I don’t know about you, but during this pandemic my living room has looked like what would happen if a tornado hit a toy store, leaving LEGOs and tiny doll shoes in its wake. Quarantine has been especially rough with little ones who have a seemingly endless amount of energy and no desire to clean up after themselves. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate for outdoor play. The pandemic has limited our options, but these kid-favorite spots are opening their doors–with plenty of precaution. You’ll need a reservation for some, and of course a mask, but here are some options if you want to venture out.

Nest

1301 Locust St.

The Nest Playspace has reopened, and you can also book private playdates. Private playdates are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at select times. You’ll have access to either the 2000-square-foot upstairs gym or the 3000-square foot indoor playground. Everyone age 2 and up must wear a mask at all times. Upon arrival, they will conduct temperature checks and give out hand sanitizer. Nest staff will set up, clean up, sanitize toys, surfaces, and assist families. You can even bring snacks or order pizza in!

Nest’s salon is also currently open for kids’ haircuts with Miss Mariah, a LOVE Award winner many times over. Appointments are available Tuesday-Thursday and Saturdays from 10 am – 3 pm. In order to make your experience as safe as possible, masks are required for all adults and kids 3 years old and up. Upon arrival, temperature checks will be conducted. The salon will be sanitized between appointments, and there will be extended amounts of time between appointments to allow for safety measures to be taken.

Kith + Kin

3060 W. Jefferson St.

Kith + Kin has drop-in open play where you can pay as you go or purchase a 10-day play pass. Monthly memberships are also available! Their playspace is best for children 0-5 but older siblings are welcome.

Adults and children age 2 and up must continue to wear a mask inside. To create the safest environment, they have two large medical grade HEPA air purifiers. High touch areas will be closely monitored and cleaned frequently, and hand sanitizing stations can be found throughout the space. They also have bins throughout the space for dirty toys that staff attends to. Windows will remain open to allow for fresh air to breeze through, weather permitting.

PlayArts

1241 N. Front St.

PlayArts is offering classes for children from ages 0-5. They hold classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. On Tuesdays from 10-10:45 am will be their “Movement Lab.” You can register here! On Wednesdays and Saturdays, they hold “PlayMusic Family.” You can register here for either Wednesday or Saturday.

They also offer classes for school age children (5+) and parents. Day camp dates and registration can be found here!

For parents, they hold sleep workshops, dentistry workshops, and estate planning workshops. You can also learn more about PlayArts Creative during information sessions. Links for these can be found here!

Face coverings are required for all adults and children over 2 years old. During check-in, temperatures will be taken and a health screening must be completed. Children will be required to wash hands at regular intervals throughout their playtime, assisted by their play facilitator. All touched surfaces and toys will be regularly sanitized using CDC-approved disinfectants throughout the day.

Beehive at Bok

1901 S. Ninth St.

The Beehive is offering weekend private play sessions in two to eight-hour sessions for up to three families of your choosing. The cost is $100 for the first two hours, and $30 for each additional hour, and reservations are required online. The play sessions give you private access to the entire playspace and classroom area, including tables for meals and snacks. No staff is present. They will have someone open the doors for you and then the space is yours!

On Saturdays and Sundays, from both 9 am-noon and 12:30-3:30 pm, they have open play. You can book here!

Masks are required for adults and children over 2, and the space and toys will be sanitized, and professional cleaners clean the space several times a week using CDC approved COVID fog spray. Additionally, they have two medical grade air purifiers.

Kids at Play

3502 Scotts Lane

Kids at Play is open for private parties, “COVID-smart playdates,” and Open Play. Open playdates are posted one week in advance. Admission can be found here. Call or email to set up a private weekday visit. Masks are required for adults and children over the age of 2.

Photograph by Laura Swartz.

Meg Willcox contributed to the update of this article.