“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”
– Kay Redfield Jamison
As a parent of two year old twins and a six year old, I wanted to find somewhere that we could go when we needed to get out of the house. If you are a stay at home mom like myself, I’m sure you can relate to that moment when you realize all the kids are going crazy (you might be going crazy too) and you need to get out ASAP! I was so excited when a friend invited me to Our Play Place on a play date.
“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
The very first time we stepped in the door I immediately felt so comfortable. If your kids are anything like mine, they probably stay very close to you until they feel comfortable enough to venture out on their own. I really like to interact with my girls while they are exploring something new, so I went into the play area with them. This is not required, but in my opinion it makes the time spent there much more fun. If you are a parent and have ever left the house without socks in a rush like me, then this is a friendly reminder to bring some socks when you go.
Our Play Place requires everyone in the play area to take their shoes off before entering. Your child is guaranteed to enjoy their experience.
This is what their website says and I truly think it sums their business up perfectly:
“Our Play Place is an interactive indoor children’s play and party space purposefully designed to encourage a young child’s sense of independence, exploration, and creativity. Your child will love playing on and exploring the climbing structures, slides, playhouses, activity boards and craft area.
Adults and caregivers are welcomed and encouraged to join in on the play, or sit back and relax while their children discover a world that is just their size.”
There are a few options for pricing which include paying per visit which is $10 per child, you can do a play pass which is 7 days of play for the price of 5 days which is $50, or for just five more dollars you can get a one month unlimited play pass.
Arie and Layla have been there so much in the last few months that sometimes I feel like they think they own the place. They love the owner, Mary, who is incredibly personable and clearly loves children. Another reason I love going there is that everyone on her staff is wonderful.
“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” – Diane Ackerman
As I was sitting in the play area for the 10th time that month, I started thinking this place would be perfect for Kaila’s 6th birthday party. I brought Kaila on a day where she had no school and she fell in love with everything Our Play Place offered. We immediately began the party planning and on January 28th we celebrated her 6th birthday and it was fabulous!
Our Play Place has a few different party options. Their prices are very reasonable and range from $175 to $275 depending on everything your party requires. We chose the $275 option which allowed us to have the place to ourselves for 2.5 hours. The kids were able to run around and be with friends which made the party even more intimate. There is also an option to add on custom decorations which includes your choice of themes, dessert table set up, table cloths, dessert plates and napkins.
We opted for the add on’s and we were blown away by everything that was created special for Kaila. She was so thrilled with the balloons and the cute princess place settings. They truly did not disappoint.
I am really big on supporting local businesses so I loved that Woops! was able to cater for Kaila’s princess party. Ellie went above and beyond preparing a mini macaron pyramid fit for a princess and a tray full of assorted pastry’s that was delicious. She really exceeded my expectations with the little details like pink diamonds on the pyramid of macaron’s and the colors being pink and purple which are Kaila’s absolute favorites. The flavors included strawberry and blueberry cheesecake for the adults and peanut butter and jelly for the kids.
As if this was not enough of a surprise, she also blew me away with the pastry’s she chose. These included: brownie bites, triple chocolate and chocolate chip mini cookies, mini almond croissants, Nata (custard tartlets that were my personal favorite) and even included something special for the birthday girl which were heart shaped alfjores.
This was actually my first time trying a macaron and it was so worth the wait. Have you ever had one? If you are local to Tucson you must head over to her shop and give them a try. Also, for Valentine’s they offer AMAZING Valentine’s gift boxes that are built for any budget. In addition to this, you can find their Valentine’s pop-up carts at Tucson Mall, La Encantada and Park Place on February 14th! The shop is located at the University of Arizona. If you are doing a tour of the campus definitely make a quick stop there.
We loved everything about our princess party thanks to Our Play Place and we will be visiting our home away from home again very soon. Mary and her staff definitely have the recommendation of The Stephen 3.
We love Our Play Place too!