If you’re on Instagram as much as I am, you’ve seen ads for this new space. I received two DM’s asking about it before the place even opened in February. I found their website very confusing, but the space did not disappoint!
The Details
Location: 30 Broad Street in the Financial District
Admittedly I get very confused walking around the Financial District. This was pretty easy to locate and is a short walk from the 2,3 train. If you’re heading with a stroller, I would go to the Bowling Green or Fulton Street stops. Both of those have an elevator, whereas Wall Street is solely stairs.
Hours: 9:30 am-7:30 pm, seven days a week
Cost: Open Play costs $50 for one child and includes one adult. They charge $10 for an additional adult entrance fee. (Maybe a good activity to give a partner some alone time with that extra charge 🙂).
It is an additional $50 for incremental children and includes adult entry- no discount if another child without an adult though.
Open Play is technically limited to two hours, but I think they have a hard time enforcing that. We left at two hours because I was hungry, but my son could have easily stayed longer. The place is massive so I think they’d have a hard time enforcing.
There are memberships available as well for $300/month for one kid. That membership does include 12 guest passes per month which is generous. If I lived close by I could see utilizing a membership but its far too much of a hike for us.
Classes & Birthday Packages are available. I don’t see those as of interest for Brooklyn-based parents like myself.
The Space
My son was grinning ear to ear when he first walked in. The primary structure has a massive play area and many smaller ones underneath and adjacent. My photos reflect “active parent” more than “content creator,” but here is my attempt at giving a space tour.
The main structure (included in video above) has several slides, two ninja courses, a climbing wall, and tubes/climbing areas. The space may be geared toward slightly older children (5+), but I could climb through with my 3-year-old to accompany him. He probably would have been fine without me; he is just quite attached!
Underneath the main structure is this great ball area with suction. This is a nice spot for younger kids, too, because the balls are really soft, and it an easy place for parents to sit with them.
This is a play area with a car and pretend mechanic tools. There are three other small play areas with similar pretend play, but I can’t remember exactly what was in them.
This room is a train and Lego space. I also love the elevators that are in random places because you can see signs of the spaces’ former commercial life.
The play grocery store was stocked with amazing food and shopping carts. It was the first place my son started his adventure. It got much more crowded as time progressed.
At the base of the large playground is a toddler play area with smaller slides, softer stacking blocks, and a safe space for younger children.
They have five little cars with a gas station to play around the main area.
On the second floor is a bouncy house. It’s a bit hidden, but this 2nd floor is quieter to hide out and have snacks.
How Busy Was It?
We arrived right at opening on a day during February break. Four groups were ahead of us right at opening; always a sign of a busy place.
The play area doesn’t feel as congested as check-in. There is a very small lobby area and small elevators, which bottleneck the situation. Once you’re in the open area you may have to wait for an item but there is so much going on that the kids can still be satisfied.
I asked the front desk if this is as busy as the weekend, and they said no- February break didn’t impact much of their clientele.
Most of the crowds during the week were younger children with childcare. It was a school holiday, and I was surprised there were only a few school-aged kids. This makes me think that the time to go is later in the day. Younger children are napping and can’t hang for fun around 4pm.
Next time I visit, I will try later in the afternoon and maybe combine it with a dinner nearby with friends.
Recommendations:
You should check this place out. Yes, it could be crazy and not the cheapest, but there is nowhere else like this in NYC. (If there is, please correct me!)
Bring your grip Socks. This is on the website, but I don’t think it is clear. You could probably get away with regular socks, but I enjoyed having the grip ones.
Go to Adrienne’s Pizza if you’re looking for a nearby meal. I had a delicious lunch with my son afterward.
Book online ahead of time. And sign your waiver. This will save you the hassle and delay upon arrival.
Plan to stay awhile. $50 is expensive, but I don’t think outrageous for NYC prices. To get your money's worth, though, don’t rush out!!
One last note that I find comical, this space used to be a New York Sports Club. It had been closed since Covid. There are a few signs of its past life that always gave me a good laugh. The picture above of the calorie count for each stair- I’m sure something my children are thinking about!
Have you been? What were your impressions?
Katie