The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Play in Newton, MA: Hours, Passes, and What to Bring

If you’re looking for a warm, welcoming indoor play spot in Newton, MA, The POP Center offers one of the best kid-friendly experiences around. Whether you’re escaping cold weather, avoiding crowds, or just need a safe, imaginative space for your little one, here’s everything you need to know about play at The POP Center: when to go, how passes work, and what to bring.

Hours & Play Times

The POP Center is open for weekday play Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. During this time, families can drop in and enjoy an uncrowded, calm environment designed especially for little ones.

Passes & Pricing

To join play sessions, families use Play Passes, a two-hour block costs $20 per child (ages 6 months and up), and when you check in, you can add more time in increments of 30 minutes for $5 per half hour. At The POP Center, we limit daily pass reservations to maintain a comfortable, spacious feel for everyone. 

For families who want more frequent access, The POP Center offers a Winter Unlimited Play Pass. With this pass, you can play every weekday (Mon–Fri) from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM from December 1st to February 28th. 

What to Expect at the Playspace

The POP Center’s play area spans about 6,500 square feet, thoughtfully designed with different rooms and activity zones to engage infants, toddlers, and young explorers (up to about age 6).There are climbing structures like a jungle gym, sliding poles, and monkey bars. For pretend play, kids can use a fully furnished play kitchen, imaginative garage with cars and building tools, and even a playhouse. 

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What to Bring (and What You Don’t Need)

To help make your play visit smooth and fun, here’s a quick guide for what to bring — and what you can leave at home:

• Bring socks: The POP Center is a shoes-off space, so make sure both children and adults wear socks with grip or soft indoor slippers.
  
  
• Bring snacks if you like: Families are welcome to bring light snacks to enjoy in the space. We are a nut free environment, so please check your labels.
  
  
• Bring anything you might need to change your child: There are diaper changing stations, and the environment is set up for parents to care for infants or toddlers.
  
  
• Leave extra toys at home: There’s no need to bring your child’s own toys. The POP Center provides a broad range of developmentally appropriate, high-quality toys, climbing structures, and play materials suitable for different ages.
  
  

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

1. Reserve ahead: Since play pass slots are limited, it’s smart to book in advance, especially for weekday morning times.
   
2. Consider an Unlimited Pass: If you’re planning frequent morning visits, the Winter Unlimited Play Pass is a great value.
   
3. Arrive with socks: Avoid any last-minute scrambling — make sure everyone in your group has grippy socks.
   
4. Pack lightly: A small bag with snacks and a change of clothes is all you really need.
5. ‍Stay close: Caregivers are responsible for supervising children during open play, so staying nearby helps keep things safe and stress-free.