Playland Indoor Playground & Cafe PINEVILLE — Local services in Pineville

We visited Play Land, a playground advertised for kids ages 1–10. My nieces are both 10 years old, they are twins, but we were told they couldn’t play because they “looked older/they were about to turn 11 in 2 months and there were many younger children playing that day so they weren’t comfortable letting them play” The manager claimed the owners had recently changed the policy and that it was listed on the website—but after checking thoroughly, there was no such information online or posted anywhere in the facility.

While the manager said she was just doing her job, the situation was frustrating and humiliating. My nieces were made to feel out of place and judged based on appearance alone, despite being within the stated age range. They were eventually allowed to play, but the damage was done—it was an upsetting experience that no child or family should go through.

Discrimination based on how a child looks rather than their actual age is not acceptable. Clear communication and respectful treatment should be a priority, especially in spaces meant for kids. We have been coming here for months and are truly saddened by our experience today. I understand there was most likely a situation that happened that put smaller children in danger, that the manager/owners started a policy of gaging whether a child was fit to play or not based on there looks, but I am appalled by the treatment we received by this establishment today.

Replying to owners response.

Thank you for your response, but the manager was not going to let my nieces play yesterday until I drove home the fact that they were 10, so I could understand her reasoning. I told her multiple times they were 10 and she proceeded with what I stated earlier about their size. My response to was regardless of there appearance, they are 10 yrs old and not 11 yet, and she stated if they are close to turning 11 then your policy is that they can’t play if you feel they would be a threat to younger children. There was no confusion on what transpired. I just continued telling her they were 10 and she said that she can make an exception this one time. I realize when they turn 11 they will no longer be able to play, that was...

Highly disappointed with this location. We love the Monroe & Mooresville location & was excited to try out this new location which is closer to the grandparents. However, today’s experience was a complete let down & we will not be back to this location. The staff is NOT friendly like the other locations (one in particular was constantly YELLING at some younger boys)… these are kids coming in, yes, keep them safe & tell them the rules by all means… but yelling at them the way she did was completely uncalled for (if it was my kid she was talking to I would have said something). The manager was even rude to me when my gift card wasn’t working… just not the same vibe/friendly staff as the other two locations.

Edited to add a response to the “owners” comment below:

Your response to our experience is very disappointing and further confirmation we will no longer be loyal customers. I was not disrespectful by any means & was simply explaining to your manager it was in fact a gift card granted from one of your other locations. Now accusing me as the customer of fraud when I happily paid for our entrance when they couldn’t figure it out is exactly the reason we will not be giving this location or any of your locations our business. This all could have been handled in a professional manner and the least you as an owner could have offered to do would be to check into the gift card situation further. Instead you jumped to an extreme conclusion that this was somehow a fraudulent gift card without being present to even know the background information.

In regard to your employee, it was not only the time when everyone was asked to leave the ball pit for cleaning but several other occasions when kids were “breaking rules.” Correcting the children was not the problem but choosing to snap at them is not called for and an environment your guests should have to experience with Christian music playing in...

Visiting over the Christmas/new year holiday with our 5yr old. After 3 straight rainy days, we needed to get out and play. We googled and found Playland. 2hrs of indoor play geared for 1-10yrs olds for $16 is amazing!!! We don’t have it in ENC.

Highlights: Clean/safe Positive/chill atmosphere Employees circulate and interact as needed with kids. They are positive and happy to see kids playing - not grumpy or bothered or constantly yelling “no, don’t do that”. This really is a playground for your kid to let loose and enjoy climbing, jumping, falling, running, all the things. Seems like a family run place that really has put a lot of thought into how kids play and enjoy lots of diverse stimuli to interact around them.

My five year old played hard for 2hrs straight!

There’s padded benches, seats, and cafe tables. Lots of seating to supervise at a distance if your kid is at that stage. It’s also very normal to get into the space and play with your littles too.

*there is even a smaller play area that is gated for littles to get in if that’s your pace.

Didn’t try the cafe yet but many folks had hotdogs, waffles, coffees, grilled sandwiches, and yummy kids snacks. Sitting back with a cold coffee and chilling while kiddos burn their energy is a great business concept!

Only con: I wish I could’ve brought in our water bottles. Their sign says no outside food/drinks. There is 100% access to water fountains. In hindsight I’m sure I could’ve asked if water was ok....