After years of driving children to bouncy house birthday parties in Lynnwood, Kirkland and Bothell – and whining about it all the way – I am thrilled to write about a great spot for bouncing off the walls right here in Seattle.
Arena Sports at Magnuson Park opened their brand new inflatable playground in fall 2010, and we love it! The venue is clean, there are plenty of cubbies for shoes and coats, and there are a variety of inflatables to entertain all ages. As the mother of a 15-month-old escape artist, I appreciate the single entrance/exit that is staffed by an Arena Sports employee. It's easy to keep one eye on my little one and still admire my 4-year-old as he loudly requests that I watch him every fifteen seconds.
Tables and chairs are perfectly situated in the atrium for taking a bouncy break and having a snack. Bring in your own food or purchase some at the front counter. But make sure that you bring along your own water bottle. The drinking fountain is on the opposite side of the building and a hassle to get to when watching multiple kids.
The inflatable fun zone is open for one or two drop-in jumping sessions every day of the week. On school and national holidays, reservations are required, since the space fills up quickly. Fun zone tickets may be purchased individually, but the Arena Sports punch card option will save you a few dollars. And, the inflatable fun zone is available for party rentals (hurray!). I'm looking forward to a little less driving in my birthday party future.
IF YOU GO
Where: Arena Sports at Magnuson Park, 7751 63rd Ave. N.E., Building 27
When: Monday, 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Members $5, nonmembers $7 per child. Ten-visit punch cards are $40. Parents play for free with child.
Contact: 206-985-8990; http://arenasports.net/fun-zone-indoor-inflatable-playground.
Erika Lee Bigelow is the ‘Going Places’ editor of Seattle’s Child and the mother of three.
