Portland weather can put a real crimp in your child’s playground time, so why not head to an indoor playground? Portland has some great indoor play centers to choose from, and they all boast fun, fun, fun despite the dreary weather outside.

Portland Day Trips: Indoor Playgrounds

Planning a special all-day trip to a Portland indoor playground is easy with a little preparation. Call ahead to your favorite playground to find out if outside food and drinks are permitted. If so, pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water and sports drinks to keep those little monkeys climbing and playing all day through.

Most indoor playgrounds will provide refreshment areas if outside foods are prohibited. This can make an all-day play date even more convenient if you don’t mind a little fast food.
Indoor playgrounds are the perfect destination for preschool play dates, birthday parties, and summertime reunions.

Checking Out the Indoor Playground Amenities

It might be a wise idea to check out each indoor playground before you visit with the kids. Some playgrounds include vending machines, video games, arcades, swimming pools, roller skating, ice skating, bounce houses, and even employees dressed as stuffed cartoon characters.

If your little one is not allowed peanuts, or is afraid of people in costumes, you may need to prepare in advance of your visit. It also helps to lay down a few ground rules about video games and treats before the kids set eyes on all those temptations.

Safety First

Even though it is much harder for a child to wander off from an indoor playground, safety is still an important consideration when visiting one of Portland’s indoor play areas. Children should know where the adults in the party plan to sit and where the information desk is located in case they become separated and need to seek help locating a parent.

Children should also be made aware of safe playground practices. Most indoor playgrounds post a list of playground rules to help keep kids safe while visiting. As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure your child is aware of these rules and knows that breaking a safety rule is grounds for an early end to the play date.

Dressing for Comfort

When planning a day at the indoor playground, it’s often best to allow your children to dress in comfortable clothes that allow for ease of movement. While you won’t have to worry about grass stains, you may want to protect knees and elbows from friction burns from hurtling down tubes and slides. Dressing in layers is best so that your child can remove clothing once they heat up after playing. Always dress your child in socks when visiting an indoor playground, as most require the removal of shoes before playing on equipment.

Indoor playgrounds in Portland are the perfect answer to your child’s rainy day blues, but remember to plan ahead, pack for fun, and keep safety in mind when heading out for an indoor play area.

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