If you’re looking in the metro area for a clean, modern, indoor play place for young children, there’s a new space in the south metro you’ll want to check out!
Pinwheel Play recently opened up in Chanhassen, and is designed just for kids ages 0-6 and their caregivers. It was created by two local parents, Lisa and Bryon Smith, with 2 young children of their own. The Smiths felt that most play places for kids were catered more to older kids, and didn’t seem fitting for their kids’ pace and needs. So this summer they created this unique, new option for families with kids age preschool and younger.
I brought my 5-year-old on a day I knew he needed to get some wiggles out (like every day, actually), plus I love checking out new places with my kids in the Twin Cities area.
My son LOVED this place. It has so many cool things! In one room is a big playset with slides, a look out tower, telescopes, and crawl spaces that little ones can explore. There’s a “sport court,” and a protected section just for kids 2 and under. There’s a play kitchen, a stage with dress up clothes, and even a digital interactive playground!
When you arrive, you enter the unique code you received when purchasing admission online (or you can pay electronically at the door). Then there are cubbies for coats and shoes, and an eating area (with some snacks to buy). Be sure to wear socks – and yes, that includes parents! In order to walk through the place with your child, you need to take off your shoes (for sanitary and safety reasons!). There are clean socks available to borrow, though, just in case you forget.
Pinwheel Play was founded on the concept that play is essential to a young child’s development. There were little kids definitely playing, learning, and having fun everywhere – my son rushed from room to room, climbing on structures, playing with toys, and definitely burning off a ton of energy!
Everything is well-organized, and designed to stay that way by encouraging families to put things back when they’re done. There are play costumes and accessories for boys and girls, so your little ones can be a superhero, princess or rock star!
The BEAM! Digital Interactive Playground was a hit with my son as he chased moving objects on the floor and played games (like balloon popping, hockey and a frog game)!
The Art Room features weekly art projects and offers a ton of art materials for when your kids want to sit and create something of their own to take home!
Things to Know Before You Go:
- The space is unstaffed, but secure and monitored by video surveillance. It works the same way as places like “Anytime Fitness” – you enter a code to use the space (see below for a discount!). But definitely purchase your admission online in advance (adults are free).
- The space is for kids ages 0 – 6. If you have an older sibling, they may attend, but all kids need to be paid for and must respect the space and needs of the younger kids.
- Socks are required for adults and children. There are socks available to borrow but you might as well bring your own.
- You can bring your own food to enjoy here – but keep in mind it’s a NUT-FREE facility.
- There are “Wash Me” bins throughout the facility for anything your kid puts in their mouth or uses and gets dirty.
Birthday Parties!
There’s a party room for birthday parties and details and pricing are on their website. This room is also used for special activities when parties aren’t in session.
Admission & DISCOUNT!
Admission is $8.50 per child age 1 and over.
Get 15% off first visit with code 1STTIME
Code is good through Dec 31, 2016.
Buy tickets through their website.
Plus, they are offering a great deal for a winter membership. Through Nov. 15th, you can get a 4-month membership which goes through March 15th. A 1-child membership is only $79, 2-child membership is $129, 3-child membership is $169 and 4-child membership is $199.
Location and map:
Pinwheel Play is located at 1256 Park Rd in Chanhassen. They’re open 365 days a year from 7:00am – 9:00pm.
(Pinwheel Play provided me with complimentary admission to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine.)
Kristin says
That looks like such a fun place! I love finding indoor play spaces for winter. Chanhassen is a little far from Stillwater, but would be a fun trip.
Nicole Trigger says
This looks like fun for my little guy! I will have to try it out this winter.