Turkeypants Indoor Playground Provides Energy Outlet

Most good ideas come from a need to solve a problem. Mary Pruitt Martinez wouldn’t exactly call her 4-year old daughter, Lucia, a problem. But when Lucia wants some place to run around and play when it’s raining or too cold to be outside — that's a problem.

Yes, Lucia is full of energy, so much so that Pruitt Martinez calls her “Turkeypants” when she’s full of spunk. Hence the name of Turkeypants Playground, the indoor play space that Pruitt Martinez opened in Wauwatosa in January.

Located at 10930 W. Potter Rd., Suite C, the nearly 3,000-square-foot playground is full of natural light, areas for specific age groups and tables and chairs for adults to sit and watch the children at play. 

Kids up to 8 years old will find Playworld Systems, a Dynamo merry-go-round, a toddler play structure with places to crawl and explore, soft play shapes, a soft-sided pool for tummy time and learning to crawl, a play teepee, a rock-climbing tunnel, a Rock-a-Boat and other small free-play items.  A growth motor-skill area is set up for kids to create. Large vinyl foam blocks allow the kids to climb and build structures. There is a parking lot directly outside of the indoor playground.

Two Years in the Making

About two years ago, Pruitt Martinez started to think about opening a large space filled with fun for kids. “Some place where parents can bring their kids to be free to run around and play in an unstructured format,” she said. “Winter is so long here and I know what’s it’s like to have a little one cooped up in the house.”

The goal was to provide a safe, indoor, recreational space, much like that of a neighborhood park. “It is intended to be a place of free-play to burn off some energy and socialize. Parents are looking for ways for children to get some physical activity, and exercise is crucial in the fight against childhood obesity. Many families are looking for new ways to socialize too, get out of the house and meet new people.”

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian responsible for their children. Upon arrival, parents or guardians must complete and sign a liability waiver for each child. If an adult caregiver other than the child’s parents brings a child to Turkeypants Playground, they must bring a waiver signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian. These waivers will be kept on file for future visits. There is a five-child-per-parent limit. Entry fee per child is $6 to $8 depending on the day of the week. Admission is good for the entire business day. Wrist bands will be issued for re-entry. Turkeypants is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Turkeypants Playground makes available affordable and healthy pre-packaged snacks, cold beverages and coffee for purchase. “We don’t want parents to carry in food or beverages, with the exception of baby bottles, baby food, sippy-cups and allergy-safe snacks,” Pruitt Martinez said. There is a vending machine available with healthy snacks.

Parties and Drop-and-Dine Options

The playground offers closed sessions for kids’ parties. “There are small tables, chairs in a designated area. We have a birthday party room. Parents can bring cake, beverages and pre-made food, like subs or pizza. We also will be adding classes and workshops,” she said. “We’re considering art, music, dance, exercise and story-time sessions.”

There are two nights a month when the playground will be open to 9 p.m. for a "drop and dine" service. Parents can drop off their children to play under supervision while they enjoy an evening out. “My husband and I never got to go out,” she said. “So this is something we would have liked.” Soccer teams and youth groups looking to log service hours are enlisted to help with drop-and-dine playtime. The drop-and-dine service fee is $15 per child. Because of limited space, reservations are required.

“I want this to be community-oriented. It’s a safe, comfortable and fun place for kids and their parents,” Pruitt Martinez said.