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Photo:
April Chan
Rainy days got you down? Don’t despair, Northwest parents! A new indoor playspace is now open in Redmond, and it's super well-stocked. Find an assortment of building block stations, Montessori-inspired imaginative play options and magnetic toys, plus a two-level jungle gym complete with irresistible ball pit.
For grown-ups weary of similar play areas that feature padded climbing structures that produce a steady mechanical hum as they rotate or oscillate in various orientations, Jumping Beans Indoor Playspace & Cafe is blissfully quiet, save for the welcome shrieks of delight produced by children fully enjoying the amenities.
Jumping Beans' open and airy interior does allow sound to travel, but even little ones who are more sensitive to noise should be able to find a quieter space, at least compared to the sometimes overwhelming din at similar places.
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That's not to say nothing moves. The centerpiece of an area set aside for tots features a carousel complete with padded motorcycles for children to ride and a chamber at the hub in which to get blissfully dizzy. The apparatus does not rotate on its own but rather requires pushing. Little kids won't be able to push on their own; grown-up help is likely required here. But mostly kids are safe and free to roam if parents or caregivers choose to take a breather on the sidelines. This area also features trikes, shape-sorting toys and a climbable rocket ship.
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Along the back wall of the space, children can build to their hearts' content with Duplo-style blocks and giant foam blocks, play trains and a play house with a mini-kitchen set. Several riding cars are also available to drive around the open floor space. There is also a small elevated stage along an adjacent wall.
Budding artists will enjoy a perk that usually isn't allowed at home: they can color with crayons on a designated section of the wall!
Children itching to climb should enjoy running up and down ramps inside the jungle gym, pumping their legs on swings hanging down at floor level, braving crossings with moveable parts, and sliding down chutes into a giant ball pit. Note the jungle gym area explicitly states it's only for kids 48 inches in height or shorter.
Parent tips
The cafe portion of Jumping Beans is not yet open (and they don't have an ETA) but there is a limited supply of snacks foods available for purchase at the front desk. Parents are also welcome to bring their own snacks. Wifi is available throughout the facility. There are stools and counters set up along the back perimeter and plentiful outlets for charging.
Lockable lockers are available for use. There is no extra charge for using these — just ask the front desk for a key.
Two restrooms are furnished with all the necessary items for children at various stages of potty training: changing tables, a small supply of diapers, potty chairs and stools to reach the sink for handwashing.
Visitors will note the cost of admission ($18–$20 for first child) is nearly double what similar playspaces charge in the area. There are several features of Jumping Beans that set it apart from its peers, including that the cost is for all-day admission and guests can play a while, leave, and return on the same day.
My kids, ages 3 and 6, played for about two hours, which was my (adult) limit for how long I could tolerate one uninterrupted session. My younger one wanted to stay longer, but the older one had about enough; he's just about at the maximum height limit for the jungle gym. There are several dining and shopping options within walking distance on a nice day including Regent's Bakery and Cafe, Arby's and Safeway. Take a break, run and errand and refuel and come back later for more.
If you go...Where: Jumping Beans Indoor Playspace & Cafe is located at 2222 152nd Ave NE, Suite 112 in Redmond. Note that there are no signs pointing to the facility from 152nd Ave NE. Find the building located adjacent to the FLEE Ultimate Real Life Escape Room Game. There are a handful of parking spaces designated for Jumping Beans right in front of the door. Additional spaces are available in the upper parking lot. Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., 7 days a week. Admission is for all day and leaving and returning same day is allowed. Ages: While Jumping Beans does not have a stated upper age limit, kids roughly ages 2–6 will be most entertained here. Note that the jungle gym area has a height limit of 48 inches max. Cost: $18 for first child on weekdays; $20 for first child on weekends. Siblings are currently $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends but a note on Jumping Beans' website indicates the second child cost will increase to $14 weekdays and $16 weekends as of Dec. 1, 2017. Adults and babies under 12 months are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or over who must stay on the premises. Punch cards are available for $169 that cover 12 visits. Assorted memberships are also available if you aim to be a regular visitor. Birthday parties are also available. |