What Is Open Play? A Parent’s Guide to Indoor Playground Fun in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re a parent in Fort Lauderdale and you’ve seen the term “open play” at an indoor playground, you might be wondering — what does that actually mean? Is it drop-off? Do I need a reservation? What age is it for?
Here’s your complete guide.
Open Play, Explained
Open play is walk-in, unstructured playtime at an indoor playground. There’s no schedule, no curriculum, no structured activities. Your child explores freely — climbing, pretending, socializing — at their own pace. You stay and supervise (it’s not drop-off), and most venues have a parent lounge with coffee and WiFi so you can relax while watching.
Think of it as a park visit — but indoors, climate-controlled, and with way better activities.
Why Fort Lauderdale Parents Love Open Play
It’s always available. No reservation needed at most venues. Just show up during business hours, pay the admission, and play.
All-day access. At Kids Hideout, admission is $17 per child with no time limit. Your child can play for 1 hour or 4 hours — same price. Adults enter free.
Perfect for Florida weather. When it’s 95 degrees outside or pouring rain, an indoor playground in Fort Lauderdale is the answer. Climate-controlled, clean, and safe.
Built-in social skills. Open play naturally teaches sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation. Kids interact with other children in real-world scenarios — ordering food at a pretend diner, caring for animals at a vet clinic, shopping at a grocery store.
What to Expect at an Indoor Playground
Every indoor playground is different. Some have trampolines and bounce houses. Others — like Kids Hideout — focus on imaginative pretend play with themed stations that mirror real-world places.
At Kids Hideout, your child will explore:
- Little Bites Retro Diner — cook, serve, and take orders
- Happy Tails Vet Clinic — diagnose and treat stuffed patients
- Firebuds Station — gear up and climb the fire truck
- KidsMart Grocery — shop the aisles with a mini cart
- The Camper — set up camp and pretend outdoor adventures
- The Cottage — cook, clean, and play house
All of this is 100% screen-free. No iPads, no TVs, no arcade machines. Just pure imagination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages is open play for?
Most indoor playgrounds serve ages 0–8. Babies under 12 months are often free. At Kids Hideout, we welcome children from newborn through age 8.
Do I need a reservation?
No! Open play is walk-in. Just show up during business hours. You can check our schedule at kidshideout.com/open-play.
Do I need to stay with my child?
Yes. Indoor playgrounds are not drop-off facilities. A parent or guardian must stay on-site. But the parent lounge makes it comfortable — complimentary coffee, WiFi, and full visibility of the play area.
What should I bring?
Just socks! Most playgrounds require socks (no shoes, no bare feet). Grip socks are usually available for purchase. Bring a water bottle and snacks if you’d like.
Do you offer military, first responder, or teacher discounts?
Yes! We offer $2 off regular admission and $2 off sibling admission for active or retired military, first responders, and teachers with valid ID. The qualifying individual must be a parent or legal guardian of the child attending. Check our FAQ section for full discount terms and conditions.
Is it clean?
Reputable indoor playgrounds clean throughout the day and do deep sanitization between sessions. At Kids Hideout, we follow strict cleaning protocols to keep the space safe for your little ones.
Try Open Play at Kids Hideout
$17/child · No time limit · Walk-ins welcome · Adults free
Check Today’s ScheduleOpen Play vs. Private Play Dates
Open play is shared — other families will be there too. If you want the entire venue to yourself, book a private play date. Private play dates are perfect for mom groups, family gatherings, or small celebrations.
Whether you choose open play or a private session, indoor playgrounds in Fort Lauderdale are the best way to keep kids active, social, and having fun — no screen required.
Kids Hideout is located at 1495 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. We serve families from Pompano Beach, Davie, Plantation, Hollywood, Coral Springs, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Sunrise, and all of Broward County. Visit us today.