Everyone thinks fall means pumpkin spice, but for me, it means “indoor playgrounds.” And just in time for the rain, Portlanders are lucky to have a new local indoor play space: Nest Playground, on NE Sandy & 65th. The Nest combines a welcoming café with food and drink, fun and interactive play spaces, and a community hub with classes for kids and adults.
When we walked in, we were delighted to find a brand-new, modern, and clean space. The main indoor play structure is not as big as the one at PlayDate PDX or The Monkey King Play House, but there’s plenty to climb, swing and slide on. Plus, its smaller size means that kids are always in sight.
There is also a rock climbing wall and large soft structures and poof pads for jumping, climbing and play. This was a great area for physical activity, but it was also a creative space when the kids used all the structures to build a fort. There is also an area with soft building blocks and toys for toddlers and wobblers.
The café offers pastries, sandwiches, drinks and small sides for kids. The cheese plate ($9) was a hit with all of us.
We spent three hours here, and when we left, the kids were asking when we could come back. Our kids ranged from four to eight years old, and they all had a great time.
What’s cool about Nest Playground is that they also offer classes for kids, including Spanish, Mandarin, dance, karate and more, in an adjoining dance studio and classroom. Parents who have one child taking a class can take advantage of the play space for siblings who are waiting. And after spending years sitting in folding chairs observing all kinds of kids’ classes, I love the idea of grabbing a coffee or pastry in the café instead. Nest Playground also offer classes for adults, like barre, self defense and pilates, and parents can opt to take a class while their kids are one.
The Details:
Where: 6517 NE Sandy Blvd
When: 9:30 am-6:00 pm weekdays, 9:00 am-4:00 pm Saturday, 9:00 am-2:00 pm Sunday, Closed Mondays
Cost: $8 all day per child
Parking: Small parking lot, plus easy street parking.
Other information: Bring socks! Socks are available to purchase if you forget. Bring your water bottles.
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