A giant ball pit, slides, swings, ball launchers, play houses, strobe lights, an arts and crafts area, library area, and a baby play section—all in the cool indoors—has arrived in Anthem.
The new indoor playground designed to inspire creative play is the brainchild and hard work
of a local family with young children who saw the need for a unique outlet for area families.
My Play Place, located at the Outlets North Phoenix adjacent to the mall’s outdoor play area, offers a cool respite from the heat. Erick and Kristina Arnold moved to Anthem three years ago with their young boys, choosing the area for its strong sense of community and family oriented feel.
All play activities are designed for ages 6 months to 8 years, and the exhibits and play stations within the center were selected by the Arnold’s kids, Brayden, 5, and Tristan, 4.
An active family, Erick told Valley Vibe they often sought out new places to play all around the Valley, which included many long drives, with some tantrums, unexpected naps and sporadic diaper changes mixed in, leaving the family wishing Anthem had something local for indoor play.
“On drives home we would discuss, as a family, ‘if we opened up a play center it would be awesome if it had this or that.’ Although very close in age, [the boys] have two totally different sets of interests, so [we thought] why not combine everything into one place: Imaginary, educational, physical activity, sensory play and character events under one roof,” Erick told Valley Vibe in an email.
Reservations can be booked in advance online. Discounted rates are offered after 4 p.m., and on certain days like Grandparent Wednesdays and Sunday Fundays. Pass packages include a free visit with the purchase of a three-visit pass. Monthly discounted memberships are available and party and event bookings.
Special events including visits from popular kids characters like Bluey, Chase from Paw Patrol and Mickey, are offered on certain days, and future plans include adding sensory events, music classes, magic shows, toddler reading time, and hopefully offering speech/occupational therapy group classes in the very near future, the Arnolds said.
My Play Place
Outlets North Phoenix
4250 W. Anthem Way Suite 665, Anthem
602-818-2441, www.myplayplaceaz.com