Being a mom of 3 toddlers, I'm always on the lookout for great play spaces in the Greater NYC area, especially inclosed ones that allow my kids some freedom to explore but also allow me to sit back and not lose track of anyone! While not in NYC proper (i.e. requiring a car), I found one recently just across the Hudson in West New York (New Jersey) that is ah-may-zing!! I'm pleased to introduce you to Hudson's House of Play!!
Hudson's House of Play is an indoor play space focused on imaginary play for children ages 5 months to 5 years. The carpeted playroom was custom built to mimic a little downtown city center, with a house, an animal clinic, fire station, grocery store, cafe, and school bus! Kids can go inside each of these "buildings" to find toys and dress-up to play pretend as a veterinarian, fire fighter, cashier, and more! My 1.5 year old twins were especially obsessed with the grocery carts and the school bus. They even have a separately inclosed soft play area for the littlest guests (shown in image below right).
They also have a bookshelf, a couple of benches for the parents to sit and watch (with free wifi), doll houses, a wooden train table, and more. Two bathrooms (with a changing table) are located within the closed off play space, but strollers must be kept in the outter lobby area. Socks are required for all, even adults, but can be purchased for $2 a pair if you forget (seen on my kiddos below, we came in sandals, oops!!).
Having been to my fare share of play spaces, I was incredibly impressed with how meticulously clean and well taken care of Hudson's was. I loved that they had a bucket out and instructed you upon admission to toss any items in there that your littles put in their mouths. I saw staff continuously cleaning item from the bucket and placing them back in the play area, so nothing was out of rotation for too long. It was great!!
Having been to my fare share of play spaces, I was incredibly impressed with how meticulously clean and well taken care of Hudson's was. I loved that they had a bucket out and instructed you upon admission to toss any items in there that your littles put in their mouths. I saw staff continuously cleaning item from the bucket and placing them back in the play area, so nothing was out of rotation for too long. It was great!!
Open play is limited to a 2-hour session, and your child will find plenty of fun ways to fill their time! Admission is $16 (plus tax) for 1 child (over 10 months), $13 (plus tax) for each sibling, $11 (plus tax) for siblings 6-10 months, and there's a shorter 1-hour admission option for children under 24 months for $13 (plus tax). They have a little cafe area with snacks and toys for purchase, and of course.
Hudson's House of Play does birthday parties and classes, too (including Preschool of Rock, Indian Cultural Immersion, Mommy and Me Dance, Tot Shabbat, and Mommy and Me Yoga)!! In fact, they have a FREE SUPERHEROES IN TRAINING CLASS tomorrow, Saturday, September 23 from 10-10:45am for ages 3-6 years. Register here!
In case you're like us and don't live nearby, there are a couple of places to check out in conjunction with a visit to Hudson's House of Play. Mitsuwa Market is just a couple miles up the river - it's a large Asian grocery store with a Japanese food court, bakery, book store, and more. It's really fun to browse around. Also, if it's a nice day, there's a beautiful promenade along the river by Hudson's and Mitsuwa (but you can't go the whole way from one to another thanks to some horrible construction). Bring the stroller and some snacks and take a nice long walk! If you want to go further, Field Station Dinosaurs and Turtle Back Zoo are each about a half hour drive (in opposite directions) from Hudson's.
In case you're like us and don't live nearby, there are a couple of places to check out in conjunction with a visit to Hudson's House of Play. Mitsuwa Market is just a couple miles up the river - it's a large Asian grocery store with a Japanese food court, bakery, book store, and more. It's really fun to browse around. Also, if it's a nice day, there's a beautiful promenade along the river by Hudson's and Mitsuwa (but you can't go the whole way from one to another thanks to some horrible construction). Bring the stroller and some snacks and take a nice long walk! If you want to go further, Field Station Dinosaurs and Turtle Back Zoo are each about a half hour drive (in opposite directions) from Hudson's.
Have you ever been to Hudson's House of Play? Know of another great play space we should review in the greater NYC area?? Leave a comment below!!
Looking for more great ways to spend the day with kids in the NYC area?? Be sure to check out my list of Day Trips & Getaways as well as my kid-friendly guide to each of the 5 NYC boroughs!
Disclaimer: Though we did receive complimentary admission in exchange for our honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Looking for more great ways to spend the day with kids in the NYC area?? Be sure to check out my list of Day Trips & Getaways as well as my kid-friendly guide to each of the 5 NYC boroughs!
Disclaimer: Though we did receive complimentary admission in exchange for our honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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