Hullabaloo Amusement Center

This afternoon, I took Jude to the Hullabaloo Amusement Center in Fox Run. I was itching to get out and do something different and this place had been tossed around in a few mom-conversations I've had recently. I wasn't really sure what to expect as Jude is only barely 9 months old and can't walk. I wasn't sure if there was a baby area, I wasn't sure how much I'd be allowed IN the play area and I wasn't sure how rough the other kids would be...

I went mostly with the intention of checking the place out, but really I had the whole afternoon free, so figured if it struck my fancy, we'd spend a little time there. All in all, I'd say it is totally work the $8 dollar entry fee.

There are two separate areas. One area is large and for kids of all ages. Zero to how-ever-many-years-old (I really didn't pay attention to the max age, as it was nothing I had to concern myself with). The other area was specifically for toddlers. There was a sign posted that said children 0-3 only. When we got there, kids WELL over the age of 3 were in there, but their parents all made them get out when they saw Jude come. Personally I would have rather they stayed, Jude loves little kids... but whatever. I'd say total I saw about 7-8 kids there the whole time (which wasn't very long). Most of them were probably at least 2+, but mostly in the 3-4 range. Since I was hoping Jude would be able to play with some little kids his age, it was kind of a disappointment in that area... but what can you expect?

I did not venture into the big kid zone, but from where I was sitting (on the floor of the small kid zone) it looked pretty cool. The small kid zone was also pretty neat and what I was hoping for. There was a cushy floor, some climbing toys on inclines, a small ball pit, a slide and that was pretty much it. I feel like at home, Jude is on a very flat surface all day every day, so I was hoping to let him crawl around on things with a little dimension.

It took him a few minutes to get the hang of it, but he really seemed to enjoy himself. He loved the balls from the ball pit and so I kind of got him going by putting a few on top of the climbing toys to see if he'd go after them (and he did). He liked the yellow netting that acted as a cage to keep him in, and he kept trying to climb on the stationary cushion-block that blocks the entrance to the toddler zone to see the other kids. I think he was more concerned with what they were doing then with playing on his own.

When I could keep him focused on the actual toys, he did a good job of pulling himself up on this move-able slide, tumbled around in the ball pit and and tinkered with some of the other little toys floating around.

As with most kid zone-type places, there were no shoes allowed and you were required to wear socks. it appeared pretty clean and well maintained. There were nicely maintained bathrooms, a snack bar and tables for parents. On my way out, I saw a room with chalk boards and tables... I'm not sure if it was the party room or another area for kids to play in... while I was there, it was empty though. There's an option to become a member which basically means you get 10% off entry fees, parties, snack bar, etc. I believe the receptionist said it was $20, which (if you go regularly) could be worth it.

I definitely think it's something we'll try again in the near future - at least until the weather breaks a little more. I think it would be much more fun for Jude though if other little guys were there.