Run, Jump-N-Play

Located in Blue Ash, Run, Jump-N-Play is an indoor play center where kids can truly run, jump and play. This is one of our favorite indoor play places to blow off steam when it is too rainy or chilly to play outside.

Run, Jump-N-Play is an indoor showroom filled with swing sets and outdoor play equipments with daily open play sessions for kids to enjoy. And make sure to visit on the weekend to enjoy the inflatable sessions.



Run, Jump-N-Play

Highlights

  • Large, indoor space filled with swing sets, trampolines, sports courts, and a toddler zone
  • Toddler zone is great for kids ages 5 and under
  • Inflatable sessions available on weekends and special occasions
  • Concession area with plenty of seating
  • Great spot to run off energy when it’s too cold or rainy for a playground
Run Jump-N-Play Review - One Little Small Blog
Future rock climber!

Overview

Run, Jump-N-Play is essentially a large indoor showroom for swing sets and outdoor play equipment that is open daily with play sessions for kids to enjoy. The space is filled with swing sets, trampolines, basketball hoops, and more.

When you first walk in, the check-in counter is in front of you. One of two bathrooms is located down a short hallway to your left. To your right, on the other side of a half wall, is a large, pirate ship-themed swing set. Continuing right, you will find the soccer area, and then the basketball court.

Run Jump-N-Play Review - One Little Small Blog
The giant pirate ship swing set

Heading straight back from the check-in counter, you will find a row of tables you can use to put your things while you play. The inflatables are housed in a room directly to the left of the tables. To the right is the main play area. In this large space you will find a row of trampolines and a variety of swing sets.

At the back of the main play area is the toddler zone. This area is surrounded on all sides with a padded half wall, with a large, arched entry declaring this space the “Toddler Zone”. To the left of the toddler zone is the concession area filled with tables. At the back of this space is a short hallway to the second set of restrooms.

Main Play Area

The exact layout of the main play area changes throughout the year, but typically consists of several different swing sets and trampolines. This area has been helmed by a giant pirate ship swing set, followed by a the trampolines and more swing sets.

Run Jump-N-Play Review - One Little Small Blog
Enjoying the slides

While the selection of swing sets have changes throughout the years, I have found that there is always been enough selection of features to entertain everyone from toddlers and big kids. With safety in mind, a safety net surrounds each trampoline, and it is restricted to 3 kids at a time.

Sports Courts

Towards the front of the space, next to the pirate ship swing set, are the sports courts. The soccer goal is set on a field of artificial turf. The basketball court is located in a separate space next to the soccer area. There are several different basketball hoop to enjoy.

Toddler Zone

At the back of the main play area is the Toddler Zone for kids ages 5 and under. And while it’s not gated in, this zone is surrounded on all sides with a half wall and only has 1 entrance.

While the features and layout within this space has also evolved, the toddler zone currently offers lots of big, padded blocks for building and playing, as well as a large piano to run across. The walls feature interactive toys, such as tic-tac-toe, puzzles, and a bead maze.

Inflatables

The inflatables run on weekends and special occasions. Children must be 36″ or taller to enjoy the inflatables. Also, be aware that these sessions are more expensive and typically more crowded than the weekday open play sessions.

The inflatables are housed in a separate area along the side and back of the space.

Run Jump-N-Play Review - One Little Small Blog
Enjoying the inflatables

Bathrooms and Concessions

There are 2 bathrooms at Run, Jump-N-Play. There is a single bathroom at the very front of the space. And at the very back of the space, past the concession area, are the men’s and women’s multi-stall bathrooms.

Towards the back of the space, next to the toddler area, is the concession stand. Menu offerings are currently a bit limited due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is ample space to sit down and enjoy your food. And additional seating is located throughout the play area.

Run Jump-N-Play Review - One Little Small Blog
Benny’s favorite swing

Overall, Run, Jump-N-Play is a great indoor play place for toddlers and up to run, jump and play to their hearts’ content. The toddler zone can be fun for kids who are still crawling, but I wouldn’t head to this spot only for that – there are other places around town that are more fun for that age set.

This also is the most ideal indoor play place around Cincinnati if you’re looking for a spot to work while your kids play. While there are plenty of tables, but there is no designated workspace that can be found in other places. Another drawback is that this spot isn’t the cleanest play place around – I would say that it is on par with a typical outdoor playground. But again, if you’re looking for the indoor alternative to an outdoor playground, this is the place to go!

For details on hours, pricing, and special events, head to Run, Jump-N-Play’s website.

Run, Jump-N-Play is located just off I-71 at the Pfeiffer Road exit at 5897 Pfeiffer Rd Ste B, Blue Ash, OH 45242


If you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out our complete list of Cincinnati Indoor Play Places to enjoy.




Snow Painting Sensory Bin

How to enjoy a snow day, but still stay inside

I love snow days. There’s nothing more fun than bundling and playing outside in a winter wonderland with my kiddo and dog. But I can only really handle 2 or 3 days of snow before I begin to dread the bundling and unbundling process.

Insert snow painting sensory bin. I put some snow in our sensory bin, added some paint supplies and colored water, and voila! We had fun playing in the snow without the hassle of dressing everyone up in layers of clothing to go outside.



Snow Painting Sensory Bin

Here’s what you’ll need

  • Large, shallow container
  • Fresh snow
  • Paint containers
  • Smaller containers and scoops 
  • Colored water (water + food coloring or washable paint)
  • Paint brushes 
  • Droppers
Supplies for the Snow Painting Sensory Bin activity - One Little Small Blog
The supplies

The Setup

For this snow painting activity, I pulled out our trusty 28qt plastic container. Before I filled the container with snow, I laid down a bunch of old towels to cover our kitchen floor. This activity can get a bit messy, so it’s best to cover your floors prior to bringing any snow inside.

Next, set up the “painting” supplies. Take paint containers (or other containers you don’t mind getting messy) and fill with water. Then add a few drops of food coloring or washable paint in each cup. Stir until mixed.

Finish the setup by laying out your paint, paint brushes, droppers, smaller containers and scoops. Lastly, take your big sensory bin outside and fill with fresh snow.

Now you’re ready to have SNOW much fun painting a frozen masterpiece!


Setting up a Snow Painting Sensory Bin is an easy way to enjoy the flurries without the hassle of getting everyone ready to go outside. It’s the perfect snow day activity for toddlers and preschoolers alike!


If you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out more at-home activities! And make sure to follow One Little Small Blog on Pinterest for even more great ideas!




Preschool Interview Questions

Questions to ask and topics to cover when interviewing preschools

The process of finding the right preschool for our son was way more involved and overwhelming than I expected. These are the preschool interview questions I found most helpful when interviewing potential preschools.



Questions for Potential Preschools

GENERAL

Preschool Name:

POC:

What are the class/program options (age range, days/times)?

Tuition:

PROGRAM

What is the student to teacher ratio?

How big is the classroom space / how is classroom layout? How many students are typically in one classroom?

What is a typical day?

Experience and education level of teachers and aides? College educated?

What does the school supply and what are the parents expected to supply (ie: snacks, supplies, etc.)?

SKILLS/BEHAVIOR

What is your expectation behavior-wise for this class coming into the school year (ie: sit still in circle time with little redirecting or still teaching them these skills)?

How does your program help with skill building? Such as sitting for circle time, transitioning in between different activities, building social skills with peers?

What skills should we expect our child to learn by the end of the year?

How would you handle [insert specific situation(s) where your child may struggle, such as social skills or transitions]?

Should my child struggle with a certain behavior, does your program have behavior plans?

Are there any behavior specials on site?

COMMUNICATION

How does the school communicate with parents? Phone, email, app, other?

What sort of regular communication should we expect from the school?

How does the school communicate a problem or behavior issue?

OTHER

Religious affiliation?

Food – what does school provide vs parents? Peanut-free facility?


Preschool enrollment can feel scary and overwhelming as a parent. I hope these preschool interview questions are able to help guide you to the right place for your little one.


Once you’ve enrolled your little one in preschool, check out my Preschool Gear Guide for everything you’ll need for your kiddo to have the best school year yet!