Bouncing Around at Kanga's Indoor Playcenter

My family found ourselves on a chilly Sunday morning over a holiday weekend needing to burn a little energy. My friends have raved and raved about a new indoor playground for months and when faced with another cold day indoors at our house I thought this would be the perfect morning to try Kanga's Indoor Playcenter.

We were the first family to arrive at 9am on a Sunday. I paid our entrance (check Facebook for current offers) and the kids received wristbands that corresponded to a number on a ticket we were given, preventing kids from leaving the facility without the proper adult. Arriving early, we had the place to ourselves for quite some time. My kids immediately started exploring the play structure while my husband and I sat at one of the many tables and chairs.

Kanga's is designed for children 1-11 years old and there are several play areas to choose from when you enter. To your immediate left is a gated toddler area perfect for crawlers and walkers. A small play structure has climbing and swinging elements with two slides. There were several larger foam pieces for exploring and a small ball pit. My kids liked a neat see-through slide that has water that changes color rushing underneath it.

The centerpiece of the facility is a huge multi-story climbing structure. My kids immediately took to a ball shooting area, where balls are sucked up by vacuums and then kids can shoot them with cannons. The structure as a whole has plenty to keep kids busy - lots of climbing, dodging, swinging and nooks and crannies to explore. There are two sets of slides that are some of the fastest I've ever seen - a double slide that has a straight drop down and a double-double slide with a few dips. alt

While I did see parents in the structure, there was no chance I was going in after any of my kids, so I liked that in the chair/table area there were video monitors showing the facility interior from multiple angles. Unfortunately what seems great in concept wasn't so great in execution. My sons lost their sister for a bit and when I tried to find her on the monitors I wasn't able to see her. She eventually surfaced!

On the outside of play structure is a rock climbing wall with over three types of paths to choose from. This attraction is height/age restricted. Next to the climbing area is a bouncy house with slide. At the rear of the facility is the famous pirate ship ride. We were told this runs on the hour, but I think the schedule is based more on how busy the facility is and how many operators are available. My kids had a complete blast on this short ride that swings back and forth. alt

Pricing varies based on age. Babies under 12 months are free. Toddlers (12-35 months) are charged $10.90. Big Kids (ages 3+) are charged $13.90. Adults pay a $3.50 fee which includes coffee, tea or a drink. Passes are available for multiple visits at a discount. Socks are required for kids and adults and are available to purchase on-site if needed.

Kanga's Indoor Playcenter is located 26803 Hanna Road, Suite 601-604, in Oak Ridge North (in the same industrial park as Little Beaker's). They are open 7 days a week including most national holidays. Visit their website for more details.