Spring was taking its sweet time to arrive, and on a cold Tuesday morning, instead of going to an outdoor playground, I took Pebble to an indoor playground. I hadn’t been to Totsville since Pebble was a baby, pre-pandemic, but I knew it would be something she’d love! Plus, it was inside out of the chill wind. Totsville is in Glen Burnie, MD at 7497 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd inside a small shopping plaza. There was plenty of parking, although watch out because some of the spots have a two hour time limit. Entrance fee is $12.50 for the first child, $11 for a sibling, $7 if under 11 months, and extra kiddos are $10 apiece. Just as a FYI, Groupon seems to be always running deals for Totsville! Check there a day or so before you plan to go to Totsville. A few years ago, I got a Groupon for Totsville that included several admissions to the place for a reduced amount. In fact, it was one of those leftover admission cards that I used this time to enter with Pebble. Fortunately, there was no expiration date. Oh! Don’t forget… Check Totsville’s Facebook page to see what the open play hours are. When there are parties, they will close the place.
When we entered the building, I signed a waiver for Pebble and myself, and we put our jackets and shoes in a cubby. Socks are required, but shoes stay outside the play area in cubbies. There is a baby gate that one enters through into the play space, a good precaution to keep the youngest kids away from the front door. There are also two unisex bathrooms near the front desk. There are signs asking everyone not to bring in outside food. Totsville would like you to purchase their overpriced snacks instead. I saw many parents, though, who had brought snacks in for their kids. There is a small cafe type seating area where one can stop and take a break.
Pebble made a beeline for the ball pit in the center of the floor, and jumped right in! From the ball pit, she could get the lay of the land, and decide where she wanted to explore first. She jumped on the Jumperoo near the ball pit for a bit, and then ventured into the giant jungle gym. Pebble climbed up to the second level, and explored the tunnel before trying out one of the slides. There are two big slides in this area, and both are super fast! On both the upper and lower levels are ball blasters that one can play with…if you can find the right balls for it. A trampoline area, rings to hang from, obstacles to crawl around, and more are all in this space.
While on the second level of the jungle gym, Pebble discovered there was a second ball pit over in the toddler area. This area has a swinging gate to help corral the youngsters playing here. There is also a maximum height for those using the area, 44 inches and under, and there is a height chart at the entrance. Pebble was def the right height to enter, but her pal, who is a month younger, was too tall and disappointed she couldn’t join in the fun. The gentleman who was in charge of the front desk kept a close eye on this space, talking to any parent who dared let a taller child into the area. The toddler play space has that ball pit, a small slide that empties into said ball pit, foam blocks, and a swing set. The ball pit may have captured Pebble’s attention, but it was the swings that she returned to again and again!
The one thing Totsville has that many other indoor playgrounds do not is a sandbox. The sandbox is 20 feet by 20 feet and filled with silica-free sand. There are a ton of sand toys plus a pirate ship. Here the kids do remove their socks, and parents can hang onto the socks or use the cubbies provided. There are also brushes to brush sand off kiddos before they leave the sand box.
Pebble and her friend had a blast! They ran from area to area, exploring every inch of the place! After two hours, tummies started rumbling, and, after much persuasion, Pebble was heading for the door. I’d packed a picnic lunch, which we ate quickly in the back of our van before heading home. Pebble was exhausted! She loved Totsville, and has asked to return multiple times since. The place was clean, and there was a lot for littles to do. We did wear masks during our visit as did our friends, but masks weren’t required. When the weather outside isn’t the best, come check this place out. It is a great space for getting the wiggles out! Happy trails!
