Nick’s Magnificent lives up to its name — it is truly magnificent! Nick Phillips, the dreamer behind the new luxury indoor playground, created this space after his own parenting experiences with five children. After years of unpleasant and overstimulating birthday parties with his kids, he decided to make a space that both kids and adults would enjoy.
Phillips wanted to offer a different kind of play experience: one without screens, flashing lights, loud noises, flashy machines, overpriced junk food, prize redemption programs that leave kids disappointed, and uncomfortable yet sparse seating for parents.
Instead, your kids will delight in using their imaginations in the playground’s Tiny Town, burn energy in the large play structures, and challenge their coordination skills by using the excavators. There aren’t any inherent competitive opportunities — the design fosters cooperative and imaginative play, something all of our kids need more of in our busy world.
The art deco design style of Nick’s Magnificent is easy on the eyes and gives a more luxurious feel than your typical play place. Parents can sit back and enjoy conversing with other adults, enjoy quality food and drinks, or get some work done while using the free Wi-Fi.
Our experience in the play space
I took my three best entertainment testers (ages 4, 6 and 8) to check out the new space. We were greeted by Phillips — as a big kid himself, you will likely find him dressed in a loud suit and top hat. We were given grip socks before stowing our shoes in the cubbies. Then my kids were off and running!
I thought my kids would instantly go to the two big playgrounds that sandwich the Tiny Town space, but instead they donned police uniforms and took turns chasing “bad guys.” They were particularly enamored with the antique typewriter in the jail. Authentic antiques are peppered throughout to fit the art deco theme. Even the exit signs are on theme.

Next, my kids explored both large double-decker playgrounds, which have climbing structures, slides, air cannons with foam balls, fun zip line features, and a ball pit.

Tucked on the second level of one of the playgrounds, kids can discover the Cosmic Corner, an out-of-this-world spot with glowing stars. Insider tip: Ask for a special stamp at the front desk, and it will glow under the black light.
Parents and caregivers will appreciate that there’s seating everywhere, including on the upper levels to observe the playgrounds or have a bird’s-eye view of Tiny Town. This also allows parents to enter the playgrounds from the top, when needed, instead of having to climb through an entire jungle gym to reach a kid in need of a rescue.

Phillips’ attention to detail gives me confidence that the playground is committed to cleanliness and safety. There’s only one entrance/exit. All other doors have emergency alarms on them. Kids are not allowed to enter without an adult, and adults are not allowed to enter without a child.
Imaginative and focused play in Tiny Town
Tiny Town is a custom-built row of a police station, city jail, fire department, market and theater, designed for kids to use their imaginations and role play. All but the market have costumes to dress the part.

Snap a mugshot photo in the city jail. Climb into the authentic vintage fire truck and flash the working lights — one of Phillips’ favorite features. Push all the buttons on the market’s antique cash register. Act out your favorite fairy tale onstage and watch your production come to life on the theater screen.

Perhaps most exciting for kids, there are five working excavators. Each excavator is slightly different and provides a bit of challenge in hand-eye coordination, problem-solving and controlled movements. Kids can step into the operator’s cab and try to scoop, grab and move different objects with the controls.
Antique ride-on toys add to the nostalgic feel, and kids can ride them for free (no nickel-and-diming here!). The restored rides include a duck, elephant and horse.

Tiny Tikes area for younger kids
Tiny Tikes is its own separate and almost fully enclosed area to the right of Tiny Town, with one small entrance that makes it easy to watch for runners. This area is designed for little kids (as young as 6 months) to play safely without getting toppled by older children. Kids who are taller than the railing should not play in this area.
Some of my favorite things about this space are the large windows letting in natural light and the playful art on the walls from Phillips’ children’s book. The rubber floor offers cushioning for crawlers and unsteady walkers. Kids will enjoy riding and parking the various cars in the mini replica of Tiny Town.
The custom-made airplane climber is another favorite focal point of Phillips’. Soft blocks and other age-appropriate toys are also provided in the space. There is also a small slide. Adults can sit comfortably on bench seating bordering this space. I imagine this to be a well-utilized playdate space, especially on rainy days. It’s definitely something I wish I had when I was a new mom looking for alternatives to the mall play areas.

Café menu and treats
Dining tables and a railing bar on the second level allow families to have a snack or meal in between play. The café has a full-service coffee bar for specialty drinks. Phillips is committed to providing fresh and healthier food options for families, so you won’t see your typical junk food, sugary candy or soda here. Instead, premium sparkling soda with clean ingredients is offered. Juices and milk are also available. If you need a light bite, grab-and-go snacks like applesauce pouches and charcuterie packs are stocked.

For more substantial options, Nick’s Magnificent’s full menu highlights freshly made flatbread pizzas, made-to-order sandwiches, wraps and more. On weekends, the café serves up Orenji Sushi rolls. Adults can enjoy local beers, wines, and two champagne options, including the iconic Veuve Clicquot. Cheers to quality food and drink options at a children’s play place!
Outside food and drinks are not allowed except for baby food and items necessary for children with dietary needs or allergies.
Private birthday parties
Nick’s Magnificent offers birthday party packages that include a two-hour private room rental, matching T-shirts and grip socks for all kids, bottled water, and a fruit and vegetable tray. All party food must be purchased from the café’s party menu (with à la carte options ranging from chicken nuggets to pizza or nachos), but outside cake can be brought in.
Plan a visit
When it was time to leave, I could only pry my kids away by promising a return visit. They could have stayed a few more hours, and I’m confident I could have caught up with a friend or gotten some work done with few interruptions from my very happily occupied kids.
Phillips hopes that Nick’s Magnificent will foster community and allow families to have fun together in a mutually enjoyable space. I can see this being an easy meet-up spot for families where everyone will leave happy, with the kids tired (in a good way!) from burning energy exploring all it has to offer.
Tickets can be purchased online or upon arrival. Purchasing a ticket online is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. While timed tickets ensure a steady flow of visitors, you may stay as long as you wish once you arrive for your ticket time. If you plan to visit more regularly, a monthly membership might be more cost-effective.
If you go to Nick’s Magnificent …
Location: Nick’s Magnificent is located at 1430 N.W. Mall St. in Issaquah.
Hours: Nick’s Magnificent is open daily: Sunday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Admission costs $28 per child until 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, and $43 per child on weekdays after 3 p.m. and all day on weekends. Children 12 months and younger are free. Membership costs $98 per month, with unlimited visits for one child. Additional children can be added to a monthly membership for $68 per month, per child.
Ages: Nick’s Magnificent is recommended for ages 1–9 years old.
Parking: There is free street parking and a small parking lot.
Amenities: The playground has Wi-Fi, restrooms and grip socks (complimentary on your first visit). The café serves made-to-order food, drinks, beer and wine, and grab-and-go snacks.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in April 2025, and updated on June 25, 2026, by ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba. New attractions and details were added and all information was thoroughly fact-checked.






