Sydney's Playground

Sydney's is a 6,000 square foot indoor playground for little people. Its special features include a bouncy house, climbing city, infant room, book nook (with plenty of board-book type read-aloud material), tunnels, and toys. And parents can sit on the "park bench" and sip coffee or juice while the kids romp. On our visit, we were impressed with the cleanliness, the padding under the linoleum and carpet (making the "fall-down-go-boom" experience considerably less painful), and the subliminal kid-friendly background music. The main space is set up to resemble a little town, with a row of houses where kids can play, tunnel behind, and climb to the rooftops. Surprises can be found everywhere a child might look - a secret room in back has a series of bell sounds to work on; one of the rooftops has a bulletin board with different locks to open. The Womb Room, a crimson, dimly lit place where infants should feel right at home, features age-appropriate sensory toys for teeny folk, comfortable chairs for nursing or relaxing, a changing table, and lots of mobiles. The glass window at the front of the room looks out on the action, making it possible to bring a baby who longs to nap and a toddler who's rarin' to go without making a sacrifice either way. Three kid-sized potties range in size from toddler to preschooler to kindergartner, and adults have a potty of their own, too. Two changing tables, separated by a handy sink, stand at the ready just outside the bathrooms. Blake's Cafe serves sandwiches, cookies, juice, and fruit. Two very nice birthday party rooms are located on a balcony above the action, and several party package options, starting at $350, are available. Email Claribel@sydneysplayground.com for details.