Policies & Guidelines | Play & Ponder NW Portland

Welcome to Play & Ponder! 🌿 We built this space so little explorers can climb, imagine, and grow while their grown-ups relax nearby. These guidelines keep our space safe, clean, and happy for every family who walks through our doors. Thank you for helping us take care of it, and each other!

✨ The Quick Version

  • 📋 Sign your digital waiver before your first visit
  • 🧦 Grippy socks for kids (available at the front desk), no shoes in the play area
  • 👀 Grown-ups supervise their own children at all times
  • 🥜 We're a nut-free facility, and outside food isn't allowed during open play
  • 🤒 Feeling unwell? Stay home, and we'll happily help you play another day

🎟️ Admission & Tickets

Weekday Open Play: Walk in anytime during open hours, no reservation needed. Stay and play with no time limit! On school holidays, play is limited to 2 hours so every family gets a turn.

Weekend & Holiday Reserved Play: Reserve a 2-hour session in advance to guarantee your spot. Tickets open one week ahead, and a small processing fee applies.

  • Each paying child includes up to 2 adults for free. Additional adults need their own admission.
  • Babies under 10 months play free with a paying sibling.
  • Our space is designed for ages 0 to 10, and all ages are welcome. Older siblings follow the same guidelines, even if they're "just watching."
  • Any adult bringing a child must be at least 16.
  • Save with our pass bundles, available on our Play page.
  • Hours can change for private events. Please check the banner at the top of our site or our Play page before heading over.

📋 Waivers

Each child needs a signed waiver before their first play. Sign online ahead of time to skip the wait at the door!

🧦 Socks, Shoes & Strollers

  • Grippy socks are required for all kids in the play area. Forgot yours? Grab a pair at the front desk.
  • No shoes in the play area.
  • Heading to the restroom? Slip-on shoes are available for you to use.
  • Strollers aren't permitted inside, since our space is cozy and every square foot is for play.

👀 Supervision

Play & Ponder is a parent-supervised play space. Parents, guardians, and caregivers must watch their children at all times. Our staff does not provide childcare or supervision during open play.

🤒 Health & Wellness

  • Please visit only when you and your child are feeling well. If someone's under the weather, we're happy to reschedule your visit.
  • To protect all our families, we may ask anyone showing signs of illness to leave.

🥜 Food & Drinks

  • We are a nut-free facility to help keep kids with allergies safe.
  • No outside food or drinks during open play, except water bottles and baby bottles.
  • Water bottles and baby bottles are welcome in the play area.
  • Keep treats from our café in the café seating area. Please no food in the play areas.
  • No chewing gum inside.
  • Outside food and cake are welcome during private parties (see Party Policies below).

🧗 Play Guidelines

  • Share toys and take turns, especially with ride-on toys.
  • Climb with care on our climbing structures.
  • Rough play, unsafe play, and disruptive behavior aren't permitted.

🎈 Celebrations During Open Play

  • Our party room is reserved for booked private events.
  • During open play, please don't bring cakes, balloons, or party supplies into the play area.
  • Group gatherings and unreserved birthday celebrations aren't allowed during open play hours. Want to celebrate with us? We'd love to host your party! 🎉

📸 Photos

  • Snap away! Please photograph only your own children.
  • Please don't photograph other children without their parents' permission.
  • Share your memories with #Playandponderpdx or tag us on social media. We love seeing them!

🧼 Cleanliness

  • Our team sanitizes high-touch areas and toys throughout the day using a hospital-grade cleaning solution.
  • We give the entire space a full clean every night.
  • Restrooms are cleaned and mopped regularly.

🎉 Private Party Policies

Booking & Payment

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit at booking secures your date.
  • The remaining balance is due on your party day. We accept credit/debit cards and digital payments.
  • You can use Play & Ponder gift cards toward party packages and add-ons.
  • To add extras to your party, call us.

Rescheduling

  • Deposits are non-refundable. You may reschedule once for free with at least 14 days' notice.
  • If your child is sick, we allow one reschedule with at least 24 hours' notice.
  • Please keep any sick children or adults home.

Timing

  • Your group gets private access to our entire play space for 2 hours, including the final 15 minutes for cleanup.
  • Arrive 30 minutes early to set up. Our team is on hand to help bring your vision to life!
  • Parties that start late still end at the scheduled time so the next family's celebration starts on time.
  • During the last 15 minutes, please gather your personal items. We'll take care of the rest!

Guests & Supervision

  • Up to 45 guests total, including kids and adults.
  • Parents and guardians supervise their children at all times. Our staff is not responsible for child supervision during private parties.
  • All kids need grippy socks to play.

Food & Drinks

  • You're welcome to bring your own food and cake. Please keep everything nut-free.
  • Drinks and snacks are available at our café.
  • Alcohol is available for purchase and is served only by an OLCC-certified server after ID verification.

Decor

  • Balloons, banners, and table decor are welcome!
  • Decor must be free-standing or hung with command hooks. No adhesives, tacks, or anything that marks the walls.
  • No confetti, glitter, or open flames. Birthday candle is ok!

Cleanup & Care

  • Standard cleanup is included in every package. An extra cleanup fee may apply for excessive mess, such as confetti, smash cake outside the designated area, or large spills.
  • Hosts are responsible for any damage to equipment, decor, or the facility caused by their guests.
  • All gifts go home with you at the end of the party. We're not responsible for lost or forgotten items.

Double Birthdays

  • Siblings from the same family can share a party at no extra charge. Just let us know in advance!
  • Two families co-hosting a party? Let us know in advance. A $100 fee applies.

🎨 Events & Workshops

Our special events have limited spots. Ages, what's included, and ticket details are listed on each event page, so please read them before you book.

🌱 Memberships

Memberships are coming this fall! We'll post full membership terms here when they launch. Visit our Membership page to be the first to hear. 💚

🚗 Parking & Wi-Fi

  • Free on-site parking. Please don't block neighboring businesses or fire lanes.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in the lounge area.

📝 The Fine Print

We may update our prices and policies at any time. Management reserves the right to refuse entry when needed for safety and the smooth operation of our space.

Questions? We're happy to help! 📧 contactus@playandponder.com 📞 971-727-3619 📍 18395 NW West Union Rd, Suite A, Portland, OR 97229