Ever since fast food establishments added play areas to their restaurants kids have begged parents for a trip to the local McDonalds. As parents, we can’t complain. A little play on a full stomach makes for some great nap time, and that means some well-deserved down-time for us grown ups! Recently, a new business opened in Warner Robins, GA called Monkey Joe’s. They have capitalized on this idea of an indoor play center for kids, while catering to the parents as well.
Safety
There are virtually no hard surfaces in this place! They must have known my son was coming! The floors are carpeted, and each inflatable slide/game has a padded landing zone for kids popping out the bottom of the slide. Several young people dressed appropriately in referee shits patrol the fun zone armed with whistles and smiles to help the kids stay safe without taking away the fun. When we first arrived we were assigned a number and wrist band. Both my wife and I put on the wristband, and one was given to the kids with a corresponding number. No kids get in our out without a wristband matching a parent. This day in age, that makes me feel pretty good about keeping the kids safe.
Parties
Monkey Joe’s hosts birthday parties in separate rooms that may be reserved. A party is going on as I write and kids are enthusiastically running back and forth from birthday room to play area. It looks like a blast! We are on the books for June when my son turns three. I can’t think of anywhere else he would rather have it!
Parents
I’ve always said a place that caters to kids should also cater to parents. Monkey Joe’s gets it right! Besides the desktops with internet access, they also offer free wireless internet access for laptop users. A parent waiting area with high-back rocking chairs and moving ottomans make for comfortable seating. The day I was here a large, flat screen TV was tuned to a NASCAR race, which several other dads seemed to appreciate. I am writing this article while sitting at a two-computer station for parents located inside Monkey Joe’s. The service is offered complimentary for your pay-to-play time.
If you haven’t had a chance to bring the kids by Monkey Joe’s I highly recommend that you do so. The kids will love it, and you will enjoy a little break as well. Monkey Joe’s is located at the intersection of Russell Parkway and US Highway 41 in Warner Robins, GA. If you are familiar with Sweet and Sassy, another kid-friendly business offering salon services for kids, you can find Monkey Joe’s just across the parking lot in the same shopping strip (Plantation Mills Shopping Center). That’s all for now…I’m off to track down a couple sweaty-headed kids and talk them in to that nap.
