There is a new play area for kids inside Ballston Quarter with plenty of pint-sized attractions.
Located on the first floor of the mall, near the about-to-close Macy’s, Junior Playland has everything from a pink-and-blue carousel to a party room to a make-believe “village” with a hospital, restaurant and police station.
Although other indoor playgrounds exist in the D.C. area, owner Mon Nguyen said there was previously nothing like this in Arlington before he opened Junior Playland in November. He credits the idea to his experiences as a single dad with a 5-year-old and 2-year-old twins.
“They inspire me,” Nguyen said. “Before, I would never have thought about this.”
He said his kids enjoy playing in the ball pit and the balloon cage the most.
Junior Playland has a membership option — $59 per month for unlimited play — along with weekday and weekend “open play” admission for kids ages 1-10. It is open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.
Nguyen has opened another location in the Mall at Prince George’s in Hyattsville and soon plans to expand elsewhere in Virginia. He said many visitors are parents and nannies seeking an indoor outing away from the weather.
“The customers, they love bringing their kids with us,” he said.