Kids Empire Jordan Creek — Attraction in West Des Moines

We visited on 12/21 and met up with friends. Got there around 10:45am and left around 12:30 to grab lunch with every intent to come back. My friend had to run an errand so I brought the 6 kids back a little before 2pm. The doors were locked and lights were off with no" sign stating they'd reopen. While standing outside another friend showed up asking what was going on so he got out with 3 kids and waited with me. We decided to kill time by walking down to the pet store and both of us called multiple times with *no answer and nothing stating they close for a lunch break. My friend decided to take his kids to Dave and Busters and I waited outside of Kids Empire til my other friend picked up his 3 kids and we sat in the parking lot trying to decide what to do. He called a few times also and even left a message. The next morning I called Kids Empire and as soon as I explained the situation and asked if there's any chance we could get a day pass since we only got to spend less than 2 hours there, the employee became unhinged and extremely rude. She kept saying, your receipt was from yesterday so that's when you should have used it. I kept saying but you were closed when we got back. She said but you could have come anytime after we reopened. I said but how were we supposed to know when or if you'd reopen. There was no sign on the door and no info when calling and nobody would answer and my friend left a message and never got a call back. She then kept repeating that it wasn't any of my business why they were closed and that the employee working didn't need to share her personal info. I never once asked for this employees personal info. I said a sign stating "sorry for any inconvenience, we will reopen at blank time" should have been posted on their door. I asked for this woman's name (the one I was talking to) and she said she didn't have to tell me and I asked if I could speak to a manager and she said she was the supervisor. I told her she was very unprofessional and this isn't how you run a business. My friend and I each paid $73.51 for 3 kids to play for less than 2 hours and I even told the woman working that day we'd be back after lunch and she never said anything about needing to close in the amount of time it takes to eat Chick Fil A at the mall. I've already reached out to customer service and waiting to hear back from them. My only concern is if they do give us a credit for 1 day, what happens if this woman is working and sees my name on the waiver? She was so rude, even yelling and hung up on me. How will she act in person especially around children? This company should really look into training their staff and from seeing other reviews about the employees, it surprises me nothing...

Don’t let the negative reviews deter you let them inform you! Our experience in early June 2023 was great! My kids loved it! Ages 8mo, 5yr, and 7yr •wasn’t busy •was very clean •EVERYONE took their shoes off and put socks on before entering (they have baskets/tubs for your shoes to take with you) •parents explored with the kids a little and then sat at our table/spot to keep an eye out for our kids •I went with my 8mo old to the infant/toddler section, perfect for 6mo - 3yr age. •bigger area great for 4+ (since it wasn’t busy a friends 3yr old boys got around just fine in the larger big kid area) •we purchased a 10pk at the discounted price and shared with friends to save money.

We went first thing in the morning there were a total of maybe 15 kids there until at about 12:30 when 10 more or so showed up and we left for lunch. Friends of ours went back in the evening and they said it wasn’t much busier. Either we were there on an off day or maybe all the “over capacity” complaints came from when they first opened and everyone wanted to check it out. I’m sure by the evening hours if the building has been full of sweaty kids running around it might start to smell however we personally didn’t experience any foul smells. It was also pretty clean.

My advice. If you get there and the line looks long or the play area looks really full come back another day (communicate expectations to your kids before going, “if it’s too busy we’re going to do something else and come back another day”) if it gets busy while you’re there, take a break for snack or food somewhere else and come back (you get re-entry all day, KEEP YOUR RECEIPT) this is an indoor playground, be a responsible and respectful parent by keeping an eye on your children. There isn’t any staff monitoring these areas. sign wavers online before going to save time everyone needs socks even if you only plan to sit and watch (wear your own, but they have some available for purchase if needed)

Not 5 stars because: I’d prefer the price be cheaper (really the discounted 10pk price is great but not everyone can afford that at one time), the tables and chairs are really crammed in there makes it feel tight and slightly uncomfortable for the parents, the staff weren’t rude but at the same time I wouldn’t describe them...

I feel like all the poor ratings on this NEW business are not a clear depiction!! All new businesses need time to adjust. We had a great experience and I was 100% satisfied with check in process, cleanliness, and professionalism of staff.

We went in on Presidents's Day (a Monday) 30 mins after opening and they were already packed. Not a big deal - we were happy to wait in line. They had a QR code to scan and fill out the waiver so when you got to your turn in line, you were ready to go. Waited 15 mins tops. No one cut in line - even if they did, that would be a me problem..

There are concessions, lockers, and a huge cafeteria area for people to sit - BUT the big kid play area is large enough that I was able to spend the entire time climbing around with my kiddos (ages 2 and 5). We spent 2+ hours there and still didn't explore everything.

They have 2 large (super fast) slides, tons of different areas to climb, an area to kick around balls, another one to build giant lego-like blocks.. the list goes on. There was so much to do!

I thought pricing was fair considering it's an all day pass and you can come and go as you please as long as you have proof of receipt.

I have no complaints whatsoever - we will be back for sure. Thank you Kids Empire for coming to West...