Urban Fort Play, located in Saint Louis, Missouri, is a beloved indoor playground and curated children’s toy store that reopened in Spring 2025. This vibrant destination offers a unique blend of imaginative play spaces and carefully selected toys, making it a haven for kids and families. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Saint Louis, Urban Fort Play provides an engaging environment where children can explore, create, and have fun in a safe, family-friendly setting. This comprehensive guide, will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit, from the facility’s history and offerings to practical tips for making the most of your experience.
Exploring Urban Fort Play
A Brief History of Urban Fort Play
Urban Fort Play has been a cherished part of the Saint Louis community, known for its innovative approach to children’s play. Originally established as an indoor playground, it quickly became a favorite among families for its creative play structures and welcoming atmosphere. After a brief hiatus, Urban Fort Play made a triumphant return in Spring 2025, expanding its offerings to include a curated toy store. This evolution reflects the venue’s commitment to fostering joy and creativity for kids and “kids at heart.” The reopening was met with excitement, as families eagerly awaited the chance to explore the revamped space.
The Vision Behind Urban Fort Play
The vision for Urban Fort Play is rooted in creating a space where children can engage in unstructured, imaginative play. The founders aimed to design an environment that encourages creativity, physical activity, and social interaction. By combining a playground with a toy store, Urban Fort Play caters to both immediate play needs and the desire to bring home high-quality, engaging toys. The venue’s tagline, “Fun for kids & kids at heart,” encapsulates its inclusive approach, inviting visitors of all ages to rediscover the joy of play.
Why Saint Louis?
Saint Louis, with its rich cultural heritage and family-friendly attractions, is the perfect home for Urban Fort Play. The city’s commitment to community and creativity aligns with the playground’s mission. Located in a bustling urban area, Urban Fort Play serves as a convenient and exciting destination for families seeking indoor activities, especially during Missouri’s variable weather. Its central location makes it easily accessible for both residents and tourists exploring nearby attractions like the Gateway Arch or the Saint Louis Zoo.
What to Expect at Urban Fort Play
Urban Fort Play is designed to spark joy and imagination. The facility is divided into two main components: the indoor playground and the curated toy store. Each area is thoughtfully crafted to provide a unique experience, ensuring that visitors leave with smiles and memories. Below, we’ll explore the key features of each component and what makes them special.
The Indoor Playground: A World of Imagination
The heart of Urban Fort Play is its indoor playground, a sprawling space filled with colorful structures, interactive zones, and safe play areas. Unlike traditional playgrounds, Urban Fort Play emphasizes imaginative play, with themed environments that transport children to different worlds. From pirate ships to fairy-tale castles, the playground’s design encourages kids to create their own stories and adventures.
Play Structures and Zones
The playground features a variety of play structures, including climbing walls, slides, tunnels, and soft play areas. Each zone is designed with safety in mind, using high-quality materials that meet rigorous standards. For younger children, there are dedicated toddler areas with age-appropriate equipment, while older kids can explore more challenging structures. The layout is open and spacious, allowing parents to easily supervise their children while relaxing in nearby seating areas.
Interactive and Sensory Play
In addition to physical play, Urban Fort Play incorporates sensory and interactive elements. Sensory stations with lights, sounds, and textures engage children’s senses, making the playground inclusive for kids with diverse needs. Interactive games and digital play areas add a modern twist, blending technology with traditional play to create a dynamic experience.
The Curated Toy Store: Quality and Creativity
The toy store at Urban Fort Play is more than just a retail space—it’s an extension of the playground’s creative spirit. The store offers a carefully curated selection of toys that prioritize quality, durability, and imagination. From wooden puzzles to eco-friendly dolls, every item is chosen to inspire play and learning.
Types of Toys Available
The toy store features a wide range of products, including educational toys, building sets, art supplies, and pretend-play kits. Parents will appreciate the focus on sustainable and non-toxic materials, ensuring that purchases are safe and environmentally conscious. Popular brands are complemented by unique, locally sourced items, making the store a treasure trove for one-of-a-kind gifts.
Shopping Experience
The store’s layout is designed to be inviting and accessible, with displays that encourage children to interact with toys before purchasing. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to offer recommendations and answer questions, helping families find the perfect toy. The store also hosts occasional workshops, such as toy-making or craft sessions, adding an extra layer of engagement for visitors.
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your trip to Urban Fort Play, a little planning goes a long way. This section covers essential information, including hours, admission, and tips for a smooth visit.
Hours and Admission
Urban Fort Play is open daily, with extended hours on weekends to accommodate busy families. Typical hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends, though it’s wise to check the official website for exact times and holiday schedules. Admission to the playground is ticketed, with options for single visits, multi-visit passes, or memberships for frequent visitors. The toy store is open to the public without an admission fee, making it easy to browse even if you’re not using the playground.
Pricing Details
Single-visit tickets are priced affordably, with discounts for siblings and groups. Children under one year old enter free with a paying adult. Memberships offer unlimited access and exclusive perks, such as priority booking for events and discounts in the toy store. Prices are subject to change, so verify current rates on the Urban Fort Play website.
Special Events and Parties
Urban Fort Play is a popular venue for birthday parties and special events. The facility offers customizable party packages, including private playtime, decorations, and catering options. Booking in advance is recommended, as party slots fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays.
Practical Tips for Visitors
To ensure a fun and stress-free visit, consider the following tips:
- Arrive Early: The playground can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early secures a spot and allows kids to enjoy the space before crowds arrive.
- Pack Essentials: Bring socks for children and adults, as they’re required in the play areas. A water bottle and snacks are also handy, though a small café on-site offers refreshments.
- Check the Schedule: Urban Fort Play hosts special events, such as storytime or craft workshops. Check the calendar to align your visit with activities your child might enjoy.
- Supervise Closely: While the playground is safe, parental supervision is required to ensure children follow rules and stay safe.
Why Urban Fort Play Stands Out
Urban Fort Play distinguishes itself from other indoor play spaces through its commitment to creativity, quality, and community. The combination of a state-of-the-art playground and a curated toy store creates a one-stop destination for family fun. Its emphasis on imaginative play fosters skills like problem-solving and collaboration, while the inclusive design ensures that children of all abilities can participate. Additionally, the venue’s dedication to sustainability and local partnerships reflects a broader commitment to the Saint Louis community.
Community Engagement
Urban Fort Play actively engages with the local community through events, partnerships, and outreach programs. The venue collaborates with local schools and organizations to offer educational workshops and play sessions, making it a hub for learning and connection. Seasonal events, such as holiday-themed play days, further strengthen its role as a community gathering place.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
The playground is designed to be accessible, with ramps, wide pathways, and sensory-friendly areas. Staff are trained to support children with special needs, and quiet hours are offered for families seeking a calmer experience. This focus on inclusivity ensures that every visitor feels welcome and valued.
Conclusion
Urban Fort Play is more than just an indoor playground—it’s a destination where imagination thrives, and families create lasting memories. Whether you’re climbing through a jungle of play structures, browsing unique toys, or celebrating a special occasion, Urban Fort Play offers something for everyone. Plan your visit today and discover why this Saint Louis gem is a must-visit for kids and kids at heart. For the latest updates, including hours, pricing, and events, visit www.urbanfortplay.com.
