PLAYGROUND PLAZA

MAPLE GROVE, MN
VISIT WEBSITE

There are so many fabulous reasons to live in Minnesota. But this year, right around April 15 after the third massive snowfall in a month, I was starting to run out of reasons…and sanity. My kids just wanted to run and I desperately needed to find a way to make that happen. So the timing of Playground Plaza opening was ironically very ideal for this so-called “spring” we had. The north metro was in great need of a play space like this and, thanks to Mike and Laura Clendenin, the family-owned indoor playground was the answer to that need. Even now, as the weather has warmed up, this place is nice and climate-controlled (read: air conditioned) and we all know there are days when the heat gets unbearable or going outside sounds like a chore.

What is it?

While the idea of an indoor play space isn’t uncommon in the Twin Cities, there can never be too many, in my opinion. I love them all and was very impressed with the newest addition in Maple Grove. Playground Plaza, located between Highways 610 and 81 near Elm Creek Park Reserve, had its grand opening in April 2018. This family-owned, climate-controlled, staff-free playground is the ideal spot to release that “third snowstorm” level of energy. Open 365 days a year from 7am-9pm, your kiddos can play all day on their large and smaller playgrounds, in their grassy sport court, on their bouncy inflatable pillow or with their giant blue blocks. Just buy your passes online, get your code via email, and come enjoy your day.

Fit for what ages?

While everyone between the ages of 1 and 17 must pay to play here, I would say it’s ideal for ages 2 through 8 (or 9 or maybe even 10). The small playground is nice for the youngest visitors and all kids like running in the sport court, but big kids need to be careful on the bouncy pillow as to not knock over littler ones. And the overall space might not hold the attention of older kids for too terribly long. But there’s definitely plenty of room to run and be free, so if that’s what you’re in need of, this is a good all-ages energy release adventure! As always, just keep an eye on your kids and know their behaviors well enough so everybody can have a safe experience here.

I loved letting my kids run free and enjoy the space – I found the size to be inviting for my toddler because it’s not so large that you can lose them but big enough for him to sprint from space to space and feel completely exhausted by the end of our visit.

How much are we talkin’?

The key to payment at Playground Plaza is that it MUST be done online. Every person between the ages of 1 and 17 are required to pay admission through their website. Kids under one and accompanying adults are free with paid admission. If only one child under one is visiting with an adult, then a pass would need to be purchased. Each “Play Today” Pass will cost $10.  The day passes must be purchased on the day you plan to play. I do wish you could buy them a little in advance (like when I’m sitting on my butt tinkering on my computer the night before we plan on going), but whatever.

Another payment option is their monthly membership. The monthly memberships are priced based on your number of children. For one child, it is $22/month. Two children is $40/month. Three children is $52/month, and so on. There is currently no annual pass, but that might be a suggestion to the owners as a nice option to have. If you purchase a monthly membership, it renews automatically until you cancel it, and you can cancel at any time by emailing the owners.

Birthday parties are available through Playground Plaza. A party starts at $150 and gets you a private room rental, two hours of play and up to 10 guests (more can be purchased separately). Get all party room rental information online here.

You also might want to consider bringing cash for their vending machines. Because who doesn’t love a good salty snack after an hour hopping around like a moron on a giant jumping pillow!?

Want some tips?

Socks are required (kids and adults)! As far as I could tell, there was nowhere to purchase socks at the location if you did forget them, so this is important – PACK SOCKS! I’ve taken to tossing a pair of socks for each of my kids in the glove compartment of my car for those hot summer days when everyone is wearing sandals, yet begging for air conditioning, so we spontaneously land at a sock-requiring location such as this. There are cubbies to hold your shoes and personal items. And when I say there are cubbies, there are a LOT of cubbies. There are also a lot of bathrooms (with changing tables), which I appreciate.

Busy times are definitely weekends and mornings around 10am. But, as many playgrounds that attract napping-aged children, it seems to clear out around noon or thereafter thanks to all the hungry, tired children. Make sure big kids are gentle enough on the jumping pillow, which is the most popular attraction there.

As mentioned before, you will need to purchase your entry tickets before arrival. There is no kiosk in the entryway so online is your only option. When you walk in, place your items in a cubby, put your socks on and go run! The whole place is basically a quadrant of activities. The first spot when you enter is the inflatable pillow. Next to that is the larger playground. Behind that is the sports court. And the last quadrant is the toddler playground + blocks. I do wish there were a few more options (maybe some lawn bowling or mini basketball hoops or a rock wall) for the price, but it accomplishes the whole “release your energy” goal, and in the end, isn’t that all that matters?

Each section is separated by a half-wall, which makes it nice and easy to spot your child from any area, but the only part I wasn’t a fan of was the tiny “intersection” where all four walls meet. While us adults can see over the walls, kids would sprint through this little area and either ram into another child or (depending on the clumsiness of you child) a corner of a wall (mine did that). Maybe reinforcing the whole “walk, don’t run” thing would be useful here.

If your kids are good at self-play, there are some nice bar stools in the food area that belly up to a tall table that overlooks the play equipment. They offer free WiFi so, bring a laptop and a saddle up to a barstool, you can get some work done at the same time! Just know that this is not a drop-off facility and you really should keep an eye on (or, yes, play WITH) your kids too. The WiFi password is posted on their walls.

Speaking of chairs, they have plenty of high chairs available, in addition to tons of tables for you to enjoy your packed lunch or snacks. It is a self-clean area (not “self-cleaning”…this is not an episode of The Jetson’s) so be respectful and clean up after yourself. Cleaning products can be used from the sink/kitchenette spot near the vending machines. Water fountains and hand sanitizer are available throughout the facility.

There are two party rooms available off the food area and the rental prices are actually very decent compared to similar businesses’ party rates. A two-hour rental starting at $150 for up to 30 guests is not a bad deal! If you want to have a party, you NEED to rent a room though. No drop-in parties allowed (that’s just rude).

The air-conditioning is a blessing on those hot summer days and the indoor warmth is a godsend during our many months of winter. Really, it’s a win-win. And it’s clean and new and the owners are fantastic and kind and (as parents of two small children) they really do “get it.”

And – I saved the best for last – they just opened a Dunkin’ Donuts about 30 seconds from the Playground Plaza entrance. Nothing says “love” like a sprinkle donut, a cup of DD jo, and a few hours of running, jumping and acting crazy!

Hours and location

11701 95th Avenue North  |  Maple Grove 55369

The playground sits inside an industrial building and is on the corner right when you pull into the parking lot. I’ve never had trouble finding a parking spot, but I’ve also never been there on a weekend.

Follow Playground Plaza on Facebook to see any upcoming special events or changed hours.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary visit to Playground Plaza in exchange for my time sharing this post. All thoughts are my own.