THE MONKEY HOUSE
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN
VISIT WEBSITE
We’ve all been there. Your preschooler is in desperate need of an energy drain. It’s freezing cold outside. But the idea of taking your little runaway to a chaotic, off-leash indoor play area is what your nightmares are made of. (No, dear readers, I don’t really leash my children.)
Fear not! It can be done, and the Monkey House in White Bear Lake is just the place to make it happen. Highlights that made me happy: A) It’s small enough that you won’t lose your kid; B) There are four walls confining them to the play are so you won’t lose your kid; C) It’s rarely busy so you won’t lose your kid. Are you noticing a pattern? Not only will you not lose your kid…you won’t lose your mind! Do I smell a win-win coming on? Or is that just the monkeys?
What is it?
The Monkey House is an indoor inflatable haven fit for toddlers, preschoolers and grade schoolers. Basically, this 5,000 square foot play area is home to a massive obstacle course, a giant slide, a foam pit, a couple bounce houses and a wooden play area. But it’s ideal for winter and safe for youngsters. And, as a parent, feel free to leave your shoes at the door and join in the jumping fun! Open Play is available during the week and on the weekends at limited times, so be sure to check hours before going.
Fit for what ages?
Both of my kids plus my niece (ages 2, almost-3 and 5 1/2) enjoyed their time here. There were a couple inflatables that had some blockades the little girls couldn’t hurdle, but big brother/cousin was able to hoist them over without a problem. The giant slide was easily climbable by the two-year old, although going down holding hands with her cousins caused a pretty massive head crash (you’ve been warned). The foam pit, which is basically a bunch of sliced up pool noodles, is pretty fun for all ages too. Even my sister and I had fun leaping in there. There is a wooden corner play set with a net to climb and some swings on top, but I would advise against that for little ones. Too dangerous! I would say ages 2 through 6 would best enjoy The Monkey House. Too little, they will get hurt. Too big, they will get bored.
How much are we talkin?
Open play at The Monkey House costs $7.50 for any child over the age of one (under one is free). And up to two adults per child are allowed in for free. The day we went, their credit card machines were down (Pain. In. Butt.), but I’m to assume that normally, cards are accepted. Look for BOGO deals on select discount sites (such as Groupon or Livingsocial) before heading out.
The Monkey House also offers private play area rentals and private birthday parties for up to 36 people. There is a lot of information on their birthday party options on their website, ranging from $199 to $469. Snacks are sold (for consumption in the lobby area only) for normal, not-baseball-game-type prices. There is a separate pre-decorated party room that is included in the price of your birthday party which includes a sweet inflated throne for the guest of honor. If you ‘Like’ them on Facebook, you save $10 on your party package.
Want some tips?
I got reprimanded by staff for trying to eat food in the play area. Then, I did again for trying to take a drink of the water I had in my purse. I know! How old am I? But, they are sticklers for the rules, and I guess that’s how they keep their space so clean. So the lesson learned from my embarrassment: No food or drink. And you MUST wear socks. Other rules include no clothing with metal or other puncturable materials (that will pop an inflatable) and no outside gifts can be brought into the play area. You must sign a waiver for your child once you get there (if you are interested in viewing it beforehand, you can see it here).
The Monkey House is located in a large office-looking building with a nice carpeted lobby area for hanging your coats, paying, signing waivers and purchasing and eating snacks. Shoes go in the cubbies inside the play area doors and there are benches for parents to sit and observe in bouncing like an idiot isn’t your thing. The bathrooms are located in the lobby area. When we were there, I asked the worker what the busiest time of day was and she told me, well, this: “Winter and any time school is on break.” I guess that makes sense. She also said that weekends are slightly more chaotic than weekdays, but really, it evidently never gets too crowded. We were there on a Thursday in October and were five of the ten people in the room. It was fantastic!
We lasted 1 1/2 hours here and then grabbed lunch by Maplewood Mall. It’s not a place where you will spend hours, but for the right age group, this place can be tons of fun. And should you find time before or after your visit, take 10 minutes to stop at Grandma’s Bakery, located right down Buerkle Rd. (and bring me some donuts).
Hours and Location
1815 Buerkle Rd. | White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Open Play hours are:
Tuesday-Friday 10am-3pm
Saturday-Sunday 10am-Noon
Closed on Mondays
The building is located in a long office-like building on a street in between White Bear Ave. and Hwy 61. Parking is free of charge and there is plenty of it. Look for the circle logo on the brick building.
Follow The Monkey House on Facebook to see holiday hours, evening events, special fundraisers and benefits, or read reviews.
heather
12/08/2014 at 6:55 pmI agree on almost everything – including the awful wooden play corner and elevated platform that are crazy out of place (and super alluring to my daredevil kid!) Without that it would be so toddler/preschool friendly. The slides are not as fast as pump it up but that’s probably good too 🙂 nice option for tiring out energetic kids!