When I woke up today I was somewhat dreading it. Not only did l agree to watch my buddy’s daughter for his anniversary, but I also agreed to let my wife go to the Colts game with her girlfriends. That meant I was going to be alone with FIVE kids and today’s temperature was in the high twenties… Temps like that mean no park, which is where we might usually be found. However, staying cooped up in the house with these kids was not going to be an option.
Luckily, I recently found out about Recreation Unlimited Noblesville. It also happens to be near me right off 146th and I-37.
When we arrived I’m sure the kid’s first thoughts were, “wow, you brought us to a warehouse…how fun.” If I’m being honest, it doesn’t look like the greatest place from the outside; that all changes as soon as you enter the showroom. You will immediately see a huge room full of basketball hoops, trampolines and play-sets, which are loaded with swings, slides and climby {is that a word?} walls.
After you pay the entry fee (varies depending on the day of the week), you’ll be able to hang up your coats and let your kids run wild. If your kids are like mine, they will each run off in different directions. That could make it hard to spot them all in such a huge space – especially with so many nooks and crannies – but I, like you, have dad-vision. Call it my superpower. But if yours is on a break that day, I’d recommend a 3-1 ratio of kids to adults.
I estimated roughly two dozen playsets, three trampolines, a dozen basketball hoops, and three giant playhouses. My 18 month old wasn’t to be left out either: He had about five train sets at his disposal. The best part? Even daddy had some adult-sized chairs to rest in, so he could mentally prepare for life on the outside once he left with five tired kiddos. If you’re really needing to rest, there is a nice hiding spot in the ceiling of the playhouse that just requires a small climb up a ladder.
The interesting part of Recreation Unlimited Noblesville is that everything you get to play with is also for sale. Every item had it’s price tag. I will say this, the stuff isn’t cheap. I’m not saying it’s overpriced though. The equipment they have is all high quality and very large.And until my budget allows me to bring one of the items home, I’ll likely go back on a frigid day when outside play just isn’t an option. My kids thought it was a slam dunk and I think yours will too.
MORE INFO: Recreation Unlimited Noblesville is located at 15150 Herriman Blvd in Noblesville, off of I-37. The showroom is open Monday-Friday from 9am-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday from 12pm-6pm. Pricing varies based on the day of the week: $8/child Mondays-Fridays; $12/child Saturdays-Sundays. Thursday proceeds go the the Indiana Humane Society. Admission is charged for children who are walking up to 13 years of age, although Recreation Unlimited confirms that play structures best accommodate kids ages 8 and under. Call {317} 773-3545 or visit recunlimited.com/ for details.
About Luis:
In late June, 2007 Luis Ruvacalba removed his laundry from the dryer to find that he had rendered all of his undershirts pink and shrunk his favorite red University of Arizona sweater. At that point – as he says: “I realized: I need a wife. I married Katie in Sept of 2007. Aside from one lousy pen left in my pants pocket and numerous dried on Conner Prairie stickers, the laundry has gone pretty well since then.” Luis has four children: Maggie- 7, Micah- 5, Millie- 2, and Merritt- 1. Each of them helps him sharpen his parenting skills in new and unique ways. “Without Maggie I’d never have learned to put on tights. Without Micah I would have the weakest MMA fighting skills on the block. Millie challenges me to improve my search and rescue abilities. Merritt gives me weekly lessons in Matrix style urine dodging. Together we are the greatest family to ever ruin your family’s nice quiet afternoon at the park.” Follow along with Luis as he helps shows you the best places to let your family run wild.
