8 Indoor Playgrounds in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR
As much as I loved putting together my list of indoor activities for a rainy day, I also realized that there are some days where you just have to get out of the house. I usually fall back on running errands, but those aren’t always the most fun for my four year old. So I thought I’d put together a list of places that are kid friendly AND parent-friendly so that we all can get a breather and have some fun on those days where at-home activities just aren’t cutting it.
PC: mommytravels.net
1. Playdate PDX (Portland, OR)
This looks like such a fun space! It’s geared towards kids 12 and under so if you’re like me and have a kid getting into the teen years this won’t be so fun for them. It has a large three-story play structure where kids can climb, slide, and explore for hours. Meanwhile, parents can relax in the adjacent cafe that serves coffee, tea, and light snacks (which is a good AND bad thing as you can’t bring in outside food). The seating area is close enough to keep an eye on the kids but far enough to enjoy some peace. If you’re looking for some entertainment in the evening they also have a puppet show Fridays at 6 pm-so fun!
Address: 1434 NW 17th Ave, Portland, OR
Good to know: Bring a pair of socks! Everyone going in the play structure needs a pair-they also have some on hand to purchase if you forget.
Cost: $10 all day Mon-Fri, $15 weekends and holidays, adults play free so you only have to pay for your kids!
PC: Harmony Media
2. Chicky Play Museum (Vancouver, WA)
This is such a cute space! The play area is filled with imaginative toys and activities, while the menu offers coffee, teas, and kid-friendly snacks. If you go to the playtime tab you can see how many guests they currently have which is SUPER helpful. They do have a cap of 55 people, so it’s a good idea to check that regardless so you don’t get disappointed if they’re at capacity. It looks like it’s meant for toddlers and preschoolers, so maybe check with them if you want to bring older kids.
Address: 8109 NE Vancouver Mall Dr Unit A, Vancouver, WA
Good to know: Everyone needs socks, if you are bringing more than 4 kids you need another adult with you, and strollers are not allowed. More info here.
Cost: $18.50 for a two hour play period, includes up to two adults and a sibling under 12 months or over 8 years
PC: hammerandjacks.com
3. Hammer & Jacks (Portland, OR)
Hammer & Jacks isn’t just a toy store—it’s also home to an incredible play area for kids. It’s geared towards kids ages 1-7, but they welcome older kids as well. Playtime is open 10 am-3 pm, but it varies each week depending on any events they have so checkout their calendar before you go.
Address: 6406 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR
Good to know: Closed on Tuesdays, outside food allowed
Cost: $5 per kid
4. Chick-fil-A (Multiple Locations)
If you want to keep it simple and know what you’re getting into, then Chick-fil-A delivers. Their indoor play spaces are perfect for toddlers and young kids, and I know both my kids and I can find things we like to eat. Locations in both Vancouver and Portland make it a convenient choice.
PC: dizzycastle.com
5. Dizzy Castle (Vancouver, WA)
If Playdate PDX looked great to you but in you’re in Vancouver and don’t want to deal with that Portland traffic, then Dizzy Castle is for you. It looks very similar in style-indoor play gym with tubes and slides with a cafe area for parents to hang out. There are fun opportunities for imaginative play including a castle and a pirate ship. You also have the opportunity to join in the fun as their structure is built to accommodate adults as well.
Address: 11606 NE 66th St, Vancouver, WA
Good to know: Remember socks, lockers are available if you bring your own lock
Cost: $15.50 per kid for ages 3-12, $7.50 per kid for ages 1-2, all day play
PC: thewiggleroom.com
6. The Wiggle Room (Portland, OR)
If you’ve got a kid with sensory issues, this is the place for you! They designed the play area to not be too overwhelming in sight and sound. This indoor play space is geared towards toddlers and preschoolers so it’s another option for those kiddos not in school yet. It features climbing structures, sensory activities, and a safe environment for little ones to explore.
Address: 835 SE 35th Ave, Portland, OR
Good to know: Everyone bring socks (parents included), outside food and beverage is allowed, open play times change each week so check their website before you go
Cost: $12/kid for the play structure, $8/baby
7. Junebug Play and Learning Center (Ridgefield, WA)
If you’re ok with driving a bit north, this looks like a fun little play area. It’s basically a whole bunch of themed rooms where kids get to do imaginative play like a grocery store, doctor’s office, veterinary clinic, etc. It’s intended for six 6 months to 6 years, so it’s another perfect spot to bring those kiddos still at home during the day.
Address: 110 S 65th Avenue, Suite #106, Ridgefield, WA
Good to know: Closed Mondays
Cost: $16 for kids over 1, $10 for kids 6 months-1 year old for two hour play times
PC: digpdx.com
8. Dig PDX (Beaverton, OR)
“No way.” That was my first reaction finding this place. As a mom of boys I have experienced the love of dirt and digging that my kids’ outside play is often revolved around. I cannot tell you how many times we’ve had to fix the rocks surrounding our garden beds because my kids have moved them looking for bugs. While your kids may not find bugs here, they can dig to their hearts content. They have a construction and a dinosaur themed area so you get the best of both worlds. They allow kids 0-12 so it’s the perfect spot to bring older and younger children. We might just need to go here before my oldest turns 13 in a couple months!
Address: 8536 SW Apple Way, Beaverton, OR
Good to know: Closed Saturdays, Holidays by reservation only, outside food and drink allowed
Cost: $18 per kid (2 adults included, also includes infant if not playing in sandbox)-play as long as you want, you can even come and go