Best indoor playgrounds in Canada

1. Kids Market Adventure Zone in Vancouver

If you can’t convince your kids (ages three and older) to come with you to pick up some toys, books, clothes or games at this two-level shopping centre for children on Granville Island, then you’ll definitely entice them with the old-fashioned arcade and the two-storey ballroom maze. There’s also a free outdoor water park located right next door, though it’s not officially connected with Kids Market. So take advantage of this free park, which is typically open from the May long weekend through to Labour Day weekend.

Go play: kidsmarket.ca Every day 10am - 6pm 1496 Cartwright St., Vancouver 604-689-8447

2. Go Bananas in BC

Go Bananas is the perfect playground for little monkeys. This indoor play centre has locations in North Vancouver, Langley, Richmond, Surrey and Chilliwack and is great for kids from ages one to 12. The jungle-themed playground has lots of tunnels, slides and bridges for kids to explore. Older kids will love zooming through the jungle on the zip line. And there’s even a climbing wall shaped like a waterfall. Toddlers have their own separate space filled with soft toys and slides for them to enjoy. Plus, awesome ride-along toys like a train for your mini conductor to try out.  Parents can join in on the fun or relax on the comfy couches—which are of course green to match the jungle theme.

Go play: 2 locations (Langley and North Van), hours vary

3. Go Active Kids in Hammonds Plains, NS

Go Active Kids combines fun with fitness. The main play structure is made up of many pods and various levels. Kids will love the 18-foot slide which will take them down to another level. Kids can climb, jump and play with balls as they make their way throughout the maze-like structure. The play pods are large enough to stand inside making this place ideal for bigger kids too. Kid’s can play for $7, siblings are $5 and kids under two are free.

Go play:
goactivekids.ca Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:30am – 1:30pm 59 Gatehouse Run, Hammonds Plains, NS 902-809-7529

4. Joso’s Play and Learn Centre in Calgary

If you’re looking for a fun spot for little ones ages zero to six, Joso’s is a great option. Their three-level play structure kitted out with a small ball pit, slides, bridge, tunnel and climbing obstacles is sure to engage the youngest members of your family. Really wee ones can get their sillies out in the baby area with its large soft building blocks, toys and books. If anyone gets peckish, there is also a café that serves coffee, snacks, lunch and natural frozen yogurt. A second Joso’s location is expected to open in the southwest end of the city at the end of March.

Go play: josos.ca Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm 12018 Symons Valley Rd. Unit 100, NW  Calgary 403-767-9922 722 85th St. Unit 505, SW Calgary 403-727-5991

Read more: 4 best indoor playgrounds in Calgary

5. Treehouse Indoor Playground & Café in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer

Nature lovers from one to 13-years-old will be thrilled if you take them to this indoor playground. The massive treehouse-themed climbing structure features climbing tubes that look like caterpillars, wave slides, a punching-bag forest and more. Toddlers will have a blast in a separate padded area with a smaller climber and ball pit. Treehouse also boasts a bounce house, arcade, light-up piano floor, LEGO building room and rock climbing wall. A location in Winnipeg will be opening in 2017.

Go play: treehouseplay.com Everyday 9am - 9pm 10181-34 Ave., NW Edmonton (Two locations) 780-439-3299 3337-34 Ave., NE Calgary (Two locations) 403-277-3378 7710-50 Ave. unit 6, Red Deer, Alberta

6. Hide N Seek in Edmonton 

Slide fans will have the time of their lives at this play centre, which has six spots they can zoom down, including wave slides and an enclosed spiral. Rounding out the fun is an arcade, a two-level animal-themed obstacle course, trampolines and two ball pits. One ball pit is in the specially designed toddler area, suitable for kids younger than four, which has its own little climber, riding toys, soft blocks and mini-slide.

Go play: hidenseekplayground.ca Everyday 9am - 9pm 10830 170 St. NW, Edmonton 780-482-7244

7. Tegler Discovery Zone at the John Janzen Nature Centre in Edmonton

What to do first? Your kid can climb around a birch tree, hide out in a toadstool, explore a beaver lodge, zip down a rockslide after checking out a squirrel den or wind their way through a tunnel-laden beehive. These are all the cool things kids of any age can do at the Tegler Discovery Zone, which is free with paid admission to the John Janzen Nature Centre. There’s also a live observation beehive that lets everyone watch these helpful pollinators as they make their way outdoors to collect nectar and pollen. And there’s no risk of getting stung—the beehive is closed off so kids can see the bees, but the bees can’t get near the kids.

Go play:
edmonton.ca Everyday 10am - 5pm  7000 143 St., Edmonton In Edmonton call 311. Outside of Edmonton, call 780-442-5311

Read more: 3 best indoor playgrounds in Edmonton

8. CJ’s Climb and Play in Warman, Saskatchewan

CJ’s Climb and Play helps kids ages zero to 12 get the exercise they need while having tons of fun. There are no video games in the facility so children have a distraction-free space to be physically active. Everyone in your family can get into the action, since the climber with its padded obstacles, spiral slide and a moonwalk ramp, accommodates adults, too.  And no need to worry about little ones getting hurt by big kids because toddlers have two spots just for them. Sight lines are clear so caregivers can see everything. Or go enjoy a locally made baked good and a coffee in the café—you can watch the kids on TV screens.

Go play: cjsclimbandplay.com Monday to Thursday 10am - 7pm, Friday to Sunday 10am - 8pm 619 South Railway St. W., Bay 4, Warman 306-931-7529

9. Polar Playground in Winnipeg

This Arctic-themed playground teaches kids ages three to 12 all about polar bears and other creatures from Canada’s north. The playground is free with paid admission to Assiniboine Park Zoo and features a multi-level play structure with a slide, climbers and tunnels to explore. The coolest part—no pun intended– is the interactive elements like a moving ice-mass floor that responds to even the littlest footsteps, an ice cave with secret messages, an Aurora Borealis wall that lets kids conduct the northern lights and a massive icicle xylophone.

Go play:
assiniboinepark.ca Everyday 9am - 4pm 2595 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg 204-927-6000

Read more: 3 best indoor playgrounds in Winnipeg

10. Playtown in Mississauga, Ontario

Get ready for some play-based learning at Playtown. Kids can explore eight gorgeously designed playhouses, each with a different theme like the theatre, the grocery store, the raceway — which is a secure space to zip around on PlasmaCars — and Toddler Town, which is designed for newborns through to little walkers. Parents can see the Main Street area of Playtown from the toddler area, so they can keep an eye on their older children while their babies have fun, too. Playtown also features a café with security monitors that focus on the playhouses so caregivers can have a snack or drink while still watching their kids. Annual memberships are available, as is drop-in play. Little ones under 12 months are free with a paid child.

Go play: Playtown Every day 9:30am – 5:30pm 2170 Dunwin Dr., unit 6, Mississauga 905-569-7529

11. Sprouts – Growing Bodies & Minds in Toronto

This lovely light-filled indoor playground and gym is packed with all the makings of an awesome adventure for kids zero to seven. Sprouts has filled its 6,000 square feet space with two kinder trampolines and three play structures with slides, ladders and passageways to explore. There’s also a large soft play area for babies and toddlers, with smaller padded climbers, rockers and little ladders. Play stations with toys like Duplo and Magformers are switched up each week to keep kids entertained. Caregivers get treated to free coffee, tea and hot chocolate in the café, which also sells organic snacks. While there is no cost for the first visit, families must purchase either a play pass or part- or full-time membership to access the playground during drop-in times.

Go play: 
sproutskids.ca Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am – 4pm 183 Carlaw Ave. Toronto 416-840-9718

12. Lil’ Monkeys Indoor Playgrounds in Burlington, Ontario

With a five-level soft-structured playground filled with a fully enclosed swirl slide, wave slides, punch-bag forest and more, Lil’ Monkeys is bound to please kids from one to 12-years-old. Other features include an enclosed basketball court, toddler sections and a rock-climbing wall. Not only is Lil’ Monkeys dedicated to fun, it’s also dedicated to safety. The entire floor is padded in case someone takes a tumble, and they have a program to ensure children leave with the guardian that they came with. New to Lil’ Monkeys is the Mighty Jump, a ride that lets those aged five to 75, free fall off a 20 foot platform and land in a giant inflatable bag. So fun!

Go play: lilmonkeysplaygrounds.com Monday to Friday 9:30am – 8pm, Saturday 9:15am – 8:30pm, Sunday 9:15am – 8pm  3250 Harvester Rd., Unit 5, Burlington 866-972-2111

13. Extreme Fun Indoor Playground in North York, Ontario

Your little one can get all dolled up in the dress-up centre and then explore the multi-coloured play structure in their fancy princess dress. It’s all part of the experience at Extreme Fun Indoor Playground, which is best suited for kids ages one to 10. For sports lovers, they can shoot some hoops or play foosball. And the giant jumpy castle is not to be missed. Parents are encouraged to join in on the fun or relax with a cup of coffee in the café.

Go play: extremefun.ca Monday to Friday 9:30am – 3:30pm 186 Bartley Drive, North York 416-757-8777

14. Cosmic Adventures in Ottawa

Get ready for some cosmic fun. Cosmic Adventures has a huge multi-level padded play structure with obstacle courses, triple and spiral slides and swings. For toddlers there are two play areas designed to be a little quieter to suit their stimulation needs. This 20,000 square foot play centre is all about the under-12s. Thirteen to 18-year-olds are only allowed in if they’re with a family with younger children. All the games and structures, including the redemption games in the Starcade, are geared toward a younger child’s developmental level. Best suited to ages four to 10.

Go play: cosmicadventures.ca Everyday 9am - 8:30pm 1373 Ogilvie Rd., Ottawa 613-742-8989

15. Kids Kingdom in Ottawa

Your little knight will love exploring this castle-themed climbing structure filled with slides, suspension bridges, a cargo rope climb and tunnels. And they won’t be able to resist the 62-foot-long inflatable obstacle course. Your teeniest dragon, ages zero to three, will love the gated infant and toddler play centre with its child-safe blocks, two slides (which are easy to climb up) and padding. Older kids will also enjoy playing the redemption games. Fuel your medieval crew at the cafeteria with grub like pizza, fruit plates and much more. Best suited to ages zero to 12.

Go play: kidskingdom.ca Monday to Thursday 10am - 7pm, Friday 10am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm 66 Hearst Way, Ottawa (Kanata) 613-599-5437 Monday to Thursday 9am - 8pm, Friday 9am - 8:30pm, Saturday 8am - 8:30pm, Sunday 9am - 6pm 1290 Trim Road, Ottawa (Orleans) 613-424-8543

16. Funhaven Entertainment Centre in Ottawa

If you’ve got kids of varying ages then Funhaven is bound to suit everyone in your family. For the baby to five-year-old set, there’s the Comfyland toddler play centre, with tactile boards, tot-friendly computers and music makers—not to mention arm chairs for caregivers to take a load off in. For the five- to 12-year-old set there’s a three-level jungle gym with a spiral slide, padded moonwalk, climbing tunnels, punch-bag forest and ball cannons. This is all in addition to bumper cars, mini bowling, a laser-tag arena, games and more. Both Comfyland and the jungle gym are in separate gated areas so little ones won’t get accidentally hurt by big kids.  Admission is free for kids three and younger.

Go play: funhaven.com Weekdays 10am - 10pm, Weekends 9am - 9pm 1050 Baxter Rd., Ottawa 613-828-4386

17. Funtropolis in Laval and Saint-Hubert, Quebec

Though its claim to fame might be the colourful Styrofoam balls that kids can safely shoot from more than 40 air launchers, Funtropolis is packed with tons of other cool stuff. Your crew will love getting lost in the gigantic play maze, zipping down the three wave slides or bouncing on the enclosed trampolines. There’s also a toddler space with an age-appropriate trampoline and slides. A new feature is the multi-level spider-web climb at the Laval location. Funtropolis is best suited to kids 14 and younger.

Go play: funtropolis.ca Monday to Thursday 9am - 6pm, Friday to Saturday 9am - 9pm, Sunday 9am - 7pm 3925 Boul. Curé-Labelle, Laval 450-688-9222 2975 Boul. Moïse-Vincent, Saint-Hubert 450-462-2111

18. Zigzagzoo in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec

Kids 12 and younger will go wild at this jungle-themed indoor playground with its massive four-level play structure. It’s got slides, tunnels and challenging climbers, but there’s much more. A monkey-themed traverse climbing wall, an enclosed soccer arena for little ones and a separate toddler area for kids ages three and younger. Get ready for some serious fun.

Go play:
zigzagzoo.ca Monday 9:30am - 5pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9:30am to 4pm, Friday & Saturday 9:30am to 8pm, Sunday 9:30 - 5pm  980 St-Charles Ave., Vaudreuil-Dorion 450-424-3244

19. Kazoom Café in Ville Saint Laurent, Quebec

Kids can swing along a Tarzan rope, swoosh down one of five slides (three enclosed ones and two open ones) or climb around one of the many obstacles in the two-level play structure at Kazoom Café. Your kids can show off their moves in the dance space, complete with disco ball. Plus, there’s a separate toddler area with climbing tunnels and a playhouse for those three and younger. Kid-friendly food is available in the cafeteria. Best suited to kids age zero to 11.

Go play: kazoomcafe.com Monday to Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm, Friday 9:30am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 8pm, Sunday 9am - 6pm 2169 Marcel-Laurin Blvd., Suite 160, Ville Saint Laurent 514-331-4386

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