Sometimes, kids need to run. It keeps them healthy, aids concentration, soothes erratic moods, and protects your sanity and the household lighting fixtures, furniture and drywall. But sometimes, going outside isn't an option. There are a variety of ways our climate can make this impossible: heavy rain, sleet, sideways rain, sideways sleet and smoke. If you find yourself cooped up in a house with energetic youngsters who are curious and restless enough to see if they can make themselves literally bounce off the walls, here are some places to go. In all these places, an adult needs to be around to supervise. Plus, there's usually a waiver to sign.
Indoor Playgrounds
Playdate SEA
The 8,000-square-foot indoor play space in South Lake Union is recommended for kids up to 12 years old. It includes a separate area for toddlers. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the main area being used for laser tag (open to kids 6 and older) 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
1275 Mercer St206-623-7529
Funtastic Playtorium
Indoor playground for kids aged 1 to 10, with two locations, one in Factoria, the other in Alderwood Mall. Open during mall hours.
4077 Factoria Square Mall SE, Bellevue425-623-0034 and 3000 184th St SW #676, Lynnwood
425-412-2991
WiggleWorks
The two locations in Bellevue and Puyallup are filled with soft, bright features, designed to divert pre-schoolers and toddlers. Height limit is 48 inches.
15600 NE 8th St Suite G2, Bellevue425-641-2186
Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. and 3500 S Meridian, Puyallup
253-445-6551
Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Inflatables
Arena Sports Inflatable FunZone
Tucked into the corner of four Arena Sports Facilities is a colorful array of inflatable structures. Kids aged 18 months to 12 years can drop in on them, with adult supervision. Prices and hours vary at of the five locations, Magnuson, Redmond, Mill Creek, Issaquah and SODO.
Magnuson7751 63rd Ave NE
206-985-8990
FunZone hours: Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Redmond
9040 Willows Rd
425-885-4881
FunZone hours: Monday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mill Creek
13500 Bothell Everett Hwy
425-341-7050
FunZone hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Issaquah
2115 NW Poplar Way
425-270-2030
FunZone hours: Monday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call for evening hours. SODO
4636 E Marginal Way S
206-762-8606
FunZone hours: Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kidz Bounce
This Issaquah inflatable playground has drop-in times three days a week for kids aged 2 to 10. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while Thursday has hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
8178 304th Ave SE, Issaquah425-222-5439
Trampolines
Elevated Sportz Trampoline Park and Event Center
At this Bothell emporium of indoor play, kids aged 3 and older can bounce on the trampoline courts while under-3s can enjoy the Kidz Adventure zone, featuring a multi-level climbing castle with a ball pit. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 1o a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
18311 Bothell Everett Hwy #140, Bothell425-949-4488
Ice Skating
Highland Ice Arena
Highland Ice Arena in Shoreline has daily public skates. You can rent skates there. Check hours and pricing here.
Swimming
Swimming is great exercise, and pools all over town have public swim areas. For more details, check this story.
Editor's note: This article was published in 2018 and updated for 2019.
