Down to Play
Family of 4
~$15–20 per child for open play sessions.
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Best Ages
6 months–6 years (specifically designed for infants through preschool age)
About
Down to Play in Lakewood fills a genuine gap in the Dallas family activity market: an indoor play space designed specifically and intentionally for the youngest children — infants through age 6 — in an environment that's safe, appropriately scaled, and free from the chaos of older kids.
Most indoor play facilities serve ages 0–adult with broadly defined 'toddler zones' that are often crowded, not well-maintained, and competing for space with bigger kids who have more physical energy and less spatial awareness. Down to Play solves this by setting a firm age cap: children over 6 are not admitted. The result is an environment where parents of infants and toddlers actually relax, because the physical safety concern that haunts other venues is genuinely managed.
The play areas feature age-appropriate equipment, soft surfaces, sensory elements, and the kind of thoughtful design that comes from organizers who actually understand early childhood development. Everything is sized for small bodies. The facility is consistently praised for cleanliness — a meaningful differentiator in any child play facility.
Open play sessions have set times and capacity limits — this isn't a drop-in-any-time facility. Book online in advance, especially for popular weekday morning sessions when Lakewood parents tend to cluster. Monthly memberships are available and deliver significant savings for families who visit twice a week or more.
For Lakewood, East Dallas, and White Rock Lake area families with children under 6, Down to Play is a community treasure. The neighborhood location and specific age focus make it feel designed for exactly the family who lives nearby with a toddler in a small house who needs somewhere to go on a rainy Tuesday.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday open play mornings; check the schedule as sessions have set times
Wait Times
Book open play sessions in advance — capacity is limited for safety
Nearby Food
Lakewood has excellent dining on Gaston Ave and Northwest Hwy. Lakewood Shopping Center nearby has casual family options.
Why Kids Love It
Down to Play is designed specifically for the age range that most indoor play facilities underserve: infants through age 6. The equipment, scale, and safety are calibrated for very young children, and parents feel comfortable letting their toddler explore freely without older kids bowling them over.
Pro Tips from Parents
- This is specifically for ages 6 months–6 years — older children are not admitted to keep the environment safe for toddlers
- Book open play sessions online in advance — capacity is genuinely limited
- Monthly memberships are excellent value if you plan to go more than 2x/month
- The Lakewood location serves East Dallas families particularly well
- Clean, well-maintained facility — cleanliness is a consistent positive in reviews
What to Bring
- Socks for kids
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Change of clothes (play can get messy)
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
~$15–20 per child for open play sessions.
Affordable for what's offered.
Adults typically free or minimal charge.
Tips to Save
- Monthly memberships offer significant savings for families who visit regularly.
- Book open play in advance online.
- Check for sibling discounts.