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| - If you've ever traveled in Europe and you've seen the variety of indoor playgrounds/amusement parks for kids, you'll understand when I say that Makutu is the US's answer for the same need! This is a creative, colorful and exciting place for kids that helps parents relax while their children explore and have fun. The best part is the facility acknowledges that developmentally, children NEED risk-taking to help them build decision-making skills. The courses are challenging for smaller children (our adventurous 3-year-old was eager to try it in spite of her small stature) but the community encourages the older children to help the younger children climb. I rarely see this in the States, let alone Arizona, and it was very refreshing. Save for a few parents (most likely with older kids), all of the other ones were engaged and participating in the fun and socializing. It was a friendly and helpful atmosphere.
There is a cafe that sells surprisingly delicious pizzas (Chuck-E-Cheese really needs to step up their game), soda machines that have every option out there, gluten-free/dairy-free/vegetarian options, and plenty of condiments. The seating area is a little cramped and was sticky/messy for a Tuesday (however, it was winter break and I'm told it was much busier than usual). We purchased a Groupon that offered a discounted entry fee and four drinks, which was a great value.
Some suggestions for your first trip:
- avoid ankle or low-cut socks because they will tend to slip off while climbing and running around; bring an extra pair. If you have some that are non-slip/sticky, wear those instead because the metal ladders are very slippery
- bring a water bottle if you don't intend to stay for lunch because they do have water fountain filling stations
- you can purchase tokens at the prize counter using a debit/credit card, but unlike the coin machines, you will have to pay tax
- they offer a military/police/firefighter discount for food/tokens
- don't worry too much about your children leaving with somebody else because they have a linked wristband system where only parents/guardians can check out with the same band as the child
- wear stretchy pants/leggings!!! it's very easy to get rug-burn and it makes it easier/more fun to go down the slides
- there is a nice, gated toddler area that has plenty of activities for 3 and under. However, if your 2- or 3- year old is very adventurous, let them go play on the bigger playground (as long as you go with)
- the website is a little confusing, but the daily hours are found on the home page as you scroll down
- you can leave your belongings in your car (plenty of parking), put them in cubbies, or purchase a small "box" locker
- there is sufficient wifi to browse leisurely or get some work done and it's accessible from all parts of the play area/cafe
- unless you have avid gamers, skip the arcade area. many of the machines are broken/OOO and the few that weren't are expensive (4 tokens) or somewhat boring
To the business:
- Please keep your cafe cleaner. There was a big spill and the staff only put a "Do not slip" sign... they never mopped it up! Everywhere we walked was sticky, the tables were dirty, and the soda machine was overflowing with discarded ice and soda.
- Strongly suggest anti-slip pads on the ladders/metal climbing poles. I saw many children/adults fall or slip off because the socks provide no traction.
- I did not see any staff going through the structure itself to make sure it was clean. There were bits of trash and wrappers that should have been cleaned up (we were there for about 3 hours).
- Many, many broken arcade games. I would suggest updating the older ones to games like DDR, Guitar Hero, Deal or no deal, etc. to build revenue. 2/3 skee ball machines weren't even on. Duct tape everywhere. This area has so much potential.
All-in-all we had a great time, the staff was helpful and friendly, and if we lived closer I would *definitely* buy the membership. Don't miss this!! Thanks for a great time, Makutu!
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