My husband travels for work and we've stayed in the area a few time and recently discovered this play area and love it! Our son is 11.5 months and we first came here when he was about 9/10 months. He instantly loved it. All the space to crawl around and explore. Seeing all the other kids playing too encourages him to explore. This area is all soft play structures with a PNW theme of different types of boats. It can get a little crowded and it's open to all ages so the bigger kids we watch out for but overall my son's always been safe and happy here. Every time we're in the area we stop by! read more

Kids' Cove - Playgrounds Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

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Came to visit some friends in Washington, but their kids were in daycare so they recommended we swing by this place due to it being rainy. So glad we came to the mall not only for some shopping but for this awesome play area. It is very well organized with the shoe cubbies and it seemed like everyone respected the no shoes rules. Kids running amok but while we were there everyone was having fun and with the materials it seems like it would be difficult for them to get hurt. It helps that there is the little cafe right next to it for the parents. Our daughter had a blast here and it was a struggle to get her to leave. read more

Kids' Cove - Playgrounds Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

Its a kids cove. Kids. Not a teenager. These big kids are running around and jumping around, bump into each other. You just can't let your baby or toddler play in the "small kids" area because there are no one to restrict this area or monitor. Don't let your toddler stay in this area without you standing close to your child because I just saw my 2 year old being pushed and fell. There is a height restriction here but those teenagers and big kids parents don't give a shit about it. This place is way too wild and rough for small kids when this place is for the small kids. read more

Kids' Cove - Big kids in the small kids' area and big kids' parents dont give a shit - Playgrounds Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

This place never ever fix or replace the damaged fixtures. I have seen the climbable castle top torn apart for 2 years, still nothing has been done. All of their wall-attahed toys are either broken or the paints have come off by excessive wear & tear for years. I know this place is free, but can't I expect a decent management of a place where our children play? I mean, this is Bellevue and we all expect more than this The worst annoyance is, no one cares about the height restriction. Often times I have seen tall 12 year olds playing in there. Their body size just don't fit to play here, because the slides & steps are designed for little children. 12 year olds are sitting on the castle occupying the whole top area, interrupting other kids' flow and motion. Also older kids are wild and fast running, they easily bump into other kids. My 1.5 year toddler gets hit hard by older kids a lot. Another turn-off is the dirty carpet. All adults wear outside shoes. Yes, the same shoes they've been wearing to public restrooms and downtown streets where dogs pee and birds poo on. Especially in pnw, it rains a lot and our shoes are wet, the carpet absorbs the moisture and get muggy and become the perfect spot for bacteria to harbor. Kids are rolling and crawing on it, Bellevue Square doesn't seem to clean the carpet often enough. I am even suspicious if they ever clean/ sanitize anything in this playground at all! Once someone spilled a coke on the Meydenbauer ship climber and its surface was totally sticky and messy. No one came to clean it, so I had to report it to one of Gymboree staffs. read more

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Excellent place to hide out with a kid when the weather isn't pleasant outside. Located in Bellevue Square, an easy location to get to, park and just relax. Plenty of food options within a few steps if you get hungry. Taking off a star because it can get REALLY crowded sometimes, and some parents let their larger kids (above maximum height requirement) run around in there, which is dangerous for the intended audience -- toddlers... read more

Kids' Cove - Playgrounds Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

Hidden on the third floor, you take the central elevators located by the Starbucks. Aside from the play area, there is a kids haircut shop, cupcake spot, Gymboree, thrift shop and restroom. The kids playground is an enclosed carpeted area themed as mountains wrapped by a waterway. There are ships and sand castles made from a foamy rubbery material. If I didn't touch it, I'd have thought it was hard and slippery. Though it's quite cushy. The area is designed for smaller children up to 40 something inches tall. There are shoe cubbies to the side, and benches all around for parents to sit at. As for cleanliness, i think there could be improvement. I don't know what the cleaning schedule is, though I think it needs to happen more often. Some of the equipment had noticeable dirt, hair, glitter and other things from the kids running through there. The carpet seemed cleanish, though 1/2 the parents are running around in there with their shoes on. read more

This place is the best thing about Bellevue Square.* How many places can you take a child to play that are kid-safe, climate controlled, open for long hours, and free? Sure, the traffic in the parking lot is usually a nightmare, but it's still a pretty cool place. There are lots of things to climb on, all covered with a nice squishy, washable (and frequently washed, I hope) coating. The floor is rubberized, and shoes are not allowed past the cubbies by the entrance. It all has a cute nautical theme: a tugboat, a dock, marine creatures, etc. There are some other attractions on the floor too, most notably bathrooms close by with nice diaper change platforms. There's a nice (but pricey) kids' barber shop next door. There's a cupcake store -- not necessarily a good thing for people who are dieting or trying to limit their kids' sugar consumption, but tempting. And there's seating around the outside of the play space for occasions when the crowds are small enough that you can keep track of your child from the sidelines. Besides the hassle of parking, Kids' Cove itself can get really crowded. I was there tonight, a rainy Saturday, from about 5 pm to 6 pm, and it was packed. I would not have been able to keep my toddler in view from the seating area, and had to follow him around to make sure he didn't sneak out, lose his socks, or any of those other things that can go wrong with a toddler. People who have trouble dealing with crowds should stay away, or at least be prepared to leave if they arrive at the wrong time. Applause to the person who ordered the sign to the place. It actually says "Kids' Club", with the correct plural possessive apostrophe. My boy hasn't started learning punctuation yet, but at least this one sign sets a good example. * If four stars is the best thing about the mall, you can guess that I'm not a fan of the mall in general. I like Lincoln Square, across the street and under common management, a lot better, thanks to Lincoln Square Cinemas and Nordstrom Rack. read more

Kids' Cove - The place is going to be crowded if you're there on a rainy early Saturday evening. (I blurred faces on this panoramic picture.) - Playgrounds Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

This is a pretty awesome place to let your kids run loose. Clean, large space, with lots of space for stroller parking if you have one. Lots of seating for parents as well. The thing I think I like the most is that you can almost not need to watch your kids from running away. There's only one way in and one way out. It's very difficult to lose them. Washrooms with change stations nearby. read more

Great place to go with a little one! Lots of fun activities and lots of other little ones to play with

This is a fantastic indoor play space as long as it isn't teeming with children! When we first arrived, it was wonderful: just a few kids playing and climbing around, but after our class at Gymboree there were kids all over the structures (supervised still) climbing on top of them and it was just so crowded! I didn't feel comfortable letting my young toddler in the mix at that point. Several of the children looked too tall to be in there too, but hopefully everything was still safe for the kids that were playing. I really liked how the structures were sort of foamy -- it's nice they were soft(ish) for those who might take a stumble. There are also some seats inside the play area as well as some outside with tables. It's a fairly decent size too. There are some activities for children along the walls of the play space too. My guess would be that on weekdays at off times this would be a wonderful spot to let your little one work off some energy...and maybe even during more peak times if things aren't too crazy or if your little one is a larger tot! read more

I am not a Bellevue dweller and definitely not a frequent visitor so it's safe to say I was overly skeptical of this place when I heard of it. But we still decided to trek the young ones up here to check out the play area. After all, it's free, so what's to lose aside from a few gallons of gas? The play area is impressive. It's expansive (especially in comparison to other mall play areas), with lots of different climbing/sliding/imaginative activities. There's a sea theme with two big boats (nice job on the adorable ferry!) to climb on. Yes, there were LOTS of kids, which I pretty much expect at any mall on any Saturday around here. But the unique factor here is that they don't let bigger kids in. I cannot tell you how much of a difference this makes. No playground bullies, just lots of children of about the same age, enjoying all the activities. The parents are so genial here, so polite and friendly. It's almost unreal. There's seating for parents surrounding the play area and plenty of open space to lounge on the floor if the seating is full, so even with a ton of families there it didn't feel claustrophobic. It's a shame we don't live closer as this is my new fave play area for the kiddos. But rest assured, we will return! read more

This is how I convince my kids to go to the mall. Not only is it free, it's a great indoor place for the kids to run around and burn off some energy. Best for those under 5 - in fact they have a height limit to keep the bigger kids out and not run over the smaller kids, but I find that many parents ignore the sign and allow their kids to tear up the place anyway. For the most part, parents keep an eye on their kids and they are generally well mannered. Weekends before lunch and after nap time are the busiest, especially during the rainy season. It slows down after 6 PM on weeknights. During the school year in the day, it's steady with SAHM/Ds and the younger ones. This is one of the few things the Eastside has that I wish Seattle had. I have to admit it's even a destination for us. read more

honestly, this is one of the best indoor play areas i've been to! it's clean (and i've been to really gross play areas) and way bigger than other places! My niece and nephew love coming here! it's a great place for them to let out all of their energy and maybe make some new playmate friends so that when we get home they crash! I hope that doesn't sound mean but a 2 and 4 year old have a lot of energy! and since we are at the mall I can do a little shopping if needed and buy them a little treat if they have been good! =) minor complaints, watch out for some kids who are a little too big to play! they sometimes run too fast around the place and knock right through the little kids. The parent's really should remember that there is a height maximum. Also, sometimes if it gets a little too crowded, which happens, we decide to get some lunch instead then come back later! great place to take the little ones on a rainy day! read more

Just discovered the storytellers at KIDS COVE in Bellevue Square. Every Wednesday at 10:00 am, a different storyteller every week. It's before the playground area gets REALLY crowded so its perfect for little ones. Lots of fun and our favorite tellers are there like Debbie Deutsch and Susi Irwin. Great addition to the playground and FREE..-...THANK YOU ! read more

It's crowded and there are a lot of kids running around but it's a decent place to let your kid(s) play to blow off some stored up energy. The height limit is 42 inches but as others have said, there are some bigger kids here so the small kids do need to be careful so that they don't get run over by the big kids running around. read more

Stop bringing your sick kids here! C'mon people. Unfortunately since this place is FREE, it tends to be packed and always has a few sick kids. Irresponsible parents really just don't seem to care about their kids contaminating others. Such a shame because this a great spot for TODDLERS. read more

This play area on the third floor is great. There is a lot of seating which allows for parents to sit and watch their children running around. There is a lot of equipment for them to play on and it's made of a foamy type material covered in plastic so no injuries. In addition you are right next to a cupcake place for refreshments and the restrooms and there are two elevators up so you don't have to try and navigate stairs with a little one. I would give this place a five star but seriously on a wet Saturday/Sunday it's madness. You can hardly see your own child running around and of course the bigger kids get a bit rough and tumble which means toddlers get knocked over. Won't stop us coming here as its a great place to allow my toddler to burn off that energy she has stolen from me! read more

My 10 month old enjoys crawling around and watching the other kids have fun. He also enjoys crawling under and over the smaller structures. The two times I've been there, there haven't been any older kids. I only come here on weekdays, and around 3:30 it hasn't been too crowded. The sign says no shoes, but parents don't seem to think it applies to them. Kids crawl and are on the floor with their hands, so I don't think no shoes is just meant for the structures. The structures are a bit rubber-y so feet can get a good grip. They're also softer, as is the floor. I just wish there was food on that level instead of just a cupcake shop. read more

We went there with our two year old on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It was completely overcrowded. There's no supervision. While there's a sign limiting access to taller and older kids, without sanctions and supervision, lots of kids too tall and old were running and jumping around without any regard for the little kids. If you know some of the installations, imagine a 12 year old jumping from the top of it all the way down to the ground with tons of kids running around down there. For that reason alone, I wouldn't go there again. Kids are supposed to take of shoes, which is great. However, adults don't and most parents went after their kids with their street shoes on. After our boy got ran over and pushed aside by much bigger kids while climbing for one of the slides, I decided not to go there anymore when there's so much going on and so little respect for the rules clearly marked at the entrance. read more

They just installed new padded carpet and fixed the previously broken climbable sand castle! The place is looking better than ever and my 2-year-old loves it. read more

Nice indoor play area in Bellevue SQ Mall. It's on the 3rd floor by some kids stores (hairdresser, Gymboree, cupcake shop...) so not much foot traffic. It's clean, big and accommodates little baby crawlers to 6yo kids. Our kids have enjoyed coming here for 4+yrs. read more

HORRIBLE. I brought my 15 month old here, he got kicked in the face by one kid, another was pushing him over, others jumping on me and one kid screaming at the top of his lungs in a little girls ear while the mom is rubbing his back saying "its okay sweet heart, you are wonderful"- too much yellow #5 for that bozo. My baby also was sick the next day. Its gross, unsanitary and were people take their horrible monsters but don't bother watching him. Pay money and go to a place that's actually cleaned and not overcrowded. read more

Love how much space they have here. So many things for the toddlers to run in and out, over and under and space to run around. Its always clean and not overcrowded when I go. But I always come during the weekday. Never had any issues here. Other kids actually play really nice with each other read more

My daughter had a lot of fun playing with all of the little ones in this play area. Although it is a bit crowded.

This is a great spot to let the kids stretch their legs after some shopping! It was pretty busy on a Wednesday and keep in mind there is no gate to keep kids inside the play area. read more

This place is HORRIBLE!!!!!!! We were just here on Sunday May 24th and lasted no more than 5 minutes. While we were there I witnessed an adult male grab a child (not his own) by the arm from the top of the tug boat and slam him to the ground. This little child surprisingly wasn't seriously hurt but no excuse for an adult to grab another persons child. I confronted the man and he stated the boy he threw to the ground was pushing his son. There are other ways to deal with a child that is pushing your own child. After witnessing this event I will never bring my children to this play area again. This area needs to be monitored by an individual that can step in when conflict arises or monitor how many kids are out on the playing field. On the day of our visit the place was packed. Way too many kids in one little area. Before another child gets hurt Bellevue Square should strongly consider staffing this play area. read more

My daughter loved playing here for more than half an hour even though she was here by herself. We came during the day and there were kids everywhere -a great alternative to rain drenched parks during the days when kids need to burn energy and its too rainy/cold outside. read more

Nice area for kids to play and since its on seperate floor altogether its even more good. Its free and they have lot of slides and activities to do. read more

6/27/14 between 4 30 pm and 6 pm. My son was yelled at by another mom who chose to bully a child rather than pick someone her own size. For the couple of seconds that I heard her yelling at my child "You do it one more time and i am going to have talk with you " while pointing a finger close to his eye, Shouting out loud. Before i could understand what was going on she moved to the other corner of the cove and sat chatting on a phone. I checked with my son and one of her kids got in his way and fell although he didn't get hurt, I do understand that its crowded in there and kids bump into each other and sometimes hurt each other hardly ever to intentionally hurt or pick on each other. However this Woman what she did today I wonder if its acceptable for another parent to talk to my child like that , If she had a problem she could have spoken to me but she chose to yell at a child. Now anytime my son hears some another kid hurt or cry he thinks he did it and he thinks I am mad at him, I don't even think my child understands what happened and he has difficulty processing today's event. read more