Summary: Bright Side Play in Southlake, TX is a clean, welcoming space for young children. With wooden structures to climb, sensory walls to explore, and books to read, your child will have a blast.
A few weeks ago, I received a notification that a new play place had opened around me and that they were running a BOGO. Being that I love to play and I love a deal, I thought it would be a great idea to check out Bright Side Play in Southlake, TX.
What Age Group Is Bright Side Play Appropriate For?
On their website (found here), it says that Bright Side Play is for children 6 months to 6 years. I would definitely agree with this assessment!
My youngest (at the time that this article is being published) is six months and he really enjoyed the soft play area. The mats and cushions could be moved, and there was a good variety of heights for the ramp structures. Hunter really loved sliding down!
There were also some Lovevery toys and baskets for him to explore in the area as well!
What Are The Hours Of Operation?
Bright Side Play is open Monday-Thursday from 9:30AM-6:30PM, Friday from 9:30AM-4:30PM, and Saturday and Sunday for parties only.
How Much Does It Cost To Play At Bright Side Play?
Open play is $14.99 per child.
Classes are also periodically offered at an additional cost. For example, they have a Friendship Bracelet event that costs $20.
Do I Need To Bring Anything?
Though I didn’t see anything saying that socks were required to play, I kept socks on my kids to be courteous. Other than a pair of socks, you don’t have to bring anything else!
Is Bright Side Play Crowded?
When I went (in the morning on a Wednesday), it was not crowded at all. It may be because it was a weekday or because it just opened.
Parking
There is parking in the front of the building which was spacious and easy to pull into. During the weekends, the school next door is closed so additional parking is available in the back for parties.
My Thoughts
I didn’t really know how to title this section of the article but I have so many positives to say about the space itself.
The Space Is Inviting
I don’t know if I am the only parent who feels like this, but sometimes all the colors and sounds in a play place are overstimulating.
Take for example Kid Mania in Fort Worth. They serve the same purpose as Bright Side Play, which is to get the wiggles out in a safe way. But every time I leave Kid Mania, I feel way too jazzed up.
Think of Bright Side Play as the kid equivalent to a coffee shop for moms. There’s wood. There’s color, but it isn’t harsh. There’s a plant in the corner. There’s windows that let in a ton of natural light. It’s relaxing and fabulously designed.
No Harsh Music
I’m not necessarily sensitive to sounds or anything, but sometimes in play places they go a little overboard with the kids music.
Recently, I went to Chuck E Cheese, which had Kidz Bop and some original Chuck E Cheese tracks blasting on a loop. I’m sure Austin didn’t mind, and I didn’t either for the first 30 minutes. But after an hour, I was ready to bounce.
There was music playing in the toddler soft area, but it wasn’t obnoxious at all. It was at the right volume where you could tune it out, but my kids could also dance to it if they wanted to.
Cozy Corners
In various areas around the play place, there were little pockets of comfort where kids could take a break if they needed some solitude. Bright Side Play labels these spaces “cozy libraries” on their website.
Just like the rest of the center, these spaces were warm and inviting. There were cushions and engaging books in baskets.
Sensory Walls And Magnetic Boards
Bright Side Play has interactive walls spread out everywhere. My personal favorite was the sequins, which reminded me of the pillow section at Walmart.
Austin and Hunter loved the magnetic boards in the loft section of the play place. Austin is a BIG magnatiles fan!
Jungle Gym
Austin had a lot of fun at the jungle gym, which had a bunch of different ways to get to the top of the structure (ropes, stairs, step ladder etc). I do wish it had a slide though!
I wasn’t sure if the bridge would support me, so I didn’t go to all of the areas with him. Austin had some trouble walking up the bridge initially, but was eventually able to do it. I’m thinking the structure might be best for ages 3-6.
One of the best things I got to witness during my time there was Austin climbing a rock wall for the first time! We’ve been to a ton of play places but he’s never been able to participate in the rock walls, so to see that was awesome! There is also a larger rock climbing wall which I would imagine older kids liking!
Little Village
Tucked under the playscape structure and hidden away with a curtain is the little village with a kitchen, food stand and costumes. Super cute!
The Parent Zone
I don’t have too much to say about this area. It’s comfy enough for parents to sit and chat while they watch their kids. That’s pretty much it.
Other Amenities/Pros
The Bathrooms
The bathrooms were so clean and spacious but the highlight was the Pluie changing table. This is my first time seeing a Pluie and I was ABSOLUTELY fascinated. I had no idea a self cleaning changing table was a thing!
Memberships
There are two membership options to choose from-single child or two child. The single child membership costs $34.99 per month and the two child membership costs $59.99 per month.
Membership includes unlimited play Monday-Friday, exclusive events and members-only classes, 20% off general classes, 10% off all parties (with 90-day membership commitment) and 4 guest passes per year.
Snacks That All Kids Can Have
In the event that you forget to bring snacks for your kids, Bright Side Play has snacks you can purchase by the front desk. Some options include popcorn, Honest juice, and Poppi prebiotic soda.
Reasonable Party Packages
Along with the BOGO coupon, another reason I wanted to check this place out was to see if it would be a good idea for Austin’s birthday.
Bright Side Play offers three party packages depending on your needs, with prices ranging from $450 to $995. For more information on the packages, you can check out their website here.
Park Across The Street
Not necessarily related to Bright Side Play but there is a really nice park right across the way!
Bicentennial Park is located right across the street which has trails, basketball courts, baseball fields, fishing and a beautiful playground for littles that features a splash pad open in the summer.
Any Cons?
The only con that I have for Bright Side Play is the cost for open play.
I know the area is quite well off so I understand the reasoning, but if I didn’t have a BOGO coupon I would not have went. $30 for two kids to play for a few hours just isn’t realistic for my family, but it may be for yours!
It’s just that with so many free options around the area, and with Nick and I wanting more kids, I don’t think we will be back any time soon.
Conclusions/Final Thoughts
If you find yourself with young kids and nothing to do, I would highly recommend spending some time at Bright Side Play in Southlake, TX!
Further research
If you’re looking for something fun and free to do, I recommend going to Cross City Church Totscape in Euless, TX! You can check out my article here.
