Kids Empire — Attraction in Phoenix

I took my youngest grandchildren, ages 2.5 and 3.5, here when they were visiting last week. They had fun going down the roller slide, but preferred to do it at a slower pace on their bottoms rather than use the little seats that were super-fast and threw them off about half-way down.

They also liked climbing the big play structure, but mom needed to go up to guide them down a few times when they got lost. Of course, the kids were also attracted to all the games and cycles that cost extra money.

The admission price was higher than I expected compared to similar businesses I have taken other grandkids to in different states.

I gave it three stars for a few reasons. First, every adult needs to sign a FOUR-PAGE liability form before they can even buy admission -- even if they don't plan to go on the play structure.

The form collects an unusual amount of personal information that would become a goldmine for hackers.

The form is a joke in that masks were mandatory in December 2023 and we had to agree to keep 6 feet apart from other people. This was not enforced in any way, and we would not have wanted it to be enforced.

You also must agree to "releasing certain legal rights that I and/or my child (children) or ward(s) may otherwise have" -- FOR TWO FULL YEARS after the visit.

The staff could not provide reasonable reassurance that the data was protected, only that it was accessible by managers alone and "some staff."

Next, everyone had to remove their shoes and place them in a bin before entering the main area, even adults and even if they were staying in the area where tables and chairs are located.

While I can see why wearing shoes on the play structure would be problematic, the floors are not carpeted. My grandchildren slipped and face-planted on the floor multiple times. Other businesses I have visited have carpet on the floors, which reduces sound, too, but not Kids Empire.

You could were shoes into the bathroom, but it was not required.

My biggest concern was the lack of safety measures to ensure the right child left with the right adults. Other establishments stamp the hands of children and adults with the same number, and everyone in the group must enter and leave at the same time.

That is not the case at this Kids Empire.

People have to be buzzed in to the main play area, but the "gate" is a waist-high wall that an adult could easily climb over or simply pass a child across to someone, who could quickly leave with the kid.

When I pointed this out to the staff, I was assured nothing like that had ever happened and that they had video cameras everywhere. To which I responded, "Good, at least you'd have a description of the kidnapper."

I was also assured that the staff was diligently watching all the children, all the time. That was likely the case when we visited. There were two to three staff members for the seven to 10 guests in the facility.

However, there is seating for more than 100 people, not counting kids on the play structures. I was not convinced there were enough precautions in place to prevent a non-custodial parent or stranger from snatching a child.

Remember that liability form? Yes, you must agree to release the company from "any and all claims for actual or alleged failure to supervise and oversee activity." I'm sure that means watching when people come and go.

If you visit, be especially vigilant in knowing where your children are and who they are with...

Let me begin by saying I am only giving two stars based on the fact that the play facility itself is a blast and my guests had a great time. HOWEVER, We had my son's birthday party here 10/18 at 5:30 PM. I had high hopes for a seamless party as we came here weeks ahead of time to play and try it out. The facility seemed well put together and clean so we opted to have his party here. Please do not waste your money. First of all, I booked my party online about two weeks prior to his birthday and called the same day to make sure things were in order. I was told pizza would be from Sardellas and that he would get an ice cream cake. This was the only time I talked to anyone. The morning of the party I called to follow up as I had not heard from anyone. I asked if I could bring his decorations in and the employee said normally they want them a day ahead of time, but how would I know? I never had anyone follow up with me. Still, she asked me to bring them in that morning so I did. So ok, this place is EXPENSIVE ($39 per child) and I had high expectations as our party costed us over $700. I was not impressed from the start. The party host was nice enough, but he did not take control of the party and we were constantly having to hunt him down for our "unlimited" refreshments. He also asked if I wanted each child to wear a jersey so they could be identified as part of the party and I declined because they would make the kids hot when they played. Still, the front desk continued to give them to my guests even though I asked them not to. Next, the pizza was delivered 45 minutes late to which the employees blamed Sardellas. It gets worse. During play time and the "Huggy Parade" the party host asked me if I wanted to get my son from within the play structure so he could take a picture with Huggy. I crawled up in the play area looking for my son and not even a minute later, the party host ran after me asking if I found him yet. I told him I had not (after all, I had literally just gotten up there) and he told me that he was taking Huggy back inside. Ummm, ok. I was really irritated at this point. After my guests finally had pizza, I insisted on bringing out the cake right after to keep things moving because it was getting late. I was told my son would have an ice cream cake as part of this package which sounded neat and delicious so I did not bring another one. To my horror, they brought out this ugly, cheap sheet cake they said a generic "Happy Birthday" not even his name on it. My husband told the front desk that it was supposed to be an ice cream cake and they were like, "Oh, we needed to be told that ahead of time". WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! I thought the ice cream cream was the only option and I was told that all along. I was so disappointed. After cake, the guests played more and I kid you not, 30 mins before the party was over and people had already started going home, the host brings out tokens for the kids and the goodie bags. Seriously, what a joke. Oh, and my final note I recieved a "party instructions" email during the party at 7:30 PM. Thanks guys, really helpful. There are so many options when choosing a child's birrthday party please don't make the same...

Maddison is probably the rudest person I have ever met. I am shocked that she is the GM of kids empire in Phoenix az. I went in with my family an hour before they closed so they could get some energy out. I walk in and I ask a simple question about some card my husband had purchased for entry as I was not with him I didnt have. She said you have to have the card with you. I said oh, I dont have it is there a way to look it up? Her tone adjusted to a very condescending voice and explained how it work i reminded her that I was not with him and was only asking a question to understand thats fine ill pay for the admittance. I was just baffled that they don't keep accounts but didnt argue it. She then said I needed to fill out waivers. I said we were just in they are filled out already. She asked for my phone number I gave it to her she said my son's was not there. Knowing it was I said that means you have let him in 4 times in the last 6 months without a waiver? She said it needed to be filled out agin. Irritataited with my back turned into said ya I need to deal with the shitty kiosk agin. She than said you can just leave if I'm going to continue to swear as if I had been swearing which I hadn't. I turned and said I'm not continuously swearing I said oh shity she than said this is a kids place and I needed to leave mind you there were no family's or children in ear shot of me. This place was so loud that my older child that was maybe 2ft farther disnt even hear that I had said that to her shes 17 not little kiddo. I asked who I could speak to to make a formal complaint or who the gm is she than said it was her and all I could do was email in so here I am. Maybe ill get a response maybe not. By the end of tryimg to have a conversation with someone that just interrupted refused to even give ne her name you can bet I was pissed off at that point.

Luckily she went and hide in the back and the other two employes were able to have a calm and productive conversation and the best part is he took my phone number and what do you know my son's waiver was there the whole time she was wrong and rude and escalated an issue...