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Why Visit Space Play Academy

If you've mingled in Somerset County parent circles at all, you may have heard frustration that there aren't too many local options for indoor play. That's what Space Play Academy owner and parent Luis Pazmino was feeling and hearing when he surveyed local parents about what was missing from the Hillsborough area. The message was loud and clear: an indoor playground. 

With input from the local community, he designed a unique space-themed play space that has lots to do, but doesn't feel overwhelming. There are several thoughtfully placed areas for toddlers, imagination centers for kids, a tricycle riding path, and an enormous, multi-level play structure with some very cool features and a ball pit. Parents will appreciate all the seating areas located just off the play spots. The staff continuously monitors the play areas for safety.

5 Things for Toddlers and Kids To Do at Space Play Academy 

1. Jump in the interactive ball pit

The huge ball pit is perfect for jumping and wading, but what makes the experience extra-special are the interactive features. A busy wall lined one section of the pit, where kids could use air suction and levers to help balls zip through clear tunnels. Or, in another area, kids can feed balls through pipes that whirl overhead into a UFO that eventually makes a gentle shower of balls. Space Play Academy uses a special machine to remove and clean all the balls. We love that there is a separate mini-pit for little ones to play safely.

2. Climb and slide

The heart of the facility is the multi-level play structure with lots of slides, swings, and climbing structures. My daughter loved the large slides, especially the "tubing slide" where kids use a raft to travel down a slide that starts out fast and uses friction for a gentle stop. We truly appreciated that the structure was designed with higher ceilings so that parents can easily enter with their child. Mesh walls made for easy viewing from the outside.

Play Space Acadey has three imaginary playhouses for make-believe play. Photo by the author

3. Play pretend

For kids who love to play pretend, the center has three imaginary playhouses that are filled with fun props to explore. On the day of our visit, there was a play restaurant, a firehouse, and a fashion store/beauty salon. These stations will periodically rotate, so kids will see new stations on future visits. 

4. Toddler zone

Just outside the pretend play zone is a soft play area with a foam pit, tunnels, a small soft carousel, a padded climbing structure, and some smaller activities. There's also a track with some tricycles to ride.

5. Workshops

In addition to play, Space Play Academy is a spot for kids to learn and grow. Several daytime and evening workshops are planned with rotating monthly themes and activities such as music, art, storytelling, and parent-child fitness classes. Little Moons classes are available for little ones 18 months to 3 years and include stories, music, a craft, snack, and open play. School-age kids can register for the after-school program, which combines homework time, activities, and open play. Call the facility for schedules and pricing information.

Know Before You Go to Space Play Academy

• The center does not have a cafe, but the front desk sells drinks and packaged snacks. But, fair warning: little toys and other trinkets are also sold at the sign-in desk.
• The facility requires sticky socks for kids and regular socks for adults. You can bring your own pairs or buy new ones at the front desk.
• We had a little trouble finding Space Play Academy from the street, but we learned that additional signage is on the way. For now, look for The Pickle Jar Club on the street sign. And once you turn into the lot, Space Play will be the last unit in the parking lot.
• Space Play Academy has a large party room for birthday parties. Packages include pizza, cake, and drinks, and start at $500 for 10 kids and 10 adults.
• Buy tickets and fill out waivers online in advance, since tickets may be limited during birthday parties. Tickets are either sold as a 2-hour or an all-day admission. 
• The facility is open Wednesdays through Sundays.

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