Area: Bowmanville South

Address: 330 Lake Road, Bowmanville, Ontario
Website: https://joeysplayground.com/

Cost: ​varies by activity please check the website for details 
*NOTE: currently private bookings of the facility are available at a reasonable rate for social bubble circles

Public Hours: 
Mondays 10am-4pm
Tuesdays through Sundays 10am-8pm

Features: 

• Indoor Playground structure; with a multiple story play structure and various play elements at different locations throughout, including a separate toddler area with smaller slide, this is the place to let the kids run free, including a mini skyscraper climbing tower with a real belay safety harness! https://joeysplayground.com/play/
• Sky Trekking; a suspended obstacle course to challenge your skills, children must be able to reach with their fingertips 65″ height,  maximum participant height is 80″ (6’8”), and maximum weight limit is 275 pounds.  https://joeysplayground.com/skytrekking/
• Stoick Axe Throwing is open daily from 4pm-9pm; this one is for the big kids, each lane fits 2-4 participants but you can always book more than one lane with friends! This is also a WATL certified League facility that is in the same building as Joey's World Playground! https://stoickaxethrowing.com/
• Pinnacle Indoor Rock Climbing sessions are available to book daily from 10am-6pm; with 40ft walls and over 4,000 sq ft of climbing space, this is a great indoor rock climbing facility in Durham and is in the same building as Joey's World Playground! https://pinnacleindoorclimbing.com/

Cleanliness:
Top notch! With the current 2020 pandemic, restrictions on cleaning have certainly changed and Joey's World management has gone above and beyond ensuring that the Indoor Playground is kept clean between each private social circle booking. Staff were very attentive to cleanliness and climbed through the entire playground structure after our social circle private booking ended. 

Safety: Waiver to sign before your first visit if anyone is participating in the skyscraper climbing tower that is part of the Indoor Play area, or if you are booking axe throwing or rock climbing. Play safety rules are posted at the bottom of the structure and socks are required for play.
NOTE: current safety precautions require all guests to wear masks upon entering the facility but can be removed when using the play areas. All staff will wear masks at all times.

Capacity:

Food: Joey's World is a nut aware facility. No outside food is permitted. No food, drinks or gum allowed in the play areas. There is a small concession counter that serves drinks, snacks, and a small selection of hot foods. (NOTE: food selection is limited during private social circle bookings). 

Additional Services:

• two party rooms are available for birthdays and special events
• free wi-fi in the lounge area for parents and caregivers

Bonus Play:
Adults are encouraged to play with the kids! 
Gift cards are available online here.

Best for Ages: toddler to Adult. The main play structure is recommended for ages 5 and up but our 3 year old didn't have too many issues reaching platforms with the help of her big sister. She wanted to be where the big kid action was but did spend quite a bit of time in the toddler area as well by herself. 

Overall Review: We love Joey's World! I just wish we didn't live so far away or we would definitely be visiting them more often. Our kids, ages 6 and 3, love the indoor playground structure. There are many different levels and elements for them to play hide and seek around, two different slides with one in the top to middle of the structure and one twirly slide from the top to the bottom. The highlight for our 6 year old was the skyscraper climbing wall. She loved climbing up and learning how to belay herself down. While we didn't try out the sky trekking, axe throwing, or pinnacle rock climbing facility, they definitely deserve a separate trip out with a new review when I do get a chance to go again (maybe without the kids?). 

Area: West Pickering
​
Address: 1095 Kingston Rd, Unit 1, Pickering, ON
Website: www.treehouseclubhouse.com

Cost*: for unlimited play during public hours (*as of April 2019)
NOTE: during non-peak months from September to June a 20% discount may apply

• children 1-3 yrs, and 14-17 yrs $10
• children 4-13 yrs old $15
• infants - FREE with paid sibling, or $8 without
• Adults - 2 FREE with one paid admission, or $5

Monthly memberships will be available shortly.

Public Hours:
Monday to Thursday - 10:00am - 7:00pm
Friday to Saturday - 10:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday - 10:00am - 7:00pm
Any closures to the public will be announced on their website and social media accounts.

Features:

• multiple story climbing structure with twirly tube slide, four racing slides, one inner tube sled slide, slides from the top to middle levels within the structure, bike track underneath the back of the play structure, zip line, suspended bouncers, multiple lookout treehouses, and even one hidden hammock room!
• giant volcano and slide (the older kids loved this one)
• toddler area with ball pit, STEM cog wheel wall, LEGO wall, mini hoppers, self propelled bugs, and more
• ADULTS are encouraged to go play too! (just remember to bring your socks)

Cleanliness: Very clean when we visited in the main seating area, inside the structure, in the party rooms, and in the washrooms. I love that the owners took care to place a rack of slip on shoes, in multiple sizes, beside the washrooms. These thoughtful little touches go a long way in customer service!

Safety: Waiver to sign before your first visit (you can do this online by clicking here or once you are there). Safety gate between the front door reception and play area, and each child and parent wear a bracelet with matching identifiers. There are also closed circuit cameras in the facility for added safety. They hold a playground safety equipment certification as well. The safety feature that I liked the best were the large signs they posted beside each slide, detailing the safety instructions and age/height recommendations.

Capacity: for party room or entire facility capacity please contact the business directly

Food: Outside food and drink is NOT permitted. They do have a concession that serves pizza and hot dogs during busier days (weekends), but also have healthy veggies, hummus dip, sandwiches and wraps available every day. They are a nut safe (please don't bring any in!) and allergy aware facility (can cater to your needs for parties). No food, drinks or gum are permitted in the play areas. All food must be consumed in the designated eating area. They have an amazing freshly ground coffee machine at the concession for parents, like me, who can always use a caffeine boost while watching and wondering how my kids continue to have so much energy!

Additional Services:

• four party rooms (that can all be closed off, or opened up all at once to each other), and they even put the child's name in big wooden block letters above the door to their room!
• after school program - COMING FALL 2019 - including transportation, play time, home work time, and additional programs
• wi-fi and work station (with outlets) for laptops or tablets (for the parents of course)

Bonus Play: This is a screen-free zone (hooray for us and our endeavor to limit screen time this year!). They also encourage Adults to play with their kids!

Best For Ages: 18 months - Adult (you can bring infants, but there are plans to expand the infant/toddler area to make more room for infant play). Our almost 2 year old had no problem navigating most of the large play structure herself (although we did follow her the entire time as some slides are still too big for the smaller kids, and they do a great job of posting large signs beside each slide with safety information).

​Overall Review:
The access to TreeHouse Clubhouse is currently a wooden staircase, but there are plans to install a permanent cement ramp now that the weather is warmer. I felt comfortable climbing through the ENTIRE structure with my little almost two year old (of course she needed a bit of help now and then). My 5 year old took off and explored on her own, reporting back every so often with new features and areas she would find. We visited on a very busy weekend, with three parties booked, and capacity reached before 11am, but not once did I feel it was too crowded in the play structure! There are so many paths to take, and corners to explore that this is definitely an indoor playground we will come back to again and again. I wish they had an Adult hour so I could come with my friends without the kids! From toddler to teens (at least the teens with younger siblings) there isn't any need for a screen to entertain when you visit here. But don't worry dear parents and guardians, they do have free wi-fi for you.

Area:  Central Pickering
​
Address: 1355 Kingston Rd, Pickering, ON (lower level of Pickering Town Centre mall - entrance #6 is closest)
Website: http://pickeringtowncentre.com/events/ptc-toddler-play-park

Cost: FREE!!

Public Hours*: regular mall hours
BUT it is accessible as soon as mall doors open (sometimes as early as 7am for the mall walkers and Womens Fitness Club members - mall stores open 10am weekdays, 9:30am Saturdays and 11am Sundays) until regular mall closing hours (9pm weekdays & 6pm weekends).
*Note: the PlayPark is closed daily for cleaning from approximately 3:30pm-4pm 

Features:

• soft padded floor
• two padded climbers (fish and butterfly)
• padded toddler slide
• padded tunnel (with bear)
• 4 activity stations around the wall
• 4 benches (2 open to the outside aisle)

Cleanliness: This is a socks only area and was very clean when we visited  both times so far (11am one day and 4:15pm right after cleaning the other time). Staff wipe down (and climb through) each surface with their shoes off as well and vacuum the entire area daily. 

Safety: No gate, but only one entrance in and a half wall surrounding the entire area (great for crawlers!). Not monitored by mall staff, caregivers MUST stay on site.

Capacity: sign says maximum of 20 children at any given time (the most we saw were 12 - which felt chaotic and makes it easy to self-regulate)

Food: NO outside food or drinks are permitted in the padded PlayPark. There are two tables with 8 chairs set up beside the area for snack breaks, and a general mall seating area just behind the stroller parking on the other side.

Best For Ages: 6 months -4 years (older kids are not prohibited, but may get bored quickly and since it does say 'Toddler' PlayPark it is considerate to think of those bringing younger kids by setting expectations of no running or jumping off of structures for older kids

​Overall Review: 
A great area to take a break in the mall for smaller kids to play! We love that our 4 year old could crawl around with our 8 month old and both enjoy it equally! It's awesome to have a free play area close by that isn't inside a fast food joint and where you can stay as long as you want. Bonus if you can bring a helper to watch the kids so you can shop while the kids play!

Area: North Oshawa
​
Address: 1300 Wilson Rd N, Oshawa ON, L1K 2B8
Website: http://nebsfunworld.com/

Cost*: see their website for details (*as of May 2022)
Play Centre;

• all day pass $12.50 (ages 12 and under, adult accompaniment is FREE)

Rides;

• single ride ticket $4.50 (some rides take 1 ticket (45 credits), some take 2 tickets ($9.00 for 90 credits)
• multi-ticket packs available

Arcade;

• purchase a Fun Card (we bought a 115 credit card for $10 and it lasted almost an hour)

Bowling;

• $3.25 per pair of shoes +$5.50 per game (lanes also rent by the hour)

Public Hours: (*as of August 2017; although daily hours per activity vary slightly)
Check their website for hours per calendar day for details
Sunday: 11:00am-10:00pm (rides 12:00pm-9:30pm)
Mon-Thurs: 9:30am-11:00pm (rides 1:00pm-10:30pm)
Friday: 9:30am-11:30pm (rides 1:00pm-10:30pm)
Saturday: 9:30am-11:30pm (rides 11:00am-10:30pm)


Features:

• three story climber structure with twirly tube slide, three racing slides, double wide three story slide, and zipline!
• 8 different fair rides
• arcade with games and ticket prizes
• 5 pin, 10 pin, and cosmic bowling

Cleanliness: Very clean when we visited in the main picnic table seating area, inside the structure (yep I climbed inside with my baby strapped to me) and clean washroom (the family stall has a change table in it). The go kart helmets required hair nets first, and the arcade and bowling areas had staff circulating to clean on a regular basis (we were there for a total of four hours).

Safety: No safety gate between the play area and the desk reception, however this area is far (a whole bowling alley away) from the front door and only had one entrance to the play structure area. The first seating area is right beside the entrance to the play area so it's also easy to watch. The second seating area faces one side of the play area and allows you to see through the main structure.

Capacity: I will have to add this once I confirm, but it is a VERY large building and was busy when we were there, but the space didn't feel too crowded and the only ride line that was long was the go karts (20min wait)

Food: NO outside food or drink is permitted, but we did see kids water bottles throughout the bowling lanes. No food, drinks or gum are permitted in the play areas. All food must be consumed in the designated eating area. There is a full concession available with a full service menu.

Additional Services:

• birthday party and event bookings available (with a combination of activities)

Bonus Play: They offer specials and coupons regularly so check their website before you go (you may have to signup for an email for the bowling specials, but the coupon code will come through instantly).

Best For Ages:
Play Centre:

• 18 months -12years (you can bring infants, but there is no toddler area in the play structure apart from the soft floor surface)

Rides:

• 3yrs and up is best (the only ride our 35" daughter could ride alone was the Mini Jets) so best to avoid the ride area if you have a short tot....she could have ridden the Sparetime Express coaster but she was scared and said it looked too fast (see photos below for ride height requirements)

Arcade:

• 3yrs and up (only because it's loud and there are some scarier arcade type games mixed in)

Bowling:

• about ages 2yrs and up (unless your toddlers have large feet as the smallest bowling shoes we found were toddler size 6), and we think it's awesome kids get to use the dragon bowling aids! (see video and photo below)

​Overall Review: We spent an entire afternoon here (about 4 hours) because there are so many different things to do! Most rides for our preschooler were a bit too 'fast and scary' as she put it but the mini jets were perfect for her. It took about 20mins total for us to 'experience' the rides which included walking around looking at the rides, waiting for a rotating attendant to come to the mini jets, and riding the jets. The older kids spent a total of 2 hours doing the rides, go karts, and rock climbing while we headed to the play centre and spent just over an hour in the structure. Adults can climb all the way in too and I felt like there was plenty of room in most areas for me with the baby in the carrier strapped to me (although I didn't attempt the tall twirly slide). There was a rousing game of tag happening in the play centre and area when we were there and it looked like a lot of fun (if only the preschooler was older and able to keep up). I felt comfortable she was able to handle the entire structure on her own so I was able to stand and sit (only three tree stumps available to sit on) for most of her play time. The pass was good all day, but she wanted to do other activities too. The bowling and a snack was next. The tiny bowling shoes are sooo cute! I was really excited to see how much she loved the 'dragon back' to bowl down. She was easily able to lift the 5 pin bowling balls and carry them herself to the bowling aid (we would set it up for her each time and move it to the side when we were bowling). 5 pin bowling in a lane with 4 people (including one preschooler) takes about an hour because we were also snacking at the lane between turns. It was great to have the snacks delivered right to our lane after we ordered. We will definitely be heading back here to bowl more often as we loved it for a family event with the bumpers up and bowling aid! After this sights turned to the arcade. With 115 credits (for $10) we lasted almost an hour in the arcade playing games and winning tickets and taking the time to decide what to buy with said tickets (that probably took the longest haha).

Neb's Fun World is probably not the cheapest place to go in terms of the amount you may end up doing, but with a variety of activities for different ages it is a hit! The play centre value is definitely comparable to other indoor play centres, but be forewarned it is right beside the rides so be prepared to spend a little extra on a few ride tickets if begged by the kids. I do have friends that are able to go just to the bowling area and leave without tears as the play centre and rides are not visible from the lanes, only the entrance to the arcade is. Overall it is definitely a family fun centre!

Area: South Pickering
​
Address: 1755 Plummer St Unit #16, Pickering, ON
Website: http://enchantedcastle.info/

Cost*: for unlimited play during public hours (*as of Aug 2017) 

• $10 per child (or $15 for 2, or $20 for 3, $25 for 4....and so on)
• Adults Free (max. 2 per family group, grandparents are always Free)

Public Hours: 
Monday 10:00am - 12:00noon
Tuesday - private events only
Wednesday - private events
Thursday - private events
Friday 10:00am - 12:00noon
Saturday - private events
Sunday - private events

Features:

• three story climber structure with twirly tube slide, two racing slides, two ball cannons, one ball fountain, suspension bridge, and zipline!
• toddler area with ball pit, soft chair and rocker toy
• FREE water, coffee, juice and popcorn served during public play hours
• ADULTS are encouraged to go play too! (they even accept corporate private events!)

Cleanliness: Very clean when we visited in the main picnic table seating area, inside the structure (yep I climbed inside with my baby strapped to me) and clean washroom (which has a change table in it). 

Safety: No safety gate between the play area room and the front desk reception/front door, however the seating area is right beside the entrance to the play area so it's easy to watch. There are closed circuit cameras in the facility for safety that parents can use to watch their children at all times while enjoying a complimentary cup of coffee, or wi-fi.

Capacity: one main party area in this location (Pickering), with parties starting at 16 but a maximum capacity of 65 people in this location.

Food: Outside food and drink is permitted, but it should be nut free as they are a nut aware facility. No food, drinks or gum are permitted in the play areas. All food must be consumed in the designated eating area. There is no concession, but they do serve complimentary water, juice, coffee and popcorn!

Additional Services:

• one birthday party room (the main seating area) *note; when booking birthdays, there is NO limit to the number of people included in the price! just stay below the facility capacity and you are good to play!
• treat wall in the reception area 

Bonus Play: They encourage Adults to go into the play structures and play with their kids! 

Best For Ages: 18 months -12years (you can bring infants, but the toddler area in this location isn't as large as their other locations and our 18 month old wanted to follow the big kids up the main structure, which she could!)

​Overall Review: 
The ball fountain and ball cannons were the big hit at this indoor play place! I think the kids got more exercise running up and down carrying balls to shoot out of the cannons than they did actually exploring the rest of the structure! Because we were the only ones here first thing in the morning (they are still new in Pickering so not many people know about the drop-in hours here yet) I felt comfortable climbing through the ENTIRE structure with my little two month old strapped to my chest in her carrier. My 3.5 year old thought it was funny that mommy was climbing and crawling around taking pictures haha. We even went down the three story twirly slide! Of course now that I'm posting this we probably won't get any more quiet days like the one when we visited since some of you reading this will now visit here too. There were tears when we were leaving because my toddler wanted to stay longer than the drop-in hours allow and because she didn't get to pick a treat from the 'treat wall' (I told her they were there for birthdays and that we needed to eat lunch first....life as a toddler is rough).