I’m really excited to have Stacey return with this great contributor article. Thanks for this wonderful suggestion on the east side of town!

LOOKOUT RIDGE INDOOR PLAYGROUND

WOODBURY, MN
VISIT WEBSITE

I’m about to reveal something about myself that might make some of you think I’m crazy: I am a complete germaphobe. Because of this, I can have serious issues with indoor playgrounds. My family has been to many of them where my number one priority after playtime is hand-sanitzer. I’ve nearly smeared the stuff all over their entire bodies before. And I have never let my children play on the structures at fast food restaurants.

None of this makes sense since I played on these types of playgrounds all the time as a kid! But that’s the thing about phobias; they aren’t logical.

Knowing that indoor play structures can be amazingly fun and that all parents need go-to places for kids to run off energy, I’ve tried to find establishments that I’m comfortable with. The city of Woodbury’s Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground is top of the list.

What is it?

Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground is a city owned and operated playground on the lower level of Woodbury’s Central Park. It boasts a two story climbing structure made of padded platforms and rope nets, a number of slides including a 30-footer, various tunnels, a bounce pad and a few other climbing obstacles including one small area designed with toddlers in mind.

The website romanticizes the structure’s design a bit:
“Kids are able to climb inside cliffs imitating the St. Croix River Valley, then zoom down a mountain spiral slide emerging from a cave. Children also can venture to the top of the tree house, cross over to the gigantic fallen tree, and race down a 30-foot superslide.”

Like standing in front of a piece of modern art, this in-depth interpretation was lost on me. The woodsy theme is obvious, but as I was crawling around in there (yes, I was… more on that later) most of those details didn’t translate to me. What I saw was a bunch of safely padded platforms and rope nets leading to some fun tube slides and a bunch of kids having a grand old time climbing all over the place. What I felt was that this place was worth every penny of our entrance fee!

Fit for what ages?

The website states that Lookout Ridge is for ages 12 and under.

My children (age 22 months and 4 years old) had a blast! But age can make a difference in what type of experience you have. For example, when I first took my daughter when she wasn’t quite 3 years old, she got “stuck” at the top. She couldn’t figure out where to go next and was nervous about dropping down a few feet to the next platform (this was when I climbed in the first time… and it wasn’t the last). I don’t think it’s too incredibly difficult for maneuver in there, but every child is different. My son who has only recently turned 2 has no fear and loved taking on every obstacle on his first visit. Bottom line: be prepared to crawl in if needed.

When I took my daughter at age 3 ½, her main goal was to be “far away from mommy.” She accomplished that! Once I set her free, I didn’t see her again for at least 45 minutes. This is when I really appreciated the well-planned layout of the establishment. I was able to sit back and relax in one of the many chairs and tables just beyond but still inside the play area. While there are many places to go inside the play area, the welcome desk and surrounding barricades provide only one shared entrance and exit. Brilliant. Freedom for the kids and peace of mind for the grownups. Well done, Woodbury.

How much are we talkin?

Children 11 months and under are free. Otherwise, admission rates vary by day of week and time of year.

All prices include tax:

• Year-Round Weekends and “No School Days:” $5.50
• Weekday Admission (September 6 – May 31): $4.50
• Year-Round Tuesday & Thursday Evening (6 – 8 pm): $3.50
• 10-Visit Punch Pass Card: $45 – This will save you $1 a visit

Each child will be given a wristband upon entry and it must be worn at all times. It can be used for re-entry (which might be necessary if your kiddos want a snack or lunch, since no food or drink is allowed in Lookout Ridge). However, on “No School Days,” you are not guaranteed re-entry.

Want some tips?

Bring socks! Your little ones must have socks on in order to play on the structure. If you forget, you can buy a pair on site for $2.

There is a large cubby area where you can store your coats, bags and shoes. It’s not very visible once you enter the play area, so it’s best not to bring in anything too valuable.

As mentioned, no outside food or beverage is allowed in the Lookout Ridge playground area.  If you bring a snack or picnic, there are plenty of spaces to sit and refuel in the Central Park facility. Angelina’s in the Park, the small café on the top floor, has a small menu with kid-friendly options, ice cream and coffee.

Water fountains are available near the bathrooms. There is a changing table in the women’s restroom (didn’t check the men’s!) and footstools by the sinks to accommodate the main clientele.

Drop-in birthday parties are not allowed, but if you want to hold a birthday party in the facility you can schedule one with the Lookout Ridge Party Coordinator at (651) 414-3455.

Hours and Location

8595 Central Park Place | Woodbury, MN 55125

Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground is located on the lower level of Central Park. Use the elevator if you are bringing a stroller. Otherwise, wind down the scenic indoor park path. Lookout Ridge is to your left through the double doors.

The playground is open the following hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 10 am to 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm

Check the city’s website to see when Lookout Ridge is closed for “monthly maintenance” or a holiday, as well as a list of specific “No-School” Days.

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Stacey Morgan lives in Woodbury with her husband Jesse and their two children, Brighton (4 going on 14) and Vail (2). Stacey is a former television news reporter turned SAHM. In the last ten years, she has lived in five states and was happy to return to the east metro and settle down where she was born and raised. Stacey loves taking her kids on adventures and rediscovering all that Minnesota has to offer families.