While we do our best to keep these articles as up-to-date as possible, it's best to call each location prior to visiting to ensure that the businesses are open.

Photo courtesy of Giggles and Fun

1. Giggles and Fun - West Houston

Giggles and Fun is a large play space with themed play areas including a grocery store and a barn with toy ponies to encourage imaginative play. Children can engage in active play on climbable structures with slides and tunnels as well as push toys and ride-on toys. An entire enclosed area is devoted to interactive play on a virtual playground that is projected onto the ground. They host gorgeously decorated birthday parties with your choice of theme, and you can even rent out the facility in its entirety for private events. Giggles and Fun is closed on Monday. Masks are recommended for adults and the facilities close from 1-2pm for sanitizing.

 
Kids Empire is an indoor playspace in Houston with spaces for big kids and toddlers. Photo courtesy of Kids Empire

2. Kids Empire - Westchase

Tackle floor-to-ceiling climbing walls, race through play structures, dive into ball pits, bust a move on the dance floor, and more at Kids Empire. With both a dedicated big kid area and toddler area, there is something for all kids at this indoor playground. Kids can even ride around on vehicles that are just their size in both sections of the play space. Plus, your day pass gets you all-day access and re-entry if you leave and come back on the same day! Socks are required for kids and adults alike for sanitary purposes. Adults who are not playing in the structure are still required to remove shoes to keep everything as clean as possible. 

3. Hooray Indoor Playground - Katy

This Katy spot is sure to give kids of all ages more fun than they can handle. Separate play areas offer age-appropriate spaces for kids to explore. For babies and toddlers, a wooden play scape boasts small slides, rockers, and several types of educational toys on soft padding. The area for older kids provides a climbing structure complete with a ball cannon, tunnels to crawl through, and of course, slides. Parents and caregivers love that from most common areas inside Hooray, you can easily see children in both play areas. Another great reason to visit this indoor playground is that if you're going to be in the area all day (or live nearby) admission is good for the entire day which allows you to leave and return to Hooray later in the day for more playtime. Masks are encouraged but not required for adults. Socks are required for both children and adults.

 
Kidtastic Park is an indoor playspace in Houston, on the north side. Photo courtesy of Kidtastic Park

4. Kidtastic Park - Cypress

There are two playspaces at Kidtastic, one for the big kids and a separate area for the little kids, making this a safe, fun environment for kids of all ages. Parents are able to monitor kids easily from the hangout area, which not only has great visibility to both play areas but also features monitors that project any areas that aren't readily visible. Big kids are able to go down big slides, shoot across a zip line, and blast each other from the ball blaster zone. Little kids can try and catch floating balloons, go down little slides, and crawl through mini tunnels. And parents who still play like kids are encouraged to take part in all the fun as well! Kidtastic is operating with limited hours and open play is through reserved times only. Daily cleaning and sanitation is performed, and the play space is closed every 4-6 weeks for a deep cleaning.

5. The Play Space - Webster 

With 16,000 square feet on the ground and three levels, The Play Space proudly takes the title of the largest indoor play space in Texas. Once inside, you'll be transported into outer space through the playground's intergalactic theme, which features ball blaster arenas, 20 foot slides, endless tunnels and obstacles galore, plus a full arcade that is home to over 35 different games. Little ones can head to The Baby Space for children 18 months and younger, or The Tot Space for children who are 4 and under. The Baby Space features a padded playground that's perfect for ground play, crawling, and taking those baby steps. The Tot Space has 4 different imaginative areas that foster creative play as well as a miniaturized version of The Play Space, so younger kids can practice and prepare for when they make their debut in the big area. Socks are required for both children and adults.

6. Wonderwild - The Heights

Wonderwild is a safe indoor play space for kids ages eight and under where they can explore their physical abilities on three-story play scapes with climbing structures, jumping pillows, a toddler-sized ball pit, and giant slides. Creativity is encouraged through fun areas such as play kitchens with toy food and kitchenware and a play workbench. Bigger kids ages five to 11 can explore the Wonderwild(er) area, which takes up half of the large play area and has an indoor ropes course and a go-kart pedal track. Food and drinks are not available at Wonderwild but guests are also welcome to bring their own. Socks are required on the Wonderwild side and closed-toed shoes are mandatory for the Wonderwild(er) side. Birthday parties are quite epic at this venue, boasting intricately themed birthday packages complete with decorations. They also host their own parties for various holidays and special events where kids can dress up and engage in activities like crafting and staff-led games. Face masks and socks are required for those 10 years and older when there is a state mandate or if the CDC recommends. Otherwise, masks are strongly encouraged. Socks are required for adults and children. 

7. We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym - Memorial

We Rock the Spectrum is a special play space that features a safe, fun, sensory-friendly environment for children of all abilities and levels. Each play area has a double feature: not only are they fun, but they also focus on different sensory skills. Trampolines build leg and core strength, suspended equipment and swings challenge balance and vestibular treatment, sensory-based toys promote improved auditory processing and fine motor skills, and more. This play space is truly for all ages and abilities, so everyone feels welcome and included when they come to play. Guests need to call prior to visiting to confirm hours of operation and availability. 

Playing at indoor play space Kanga’s in Cypress

8. Kanga's Indoor Playcenter - Cypress

Kanga's Indoor Playcenter is a huge multi-level playground that is packed with unique features, like the fan favorite Pirate Ship Ride, as well as standard favorites like slides, ball pits, and more. Parents are able to relax with snacks and coffee in the cafe area while kids play, so everyone gets to take a fun break during the day (though you can also join in on the play space fun, if you feel so inclined!). There is also a dedicated area for babies and toddlers to play safely - no big kids allowed! Guests are encouraged to sign waivers online ahead of time to minimize touch points when you enter the facility. 

9. Majestkids - Sugar Land

Majestkids Playland specializes in playtime for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (up to 7-years-old or under 47-inches-tall). This indoor playground has a variety of entertaining indoor play structures and activities that encourage motor development and social skills. A three-level play area offers ample space for larger kids to climb and slide, while a double-level wooden structure gives smaller children an area to explore and play. There is a designated soft play area for infants and another specifically for toddlers. The most unique part of this venue is the huge jumping pillow, which is much like a trampoline but consists of a huge inflatable pad that kids can jump and bounce on. The cafe space is great for relaxing and enjoying healthy snacks and light lunch items like veggie cups, soups, sandwiches, and smoothies.  Socks are required for both kids and adults.

10. Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales - Sugar Land

Toddlers and small children can play safely to their hearts content at Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales in Sugar Land. The fairy tale town is full of activities that encourage young children to use their imaginations, and includes everything from pretend play at the kitchen and café to musical instruments, building blocks, stuffed animals and more. The playscape is open by reservation only and your booking allows for two hours of indoor play. Masks are strongly encouraged for anyone above 10 years old. Socks are required for parents and child(ren).

11. Main Street Indoor Park at First Methodist Houston - Central Houston

12. Frolic’s Castle at Memorial City Mall - Memorial City

This post originally published in 2016. Photos courtesy of the venues, unless otherwise noted