“Mom, I want to go to a park.”
It’s a sentiment I hear a lot, but one that, despite our enthusiasm for the outdoors, just isn’t always practical in an Edmonton winter. So what’s a family to do? Enter, the Amazone Playzone!
Super slides! Photo by Jill Footz
Amazone is one of the largest indoor playgrounds in Western Canada. It’s located where the Safeway used to be in Abbottsfield Mall. Imagine a space the size of a grocery store and stockroom with all the shelving and products removed and nothing but fun added back in!
We made our way to Amazone on the recommendation of a friend. “It’s fabulous,” she told me, “and so clean!” Music to the ears of a mom!
Flower bridge, photo by Jill Footz
We entered and signed our waivers, and then one of my four-year-old daughters asked the all-important first question: “Do you have a ball pit?” The Manager, Mike, gave us a personal escort over to the ball pit, which features not only a great space for jumping, but a unique vacuum tube system that will draw the balls up to a big basket that can then be dumped at the push of a button. Needless to say, this is a feature that doesn’t get old fast for a lot of the participants!
The snake slide, photo by Jill Footz
My kids could have stayed in the ball pit all day, but there were literally THOUSANDS of square feet for us to explore. I was treated to a big-top performance in the little kids obstacle course area. (It’s a perfect circus space with monkey bars, hanging climbing walls, jumping platforms and swinging “trapezes”.) After the show we navigated the myriad of mazes suspended above us in an attempt to discover the best slide. (We had 2 votes for the snake slide, and 1 for the big drop slide.)
Hand-crank train engines, photo by Jill Footz
Amazone is an absolute dream for kids. Every time we turned around we discovered something new. My kids took many train trips on the hand-crank engines. One daughter couldn’t get enough of the “spinners”, while her sister mastered the spider-web climbing system. They giggled out of control every time they slipped off the Volcano climbing pegs and were sent sliding back to the ground.
The Volcano, photo by Jill Footz
The bulk of the playspace, including a designated toddler zone for kids 3 and under, can be accessed by all visitors. There are clear signs indicating age and size restrictions, where applicable. (eg. “no adults”, “recommended for ages 6+”). The far north end of the facility features a fenced off area with trampolines, the ninja warrior obstacle course, and a variety of climbing features. This “Adventure Zone” as well as the “Sky Ride” harnessed zip line feature come at an additional cost above your entry fee.
Ninja warrior obstacle course, photo by Jill Footz
Amazone Playzone also features a whopping EIGHT birthday party rooms, a cafe, and plenty of tables for eating. (or for weary parents who need to put their feet up or grab coffee.) The bulk of the activities are aimed at ages 12 and under, including a variety of arcade games, with a great redemption zone for all those winning tickets!
The cafeteria at Amazone, photo by Jill Footz
Here are a few tips to “Know Before You Go”:
- You can create your account, and sign your waiver online, at home before you go to avoid any delays at the entrance. (Experience has taught me that kids don’t like to wait around for “grownup business” while there’s 40,000 square feet of fun just steps away!)
- Socks are required. Shoes and bare feet are not allowed.
- Outside food and drinks are not allowed, and food and drink is not allowed at all in the playspaces.
- Read the signs! There are information signs around the facility indicating rules about specific pieces of equipment, as well as age or size restrictions.
- A coat hanging area is available in the cafeteria. There are also lockers in the main entrance for safe storage of personal belongings.
The toddler area at Amazone, photo by Jill Footz
Amazone Playzone:
When: Open 7 days a week
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: 3210 – 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton (map)
Phone: 780-760-4190
Cost: See admission rates, additional costs, and specials HERE. (Adults are free.)
Website: www.amazoneplayzone.com
Foam ball launchers, photo by Jill Footz
