Alameda is getting more kid-friendly by the minute with another sweet indoor kids gym! Swings and Wings on Blanding Avenue is a sensory-based play space designed and owned by an Occupational Therapist with two young children. The gym is simple and sweet with lots of thoughtful touches. Designed with babies up to eight-year-olds in mind, there are several different rooms and sections for kids going a variety of speeds.
The bright front room offers large windows and comfy couches. The ball pit, big enough for about four kids, is not currently available but is expected to return in June. There’s a sweet little reading area and a full wooden play structure. Puzzles and painting/chalk are
available for quiet playtime. There’s a sweet little reading area and a full wooden play
structure. The back room (to the delight of my 4- and 5-year-old sons) has a full bounce house.
If your kid gets overstimulated or if you’re a breastfeeding mom, a nursing/quiet room features sensory toys, low light, and a glider. It’s a very sweet perk that will really benefit kids or parents that would like to step into a space where you can take a few deep breaths. (This calm-down room is currently closed but is scheduled to open in June.)
For kids who love choo-choos, there is a train table and play kitchen. The LEGO tables will be back in June. There is a sofa for the grown-ups watching the littles.
The future of Swings and Wings
“Whether your child needs to let off some steam or needs to be quiet and mindful, you will find it at Swings and Wings!” says their Facebook page.
Covid-19 Precautions at Swings and Wings
Swings and Wings is open with limited capacity and is following strict Covid-19 protocols with temperature checks and system review for all staff and clients. All staff has been vaccinated.
Masks are required at all times and no food is allowed inside the space (except for parties that allow the use of a separate room). The entire facility is cleaned, sprayed, and sanitized with a non-toxic cleaning spray. Two UV light towers and a UV light cube take sanitization to the next level!
Currently, Swings and Wings is only open by reservations to families and social pods up to 12 people with thorough cleaning between appointments. They are expected to increase capacity in June and offer an option for drop-in play. The facility is accepting reservations for birthday parties and bookings for summer camp.
Bottom line from a mom who has been to Swings and Wings
User experience: All the spaces feel comfortable and clean. The toys, furniture, and equipment are of nice quality and inviting.
Best for: It’s definitely a set up that’s best for toddlers. I wouldn’t take a group of 8-year-olds here, but if you brought an 8-year-old sibling with a toddler they would be able to play and entertain themselves.
Swings and Wings is a lovely option for the tiny people of the East Bay to play and socialize, and it sounds like they have plans to offer even more cool things in the future!