You’ve probably seen the term “open play” on a dozen different websites while searching for things to do with your kids in Fort Lauderdale. Maybe a friend mentioned it. Maybe you drove past a sign for it. But what does it actually mean — and is it worth loading everyone into the car for?
Short answer: yes. Here’s the longer one.
What Is Open Play, Exactly?
Open play is a drop-in session at an indoor playground where kids can explore freely at their own pace. There’s no set schedule, no structured activities, no instructor telling your child what to do next. You show up during posted hours, pay a flat admission fee, and your child gets to run, climb, imagine, create, and play however they want.
Think of it like a visit to the park — but indoors, climate-controlled, and designed specifically for little ones.
At most indoor playgrounds that offer open play, the space is set up with different play zones: pretend play areas, sensory stations, building zones, art corners, and more. Your child moves between them freely while you supervise (or, let’s be honest, sit down with a coffee for the first time today).
How Is Open Play Different from a Class or a Party?
This is where parents sometimes get confused. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Open play = drop-in, unstructured, your child leads. No reservation needed.
- Classes (like Mommy & Me or Zumbini) = scheduled, instructor-led, focused on specific developmental skills.
- Private play = exclusive access to the entire space for your group only.
- Birthday parties = a private event with a dedicated time block, decorations, and packages.
Open play is the most flexible option. It’s perfect for those mornings when your toddler is climbing the walls at home and you need a plan B — fast.
What Ages Is Open Play For?
Most indoor playgrounds in Fort Lauderdale cater to a wide age range, but the experience can vary a lot depending on the space.
At Kids Hideout, open play is designed for children ages 1 through 8, with babies under 12 months playing for free. The entire space is built to scale for little ones — meaning a 2-year-old can reach everything, a 4-year-old can play independently, and you won’t have to worry about older kids running full speed past your crawler.
That’s actually one of the biggest differences between a boutique indoor playground and a larger family entertainment center. At places built for all ages, toddlers often end up overwhelmed. At a space built specifically for young children, they thrive.
What Should You Expect at Your First Open Play Visit?
If you’ve never been to an open play session at an indoor playground, here’s what a typical visit looks like:
Before you arrive:
- Check the schedule online — most indoor playgrounds have specific open play hours and occasionally close for private events.
- Bring socks for everyone (most facilities require them for hygiene reasons).
- Pack a small snack and water bottle. Some playgrounds have designated eating areas but don’t allow full meals during open play.
When you get there:
- You’ll check in at the front desk and pay your admission.
- Staff will walk you through any house rules (sock policy, designated food areas, etc.).
- Then your kid is free to explore.
During the visit:
- Kids move between play zones at their own pace. Some children spend an hour in one area. Others bounce between every station in the first 10 minutes.
- Parents stay in the space to supervise. At smaller, boutique playgrounds, the layout is designed so you can see your child from almost anywhere.
- Most open play admissions are all-day passes — so if your child needs a break for lunch, you can leave and come back.
Pro tip: First-timers often visit during a weekday morning for a calmer experience. Weekends tend to be busier.
Why Do Parents Love Open Play?
There’s a reason open play is one of the most searched activities for kids in Broward County. Here’s what keeps families coming back:
It’s screen-free. In a world where tablets and phones are the default babysitter, open play gives kids a chance to use their imagination. Pretend play kitchens, dress-up stations, and building zones create the kind of hands-on, creative experiences that screens simply can’t replicate.
It develops real skills. Research shows that unstructured play builds social skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and creativity. When your toddler negotiates who gets to be the chef in the play kitchen, they’re practicing conflict resolution. When they stack blocks and watch them fall, they’re learning cause and effect. This isn’t just fun — it’s how young brains develop.
It’s flexible. No reservation. No commitment to a full semester of classes. No minimum group size. You show up when it works for you. That kind of flexibility is priceless when you’re navigating nap schedules and toddler moods.
It beats the Florida weather. Fort Lauderdale’s rainy season runs from June through October, and summer afternoons can be brutal even without rain. Open play at an indoor playground gives your kids the physical activity and stimulation they need without the sunburn, humidity, or sudden downpour.
Parents get a break too. A well-designed indoor playground lets you relax while your child plays safely. You’re still supervising, but you’re not chasing them through a parking lot or worrying about traffic. Sit down. Breathe. Watch them make a friend.
💡 Pro Tip: Many open play venues in Fort Lauderdale offer all-day passes with same-day re-entry — perfect for breaking up the day with a lunch break and coming back for more play!
How Much Does Open Play Cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Prices vary by venue, but most indoor playgrounds in the Fort Lauderdale area charge between $12 and $25 per child for an open play session. Many include admission for one or two adults in that price.
At Kids Hideout, a single visit is $17 per child and includes two adults. Babies under 12 months are free. If you plan to come regularly, multi-visit play passes bring the cost down significantly — a 10-visit pass brings each visit to $14.
Compared to other kids activities in Broward County — bounce houses, trampoline parks, museums — open play at an indoor playground is one of the best values for the amount of time and developmental benefit your child gets.
How to Find the Right Open Play Spot for Your Family
Not all indoor playgrounds are the same. Here’s what to look for when you’re choosing an open play spot in Fort Lauderdale:
- Age-appropriate design. Is the space built for your child’s age? A space designed for toddlers and young kids will feel very different from a warehouse with massive climbing structures meant for 10-year-olds.
- Cleanliness. This matters more than most parents realize. Ask how often they clean, what products they use, and whether they sanitize between sessions.
- Size and atmosphere. Bigger isn’t always better. A smaller, boutique space means less chaos, more supervision, and an experience that doesn’t overwhelm little ones.
- Supervision and layout. Can you see your child from most areas of the space? Does the layout encourage exploration without creating blind spots?
- Extras. Does the facility offer play passes for regular visitors? Do they have classes, parties, or private play options for when you want something beyond open play?
Ready to Try Open Play?
If you’re a Fort Lauderdale parent looking for a screen-free, stress-free way to get your kids out of the house, open play is one of the simplest and most rewarding options available. No planning required. No sign-up sheet. Just show up, let them play, and watch them light up.
Kids Hideout is a boutique indoor playground in Fort Lauderdale designed for babies, toddlers, and kids up to 8. Open play is available daily during posted hours — no reservation needed. Check today’s schedule and get your tickets here.