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Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Toddlers and Preschoolers on Long Island
While many indoor playgrounds and play spaces on Long Island cater to a range of ages, some parents feel more comfortable when areas are designated for younger children. With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of fun and imaginative play spaces for toddlers and preschoolers on Long Island.
At most of these locations, children ages 5 and younger are the primary focus and they can play freely without fear of being knocked down or bumped into by older crowds. These venues also offer age-appropriate equipment and activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
For more fun seasonal ideas, check out our winter fun list for Long Island kids, as well as our Guide to Play Spaces and Fun Centers on Long Island.
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Suffolk County Indoor Play Spaces for Toddlers
My Gym Children's Fitness Center — Babylon, Huntington, Stony Brook
My Gym's fun-filled classes, camps, and birthday parties hone kids' skills and build their confidence. The programming and facilities are designed to help children 4 months through 9 years old develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally through structured, age-appropriate activities that incorporate music, dance, relays, games, adventures, obstacle courses, gymnastics, and sports.
A Latte Fun — Huntington
Crawlers, toddlers, and older kids enjoy the large, enclosed play area while parents appreciate the full-service coffee bar. Founded by a local mom of two young ones, there are plenty of engaging playthings, as well as regular events, storytimes, and classes. Light breakfast and lunch items are also available, along with "not-so-hot" hot chocolate for kids. Only one adult can accompany a child into the play area, but a second adult can wait in the cafe. Ample time is left between play sessions to sanitize and disinfect. Open play and special event tickets must be booked in advance.
La La Land – Babylon
Toddlers have lots to see and explore at this play space made just for them. There is a CedarWorks climber perfect for practicing new abilities, a train table, plus two pretend play buildings: a veterinary center and a cafe.
Children's Museum of the East End — Bridgehampton
The Children's Museum of the East End caters to kids ages 2-7 and features several themed play spaces. Children can run a general store or soda fountain, enjoy a story inside an upside-down book, crawl through hollow logs and mouse holes, sail a ship, drive a fire truck or tractor, play nine holes of mini-golf outside, and more. The museum's open arts and crafts studio features ongoing drop-in projects, and there is a special Crawler Garden for pre-walkers. Reservations are required.
Little Bean House Cafe - Nesconset
This play space and cafe caters to working parents. If you're stuck working from home, bring your toddler to open play so they can safely play with other toddlers while you get some much-needed work done with Little Bean House Cafe's free Wi-Fi. Play sessions last 1.5 hours. Play areas include a wooden climbing structure, blocks, a pretend kitchen, and more.
Sky Zone — Deer Park, Mount Sinai
If your toddler loves to run and jump, Sky Zone helps expel some of that extra energy. Trampolines cover the floors and walls, and there's a foam pit for brave leapers. Kids younger than 5 can jump for up to 2 hours during scheduled toddler time. Toddlers can hop, jump, and leap, while parents can relax knowing little ones won't be run over by bigger kids or adults.
Play a la Mode – East Setauket
Toddlers have lots of pretend play opportunities at Play a la Mode's mini Main Street. There's a school, veterinary practice, salon, and cafe. There is also sensory play, a climber, and a soft play area.
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The dedicated baby and toddler zone at Xplore helps keep littles safe. Photo by Gina Massaro
Xplore Family Fun Center — Port Jefferson Station, Commack
With a designated toddler space, which includes a soft merry-go-round and a large, multilevel climbing structure and arcade games, Xplore's Port Jefferson branch is a great spot for families of toddlers and elementary-age kids. Check out our full review of the Port Jefferson location. At the Commack location, you'll find a toddler area limited to kids ages 3 and younger that's stocked with soft playthings. A jungle gym lines one wall, too. While it is owned by the folks behind Riverhead's Safari Adventure, Xplore seems to offer more for younger kids.
L.I. Salty Kids Cove – Patchogue
Toddlers can hop on a tricycle and hit the road on the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove. There are plenty of pretend play opportunities as well as sensory stations such as sand tables. The beach theme makes this play space a unique spot for a toddler play date.
Little Laughs Playtime – Commack
Toddlers can safely navigate the soft climbing equipment or play with one of the busy boards along the wall. There is also a pretend cafe and veterinary clinic. The venue offer both public open play and private open play sessions.
Nassau County Indoor Play Spaces for Toddlers
Active Kidz – Jericho
Open play sessions typically include the multi-level climbing structure and inflatable room. Older toddlers and preschoolers will have a blast jumping in the giant inflatables, including an obstacle course and slide.
Bounce! Family Entertainment Center — Syosset
This facility features a separate toddler area with small bounce houses. At Toddler Time, little ones ages 2-6 can jump and play without worry. There are also regular guest appearances by favorite characters. Be sure to wear or bring socks.
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Little ones will delight in the ball pit at The Children's Social Club.
The Children's Social Club — Rockville Centre
This play place is a must for toddler parents. Everything is geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, and parents can relax while watching the kids safely play behind the gated play area. The highlight is a climbing structure with a slide leading into a giant ball pit. All play sessions must be reserved in advance.
Liddle Bites Play Cafe — Long Beach
You'll feel as if you're inside a life-sized dollhouse at Liddle Bites. This indoor play space offers imaginative playhouses and shops. Pre-packaged snacks are available, as are merchandise and gifts. In addition to daily pricing, it offers five- and 10-visit discounted punch cards.
Junior Jet Club — Garden City
Housed inside the Cradle of Aviation Museum, this interactive play area caters to children up to age 6. Young aviators can build, explore, and even settle down for a story in its book corner. The Junior Jet Club is included with museum admission. Enjoy a small rock climber, foam building blocks, ride-ons, and more.
Lolli Bop Cafe & Play — Lawrence
This enormous play space boasts interactive and imaginative play, an oversized Connect 4, a sand table, an American Girl Doll vanity area, a dress-up clothes station, a musical instrument section, a gigantic Lego wall, a reading nook, a separate baby crawl area, and more. Stay for lunch or enjoy a quick snack at the cafe. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, pizza, and more, with Kosher and gluten-free options.
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All the exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum are kid- and toddler-friendly. Photo by Gina Massaro
Long Island Children's Museum — Garden City
Little ones will delight in all the exhibits at this kid-friendly museum, but of particular interest to toddlers are Tot Spot and Climb It. At Tot Spot, kids can play in the pretend train, grocery store, or construction areas, as well as wiggle, jump, slide, and play. In Climb It, geared toward ages 4-plus, they'll find 2 stories of crawling and climbing structures.
Once Upon a Treetop — Plainview
This interactive city is designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Along the back wall is a multilevel indoor playground and climbing area for adventurous kids. Expect to pay different prices for walkers and crawlers, who have a separate area to play. No shoes are allowed, so remember to wear or bring socks. Parties, classes, sports, and more are offered.
Planet Play — Bellmore
Sessions are held specifically for kids 7 and younger, so caregivers don't have to worry about toddlers getting trampled. There is also a gated space for toddlers with an easel, a play kitchen, and more. In addition to open play, it offers a sensitive space play session and party bookings.
Sensory Beans — Wantagh
Sensory Beans was created to cater to toddlers and preschoolers of all abilities. There are various climbing structures, slides, a foam pit, and lots of sensory activities. Sensory boards can be found throughout the play area. The staff at Sensory Beans is wonderful, playing and interacting with all the children. All play sessions must be booked in advance. Private play sessions are available as well.
Sippy Cups Cafe — Seaford
Ages 6 and younger can run and climb out all that energy on the cafe’s wooden climber, complete with slides and hiding spots. There is a big Lego table and areas for pretend play. When it’s time to settle down, visit the reading nook, which is stocked with books and quiet toys. Adults appreciate the selection of specialty coffees, as well as choices for lunch and snacks. Reservations are required for open play. Private play sessions and parties are also available.
Social Play Haus — Plainview
Parents can grab a pint, a glass of wine, or a cup of coffee while young ones climb, jump, and play in the designated indoor playground. The Cedar Works play structures are the perfect size for toddlers and their physical abilities. There is also a play kitchen, dress-up area, train table, and even board games for older siblings. Play sessions are by reservation only.
Unless noted, photos courtesy of the facilities.
A version of this article was originally posted in 2017. It was updated by writer Gina Massaro in January 2024.
Places featured in this article:
Sippy Cups Cafe
Sky Zone Deer Park
Xplore Family Fun Center
Xplore Family Fun Center Commack
The Children's Social Club
My Gym - Stony Brook
La La Land
Little Bean House Cafe
Little Laughs Playtime
Play a la Mode