Playpad Bucks has been on my radar since I saw that it opened during 2020, so I was excited to see a post about an Open House on May 31 and June 1. While the 5,000-square foot space has been open for several months, this was the first time the venue was truly able to invite a large number of people in to explore the space. The event was free and went all-day long, with face painting for two hour each morning and packaged snacks to enjoy in the kitchen area. When I first saw that the event was on Memorial Day and the day after (which happens to be my wedding anniversary), I worried that we wouldn’t end up going at all. Spoiler Alert: We loved it so much, we went BOTH days!
If you’re familiar with other Bucks County spots that are popular for young children, I’d describe it as a cross between the now-closed Bouncing Off the Walls (a pandemic casualty) and Penn’s Little Village at the Langhorne Library … with some cool extras added in!
Playpad is located in the office buildings right behind the Oxford Valley Mall movie theater. And while Henry commented, “This doesn’t look like a play place, it looks like a doctor’s office!” as we approached the door, I assure you that it’s all fun inside. When you enter the building, you’re asked to take off your shoes and place them in the cubbies provided. (So make sure everyone has socks!) Then they ask if you’ve filled out the waivers provided on the website. So if you’d like to save a step, be sure to do this at home, but don’t worry, it only takes a minute or two to complete on your phone if you forget.
After you enter the main space, there are two smaller rooms to your left. The first room is darkened and there’s a projector that shines different games on the floor. The second room is the Sensory Room, which is designed for quiet, calm play. While I wouldn’t typically describe my children and quiet and calm, they both really enjoyed visiting this room throughout our visit. There was a table with magnatiles, a color-changing bubble tube, an interesting mirror that played music with lights, squishy colorful tiles on the floor, a giant crash pad, and more.
The next area on that left side was a gated Toddler area with a sign indicating that this space is for children 3 and under. Charlotte (3) is right at that age where she wants to have fun with the big kids, but she still likes playing with some “baby” toys, so she did go in and out of this area a bit. The Toddler Area had dolls, a little table with a tea set, foam blocks, rocking horse-style toys, books, puzzles, comfy chairs, and other small toys.
Across from the Toddler Area is a really cute kitchen space with a low fence separating it from the rest of the room. There was a refrigerator, sink, long tables and chairs … perfect for taking a break for a snack and for cake if you’re having a party at Playpad. During the Open House, they also had the face painting set up here.
Next, there are play areas with a train table, puppet theater, unique foam building blocks and balls, a DUPLO block table, a giant Connect 4, and interactive displays on the walls.
And then lastly, there’s a Climbing Gym on the left side, across from Our Town on the right. The Climbing Gym has multiple levels with different ramps, tunnels, slides and more. To be honest, my kids (and my friends daughter who is 4 like my son) were pretty scared of it. I ended up having to go in after them a few times to get them out, and finally had to tell Charlotte that she needed to stick to other areas. While we’re HUGE playground fans, they just couldn’t get over that it’s enclosed and a little dark in there. But if you’re bringing older (or more daring) kids, I’m sure they’d enjoy it. Even by the end of our second visit, Henry was getting more adventurous and proudly yelled to me from a higher level, “I’m brave now!”
The miniature town was very similar to Penn’s Little Village at Langhorne Library. We’ve been anxiously awaiting it’s reopen since the pandemic, so Playpad’s version was a huge hit. There are three rooms: an animal hospital, food market and ice cream shop. All were thoroughly enjoyed by Henry and Charlotte. Outside of the main “buildings,” there’s a gas pump that they can use with the Cozy Coupe-style cars, a tent with plush campfire, and a kid-size stationary school bus.
The kids really had a great time, and Charlotte has literally asked me every day if we can go back. Since we already have a membership to the Bucks County Children’s Museum (read more about their reopening HERE) and I like to find as many FREE things to do as possible, Playpad probably won’t become a REGULAR destination for us right now. But I’ll definitely be keeping it in mind for a special treat! With several of the indoor children’s places closing in the past year or so (Bounce U, Bouncing Off the Walls) and other places not fully open yet, it’s exciting to have another spot geared toward the younger crew. (According to the website, Playpad is for children 9 and under.) Playpad is a great option for when it’s rainy, too hot, or too cold for outdoor play. And it’s also a fun way to have a playdate with some friends without worrying about entertaining them in your house!
As of June 1, you no longer need to make reservations at Playpad. Their June Open Play Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monthly Memberships for Open Play admission is also available. (This could be a great gift idea!) Check the website for pricing and party information. As of June 7, masks are required for guests 2 and up except for when eating/drinking in the kitchen area.
In case it is unclear, this post was not sponsored in any way.
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