids!
- Age Range: Infants – 7 years (separate soft play space with Montessori toys for the infants)
- Pricing: $16 – 1 child, $12 – additional siblings; bundle pass (8 play passes) – $128 ($12.80/session); memberships are also available starting at $55/month (1 child)
Parent Tip: Go online to reserve your spot for open play – especially on weekends or school holidays – as it can fill up quickly, given the smaller space.
Tumble Haus (Denver)
Tumble Haus is more than just an indoor play space; it’s a community hub for children and parents. Offering open-play sessions, structured tumbling classes, and wellness events, it caters to various interests.
Highlights
- Modern Play Areas: The space is aesthetically pleasing, providing a calm environment that encourages exploration without overstimulation.
- Community Vibe: Parents can enjoy a coffee and connect with others while their children play independently and explore!
- Age Range: Tumble Haus focuses on movement-based play, making it ideal for active toddlers and young children to develop both fine and gross motor skills.
- Pricing: 8-pack Punch Pass – $175 for Open Tumble; 8-pack Class Pass – $198; multiple membership options available here.
Parent Tip: Register online for Open Tumble (90 minutes of free play) or Tumble Classes (50 minutes of structured play).
Kickin’ It Kids Gym (Denver)
For energetic children, Kickin’ It Kids Gym is the perfect outlet. This indoor playground features modern play structures that promote independence and creativity, focusing on “health movement and functional activities.”
Highlights
- Diverse Play Equipment: Features include a custom indoor playset, ball drop, and climbing wall catering to various interests.
- Classes and Camps: Offers guided classes and camps focusing on developing healthy and active lifestyles.
- Age Range: Designed for children ages 6 months (enclosed baby place space) to 8 years.
- Pricing: Single Playground Day Pass – $26.00; Playground Ten-Pack Pass -$220; multiple membership options available starting at $88/month for one child
Parent Tip: The classes offer a unique to actively engage in fun and play with kids of all ages. Check the schedule online before you go to see what’s available!
The Kids Landing (Castle Rock)
The Kids Landing offers a unique aviation-themed play experience featuring large, custom-designed tri-level play structure with multiple slides, net bridges, mazes, and unique airplane-themed play sprinkled throughout the space.
Highlights
- Aviation Theme: My kids love the realistic flight simulator and airplane see-saw. This theme adds a fun, unique twist to playtime.
- Small and Cozy: The smaller, open-concept play space was thoughtfully designed to allow parents to supervise (and engage with kids), even while catching up on emails or chatting with fellow parents at nearby tables.
- Age Range: 6 months – 6 years (separate soft play space for crawlers and toddlers)
- Pricing: $18.50 per child ($2 discount per sibling) for The Layover (play pass); The Take Off Card (pre-paid punch card for 10 Layovers) – $140; Frequent Flyer Membership – starting at $60/month.
Parent Tip: Open play reservations (a.k.a. Layovers) are good all day if you keep the wristband on – so you can leave and come back if you need a lunch or nap break!
Candeeland Kids (Greenwood Village)
Candeeland Kids is a vibrant indoor playground with fun candy-themed décor that offers a variety of activities to keep children engaged and active.
Highlights
- Soft Play Structures: Multiple levels of play areas designed to get kids active and inspire their imaginations in a safe environment.
- Carnival Arcade: A selection of games and laser maze adds an extra layer of fun for older kiddos (extra charges apply).
- Age Range: All ages (kids 4 and under have separate space “Little Land”)
- Pricing: $26 per child for General Admission (laser maze and arcade not included); $1/adult; Infants 12 months and younger – $1 with paid sibling
Parent Tip: Take advantage of the Toddler Weekdays special pricing ($18 Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri; $12 Tues) for toddlers 3 and under!
Kookalooz Space Playground (Westminster)
Kookalooz offers a one-of-a-kind indoor playground with hands-on STEM learning through active play.
Highlights
- Space-Themed Play: With over 9,000 sq.ft. of space-themed play, you are immersed in all things space from the moment you walk in.
- STEM Learning: Each attraction and activity is thoughtfully aligned with a leader in STEM, allowing kids to authentically engage and discover science, technology, engineering, and math concepts.
- Age Range: 0 – 8 years old (play equipment is rated for adults, too – adults are encouraged to join in the fun!)
- Pricing: $9.50 for toddlers 2 and under; $16.50 for kids 3 – 12 years; $4.00 for adults and babies under 6 months)
Parent Tip: Planetarium shows are included with every entry. Make sure to take in the majestic space shows during your visit!
Happy Day (Evergreen)
If you’re up for a short trip up I-70 (about 40 minutes from Denver), add Happy Day to your indoor play space bucket list!
Highlights
- Modern and Bright: From the groovy decorations to the tiny town filled with re-imagined play spaces like a pet vet, construction site, grocery store, and more, there is so much for your littles to explore.
- Outdoor Space: For some fresh air and even more fun, check out the magical outdoor space, complete with an A-frame glamping set-up!
- Age Range: 0-8 (soft play area and sensory wall for crawlers)
- Pricing: $20 per child ($10 for siblings); Punch Cards starting at $75 for 5 entrances; membership options available.
Parent Tip: Parents can enjoy a hot beverage from the coffee bar and relax with free Wi-Fi while the kids play.
Finding new and exciting indoor play spaces can help break up the monotony of winter and early spring, especially with the unpredictable Colorado weather. These hidden gems offer a fresh take on indoor fun, whether your child loves sensory play, tumbling, imaginative role-playing, or STEM-based adventures.
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