We’ve hit that point of the summer where your kids might be “over” splash parks, pools and parks. This week, it’s going to be a million degrees here in Cincinnati — making most outdoor activities seem very unappealing.
(And, putting sunscreen on my three kids = torture. Especially since J and I are both allergic to regular sunscreen, so I have to carefully apply the Aveeno on Mary and Harvey, scrub my hands the way a doctor would prior to surgery, then slather the super expensive, smells-faintly-like-the-elephant-house, prescription sunscreen on J and me. By the time I’ve done all that, Harvey needs to eat again, Mary’s diaper needs changed… and I’m ready for a nap).
But, I digress.
There are several indoor play places around Cincinnati (look for a roundup when the post-holiday, January blahs hit!), and Pogo Play is, in my opinion, one of the best.
Pogo Play just opened last year, and it’s all about “active play to inspire the child inside.” Let me tell you, this place does just that — I love playing there!
When you go into Pogo, you’ll be almost overwhelmed by the layout. At the center of everything is a massive play structure (think a McDonalds Play Place on steroids/Chuck E. Cheese without the germ-filled ball pit and… Chuck E. Cheesiness). Pogo’s play structure is 7,600 square feet of slides, ropes, mazes and more! Julian loves climbing to the top and looking out over everything from a bubble.
True to its name, there are pogo sticks at Pogo Play; two, in fact, and Mary loves bouncing, bouncing, bouncing.
Kids can also get their energy out shooting hoops at the basketball court, riding scooters around the floor or dancing on the interactive floor with over 160 different games and images for kids to experience.
For the builders, there are separate stations with Legos and wooden blocks (SO MANY BLOCKS!) where kids can build giant structures and buildings. Speaking of which, the “Imagination Playground” takes building to a whole new level — it’s a huge space with giant blue blocks for stacking and building mega forts with.
There’s also a dramatic play area, with every costume you can imagine, a kitchen set, animals, lemonade stand, and more! Mary loves this area, as she’s really into dressing up at the moment.
If you have younger kids (under 3), then you’ll love the Toddler Room. There are Gymboree-style mats everywhere where crawlers and toddlers can climb, roll and play. There are also tons of board books, Mega Blocs and age-appropriate cars and toys. I took the kids here last summer, and 6-week old Harvey loved the play mats. A year later, he was climbing and exploring all over the same mats!
(I can’t even believe that was Harvey a year ago! Look at all that dark hair!)
If your kids are older (or have later bedtimes than my kidswhowakeupat5:30amnomatterwhat), Pogo has a village of inflatables that get filled for “Open Bounce” every Friday from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
A few insider’s tips:
Bring socks! Preferably socks with traction on the bottom.
Socks are required for the play structure. If you forget socks, you can rents a pair from the front desk.
Don’t bring food — other than water or baby bottles.
Pogo has its own cafe (with tons of healthy, kid-approved options) where you can eat. BONUS: Pogo is a nut-free facility, so you can enjoy peace of mind if your child has allergies.
All kids under 18 must have a signed waiver on file.
Click here to fill it out ahead of time!
Pogo Play isn’t free, but there are ways to save $$.
Every Wednesday, get $2 off a 3 and up admission and $1 off a 2 and under admission when you bring in a non-perishable item for the Freestore Foodbank.
On Monday-Thursday, enjoy cheaper “happy hour” pricing after 2: Three and up are only $7 and under 3 is $3!
Admission is all-day!
SO — you can leave and come back if you have naps/errands to do (or if you want to go home for lunch!)
Call before you go.
Sometimes there are field trips/large groups there, which can get a bit crazy!
So as the temps heat up this week (or the rain rolls in), consider mixing it up by spending an afternoon at Pogo Play!
Pogo Play is located at 10870 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242. Hours are Monday – Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sundays: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.