CARIBOU, Maine — Playtime Adventures, a recreational facility packed with trampolines, arcade games and a myriad of activities for young children, has already seen more than 1,000 customers since its soft opening in early January.
The space, which is in a Bennett Drive shopping center owned by Dana Cassidy, is adjacent to the Dollar Tree, the Cigaret Shopper and Sudsie’s Laundromat.
The space features a sponge pit, tunnels, slides, tubes, an area where foam balls are shot out of a compressor and fly around the room, a massive octopus merry-go-round, and an area for toddlers and younger children with activities such as a wall covered in arrangeable plastic gears.
Playtime Adventures, a new Caribou business, features trampolines among several other activities for young kids to enjoy. Playtime Adventures, a new Caribou business, features trampolines among several other activities for young kids to enjoy. Playtime Adventures, a new Caribou business, features trampolines among several other activities for young kids to enjoy. (Chris Bouchard | Aroostook Republican)
Cassidy said he’d been planning on adding a recreational space to the shopping center for about a year, and that he was particularly inspired by visiting a similar facility in Orono.
His plan is to add businesses to the Caribou shopping center with the potential to bring in perpetual traffic, which ultimately helps all of the nearby businesses.
After ordering all of the materials, Cassidy worked with an engineer to fit everything in the space optimally while also putting a strong emphasis on safety.
The trampolines were specifically ordered for safety. Cassidy said they have more springs, heavier webbing, and are 22 inches off the floor. The trampoline also has a 200-pound weight limit, preventing any toddlers from getting bounced around too harshly by a larger person. The floors are padded to soften any falls or tumbles.
It’s recommended that young kids be overseen by an adult, but all guardians are asked to sign a liability form indicating their responsibility for the child they bring to the facility.
Playtime Adventures, a new Caribou business featuring lots of activities for kids, has been open for less than a month and is already seeing a great deal of traffic. (Courtesy of Playtime Adventures)
The recreation spot is open Fridays-Sundays.
Cassidy said he plans to have the business open all week during school vacations, but that it may open on other days depending on the amount of traffic at the door.
As Cassidy discussed the business from inside the building on Monday, Jan. 13, four parents approached the door with their children asking if the facility was open.
The going rate is $14 an hour per child. The rate for specialized parties and events typically will be determined based on the number who will attend, Cassidy said.
Looking ahead, Cassidy said he will make changes based on the reception from customers over the coming months. So far, he said he’s found that parties are very popular, and that he may order a couple new arcade games based on feedback from guests. He is also considering having bounce houses and play areas built outside during the summer months.
