Kids don’t stop moving even when the weather is less than ideal. For parents, having a place for them to burn off their energy means a win for everyone involved! Check out our updated list of indoor play spaces and creative places in HRM.
FREE Indoor Play Spaces
Halifax Public Libraries
Every branch of the Halifax Public Library has a fun area where kids can play or get creative. Our favourite is the gorgeous Halifax Central Library, but we are also fond of the beautifully spacious Keshen Goodwin Library in Clayton Park, the North Branch Library on Gottingen Street and the Sackville Public Library which has a great little play space and is in close proximity to Acadia Park.
Website:Â Halifax Libraries Website
Phone:Â (902) 490-5700
Chapters, Bayer’s Lake and Mic Mac MallÂ
Chapters Bayer’s Lake and Mic Mall both small children’s play area in the back of the store, with a reading nook and toys to keep your little one entertained.
Website:Â Chapters
Phone: Bayer’s Lake: (902) 450-1023/Â Mic Mac Mall:Â (902) 466-1640
Otis and Clementine Books and Coffee, TantallonÂ
Otis and Clementine, in Redmond’s Plaza, has thousands of second-hand books but tucked away in the back, you will find a real treasure: comfy chairs, a beautiful Playmobil Dollhouse, some LEGO and other little toys. Oh, yeah, and they serve delicious coffee and treats!
Website:Â Otis and Clementine Website
Phone: (902) 826-1823
IKEA SmĂĄlandÂ
SmĂĄland is a secure play area just inside the entrance of the new Halifax IKEA. They have a soft-play area, art centre, movie area and a ball jumping pit. Entrance is by height, not age. The play area is supervised by specially designated IKEA co-workers who have passed their police check. Rules – no food or drink, no shoes. Parents are given a buzzer; any problems and it will flash and vibrate. The maximum playtime is 1 hour unless you are an IKEA family member, then you get an additional 30 minutes.
Website: IKEA Halifax
Phone:Â 1-866-866-4532 Â (IKEA)
Indoor Playgrounds
Hop, Skip, Jump, Bayer’s LakeÂ
Hop Skip Jump Halifax is the Las Vegas of indoor playgrounds offering a 3,500 square foot, three-level, multi-colour play structure for ages 5 to 12 as well as a toddler section, featuring a spinning palm tree, balloon carnival, trampoline, animal merry-go-round. For the adults, there is a bright and cheerful coffee area, which -warning- gets pretty busy!
Website:Â Hop Skip Jump
Phone:Â (902) 406-4406
Ice Patch Hollow Indoor Playground, BedfordÂ
Ice Patch Hollow in Bedford is located at the Sunnyside Mall. This playground is the newest indoor space in HRM but a bit smaller than Hop, Skip, Jump, so possibly a better choice if you like to keep an eye on your kids while they play!
Website: https://icepatchhollow.ca/
Phone:Â (902) 835-1155
The Fun Factory, Dartmouth
The Fun Factory has tunnels, a ball pit, a multi-tiered climbing frame to explore with slides and so much more. Adults can join in the fun or relax with a coffee and and enjoy the free Wi-Fi.
Website: www.thekidsfunfactory.ca
Phone: 902-407-2999
Places to get Creative
Wonder’neath, Isleville Street, Halifax (Free admission)Â
Wonder’neath Open Studio is an independent Artist Studio in Halifax’s north end. Every weekend, Wonder’neath hosts an open studio, where families are invited to drop in to be guided and inspired by local artists, or create their own project!
Website:Â Wonderneath Open Studio
Phone:Â (902) 454-6860