So… I’m assuming my 5-year-old stepdaughter is having fun. I hardly know because the second she walked through the gate into the play area at Perch & Play she was gone.
I could see she was busy – flitting from the wooden play structure to the block table to the playhouse and slide, next hugging a baby doll – all as I sat at the counter with my laptop to squeeze in a few emails before I jumped into the fun myself.
Perch & Play is a lot like a big rec room, a little bit messy and a lot of fun. And when the kids go home, you’re not stuck cleaning up.
Located at 1707 N. State St., Perch & Play is designed for kids to just be themselves, to run and play one minute and be engrossed in building blocks the next.
On a rainy weekday morning it’s noisy – the sound bounces around on the high ceilings and cheerfully decorated walls – but by and large the noise is that of kids being busy and having fun.
The main play area, the “Backyard,” is designed for children 3 and older; little ones have a smaller play area of their own, called the “Pea Patch.”
The adjacent dining area, dubbed the “Picnic Spot” offers healthy, kid-friendly snacks as well as soups, sandwiches, salads and coffee for the adults. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but they even offer Cheerios and animal crackers for little ones to snack on.
Adults are welcome to hang out in “The Perch,” a loft space overlooking the play area, with comfy chairs and outlets for your laptop. It’s also a quieter space, if you’re looking to get some work done. Or you can relax with a glass of wine – Perch & Play is serious about everyone enjoying their stay!
If you go:
The Perch & Play entrance is located at the back of the building along Franklin Street. Before you play you will need to spend a few minutes filling out an online registration form. (It takes some time the first time around, but is quick and easy on subsequent visits.)
Children ages 1-10 are welcome to play, although I’d say kids 8 and older would probably tire of the venue fairly quickly. But, if it’s a matter of bringing along an older sibling while the younger one plays, don’t hesitate to bring big brother or sister along.
Admission is $6 for the first hour for the first child. More than one hour of play is a flat rate of $10 for that child.
Additional children are charged $4 for the first hour and $8 for more than one hour. Children under 1 are free, as are adults.
Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
