Escape the heat at indoor playgrounds in Henderson

Finding outdoor activities for children during the sweltering summer can be difficult, so the Henderson View explores two indoor playground facilities in Henderson.

KIDS PLAY CAFE

Kids Play Cafe, 10950 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 110, offers 3,000 square feet of play and party space, according to owner Aimee Giles.

“We wanted to make sure (the playground) was big and commercialized so that we met all the safety and accessibility standards,” Giles said. “Our play structure has a fast slide, a twisty slide and a slower slide. We also have a rock climbing wall and monkey bars.”

A stage, Lego area and chalk wall allow children to express their creativity by drawing, building and performing.

“It’s amazing the things these kids can create,” Giles said. “It makes each experience unique and different each time they come. It allows them to think outside the box.”

The facility also offers drop-in movie nights, Nerf gun wars, paint parties and educational classes.

“We have cooking classes where it’s all hands-on, and the children get to make and eat their own foods,” Giles said. “My daughter learned how to make (guacamole) at the last class, and it’s nice to see her so proud to make something on her own.”

The business also includes a cafe that sells healthy snacks and meals for adults and children.

“We try to give healthy, organic options at a reasonable price,” Giles said. “We have things like rainbow fruit skewers, salads and sandwiches. Popcorn is also really popular.”

Although there’s no time limit for open play, parents must remain present while their child is playing.

“We have couches and free Wi-Fi for the adults who just want to relax while the kids enjoy themselves,” Giles said. “We try to make it easy for parents.”

Open play is $7 for children 1 to 11. Children younger than 1 are admitted free. Socks are required.

Kids Play Cafe is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The facility is closed during private parties.

For more information, visit kidsplaycafe.com or call 702-629-7557.

BOUNCEU

BounceU, 1000 Stephanie Place, allows children to jump in an inflatable playhouse, said general manager Mandy McElroy.

“We have giant slides, a wrecking ball pit and bounce houses,” McElroy said. “We have lots of different games and activities for the children to play.”

The facility offers a summer camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for $159 per child each week. Early drop-offs and late pickups are available at an extra cost.

“During the summer camps, the kids do a lot of bouncing, crafts and games,” McElroy said. “Each week is themed. For example, during our ‘Under the Sea’ week, we play Sharks and Minnows, have whale talk and make fish crafts.”

To give parents some alone time, BounceU plans Parents’ Night Out events from 6 to 10 p.m. the second and last Saturday of the month for children 3 to 13.

“Parents deserve a night to themselves once in a while, so we give them that option,” McElroy said. “The children get to bounce, eat pizza and watch a movie. They enjoy it just as much as Mom and Dad enjoy getting out.”

Open bounce costs $8 per child. Parents’ Night Out events cost $25 for the first child and $15 per additional child.

Parents must be present during open bounce sessions. Socks are required.

The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/nmczhca or call 702-735-5867.

Contact Henderson View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.