Take the Kids: Over the Moon Play Space offers a new spot for kids to play, celebrate

My favorite thing about the space is that it provides a variety of activities and equipment for children of different ages without being over-stimulating. It also has fun things to play with allowing kids to use their own imagination or make-up their own games.

“We were visiting family in Minnesota and went to a big indoor play space. While we love all of the places here in the Triangle, we realized that kids were missing places that were big enough so they could actually run around and get their energy out without running into each other,” says owner Benjie Davis.

I definitely agree! Some places offer too many options for kids and they can’t seem to enjoy one activity for more than two minutes before dashing off to something else. Over the Moon has a great balance of free space to explore and fun equipment to be active.

And if your child does run off to enjoy another activity at Over the Moon, you don’t have to chase after them. The space is open and offers clear sight lines so you can actually have a conversation with another adult and watch your kids at the same time! What?!?!

Over the Moon is open to kids up to “10-ish” the website says.

My six-year-old loved the ropes course, climbing wall and the tumbling mat.

The gaggle of four-year-olds with us loved the rocket ship and slide (make sure you peek into the very top of the rocket ship for a fun surprise).

The toddlers also loved the slide, the free space to run and explore and the fun scooters and mats to play on.

There is also a small area up front with a couch, books and Magna-tiles for younger babies.

We rented the space for a joint birthday party. My daughter and several of her daycare buddies have birthdays within a few weeks of each other. Since they are together every day in preschool and are all best buds, we figured this would be the safest way to celebrate together.

There is a sink right when you walk in for everybody to wash their hands and take off their shoes as the play area is a shoe-free zone (make sure to bring socks, but they do sell socks if you forget).

The great employee who was there was actively wiping down surfaces. Kids ages five and older had to wear masks as well as the adults. They also have air purifiers.

Behind the play area, there is a cafe area where kids can take a break for a snack or mom and dad can enjoy some coffee, all with a view of the entire play area. Over the Moon has a snack bar as well with a system to scan and pay quickly and easily.

The birthday party room offers kid-sized tables and chairs, a sink, and a refrigerator. You can bring your own food or order through Over the Moon. We added on pizza to our package and brought our own cupcakes.

“One of our mantras has been ‘no stress!’” explains Davis. A concept that carries over even for potty breaks.

Each bathroom has changing tables and even baby seats when you are juggling multiple kids!

Over the Moon offers an online booking system to reserve an 80-minute play time. They are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The first child is $10. Additional children are $8 and children under 1 year old are free with an older sibling.

There are “socially distant” open play sessions with a limited number of families allowed. You can also reserve the entire space for a private play date for just your family ($55) or for two to three families that have formed a social or learning pod ($85).

Check their website for the most update options as COVID restrictions evolve.

When I asked what was the biggest challenge besides opening during a pandemic, Davis says it was making decisions.

“Every single thing you see or play with, and a lot of the things you don't even see, were carefully chosen from dozens of options. Colors, materials, sizes, brands, manufacturers, and more all had to be selected months before we could see it all together. It wasn't until we were finally able to open that we could see it all come together in an amazing, cohesive, fun but calm way.”