November 2013 - GET THE ENERGY OUT
Not quite sure what to expect of the new Ball Factory Indoor Play & Café in Naperville, I ventured out without my own tween girls and took my college girlfriend and her toddler to explore the new facility on the southwest side of town. As soon as I walked in, I knew instantly my girls would be upset with me because the environment was indeed perfect for all ages from infants to tweens. With a gigantic, multi-level play structure boasting a grand 30 foot long triple slide and over 20 different obstacles and experiences that includes steps and mazes, a huge ball pit, and a separate room completely dedicated to blasting your friends with foam balls - any child, of any age, is sure to get their energy out. My girlfriend’s toddler was just as entertained in the safety of the enclosed area designed specifically for little ones under four years old, full of soft indoor play equipment, extensive padding, balls, foam blocks, a mini-slide, and a swing. The gate protected the teenies from getting trampled by the tweenies but offered enough stimulating activities that she was completely entertained. The café is ginormous to say the least. There is a huge area of tables with free Wi-Fi access, a snack bar, and a pool table for teens and adults to stay entertained while the littler ones play. Beyond the multi-level play structure is an area of pedal cars as well. There is enough open space that if the kids wanted to just run in circles, they could literally do just that. Being budget conscience, although I was excited about the new indoor play facility, I was a bit put off by the price. After further investigation, I discovered that you can purchase a punch card which brings down the price considerably. If you don’t think you will go often enough to use the punches, don’t forget, you can buy the card and share it with friends. So if you plan ahead to meet a group of pals there, purchase the punch card, split the price, and share the punches to get a full day of play at a discounted rate. - Kristen Kucharski
Sidebar
Location: Ball Factory Indoor Play & Café, 864 IL Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540
Phone: 630-445-8365
Website: www.ballfactoryfun.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Prices: 6 months to 4 years, $9-Monday through Friday and $11-Saturday & Sunday; Kids 5 & Up, $12-Monday through Friday and $14 Saturday & Sunday. Adults are free. Punch passes available.
Description: Ball Factory is an indoor play arena for children 0 months to 13 years old and includes a 4-level play structure with slides, a soft padded play area for younger children, a ball blaster room, pedal cars, a café with seating, and a pool table for teens and adults. Socks Required!
