I would really like some ideas or suggestions for indoor places or establishments that cater to kid play, i.e. Hullabaloos. Thanks mamas!
Pump It Up (Inflatables) has locations in Irvine, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, Anaheim Hills. For other locations, check:
http://www.pumpitupparty.com/locator-main.aspx
Mostly booked for parties, but they offer open play time on certain days/times. HB is $8 from 10-11:30 am on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Pump It Up
Scooter's Jungle
My Gym
The freckled frog learning center in Yorba Linda, Gymboree classes, Hullabaloos, Chuck E. Cheese, various malls have indoor play areas. Are you looking for a party place or a class? Long Beach Parks and Rec has excellent toddler classes. I've taken sign language and baby dance through them.
I take my son to Gymboree. For $65 per month, we get a weekly class where he plays and sings with me and an instructor. Three times a week there are open play times where he can roam on the equipment without any "structure." I feel like the cost is worth it as long as I utilize the open times in addition to the class. It's a lot of fun, cleaner than the park, and most of all, some place other than the house where I'm sure my son gets bored. If you check out their website and do a search for a location near you, you can sign up for a free preview class to see what you think.
Hi, I live in Chino Hills (not too far from you). There is a place called Wild Kingdom that has open play.
http://www.inflatablepartykingdom.com/index.html
I also take my son to Little Gym.
Jumpin Jammin in Mission Viejo is a lot of fun but it can be pretty loud.
The Village (used to be called the Orange Mall) in Orange is a pretty good little outing too. My kids like to go in the pet store, do the play area, check out the book store and get lunch or a treat. They also have small little rides for .75c.
My kids also love the little play areas they have inside Chik-fil-A stores. You can get a fairly healthy meal for them there - white meat chicken nuggets and fresh fruit - and they get a chance to play. Both of the stores we've visted (Orange and Irvine) had very clean play areas with Purel dispensers at the entrance.
Ok, this isn't a "play" establishment per se, but I was recently pleasantly surprised at what's available for FREE at my local library. We go for a story time that lasts 30 minutes (many offer one in the early evening, if you work) and then we go over to the children's area for another 20-30 minutes. They have puzzles with little tables, computers with games, and -of course- books galore. Ours has couches, so we can sit and read a few books. Sometimes my little guy just wonders up and down the aisles, but it keeps him busy and seems to be increasing his interest in books. Now, he brings books to me at home to read to him! I put off going because I couldn't imagine how a story time would interest a 16 month old, but they sing songs and he's mesmorized by the other kids. I'm kicking myself for not going sooner! You can find your local library online and most of them post their schedules.