Theme & Amusement Parks in Okemos

In 1976, busy California mother Joan Barnes wanted nothing more than to find a play place where she and her kids could enjoy age-appropriate, educational activities. Finding none, she developed her own innovative play environment within a developmental-based program structure now known as Gymboree Play & Music. Today, kids tumble and learn in more than 650 locations in 33 countries around the world, engaging in open play and classes designed to build cognitive and motor skills. As parents participate in their children's development, their kids learn to paint, play music, and interact socially outside of their preschool knitting circles.

What began over 40 years ago as a bowling alley built in an old schoolhouse has since expanded into multi-level entertainment enclave known as RollAway Family Fun Center. In the second-floor roller skating rink, skaters glide across a glossy hardwood floor, cast in lights that flash to the beat of tunes spun by an on-site DJ. Below, on the first floor, players honor the center’s original purpose, sending pins a-clattering in the updated bowling alley. Guests can also settle scores or start fun, new blood feuds with games of laser tag and outdoor mini golf.

At Extreme Fun’s inflatable playland, kids bounce, climb, and slide across 27,000 square feet of springy tunnels and obstacles. With feet snug inside socks or thumbless mittens, young ones can explore the climate-controlled play area’s collection of sturdy inflatables, which include Nickelodeon characters, Superman–theme obstacle courses, and Finding Nemo stations that take kids through the cushy mouth of a great white shark. Extreme Fun also features a collection of interactive video games as well as a 550-square-foot inflatable basketball arena. Parents are welcome to join their young ones during bouncy basketball games to teach them basics of the game, such as defensive plays or how to stick out their tongue like Michael Jordan while dunking.

At the Blast Factory, inflatables cushion the tumbles of sock-clad youngsters as parents and trained supervisors look on. Kids climb up and glide down multicolored slides or crawl through the mouth of a tall inflatable dragon in search of cavities. Along with open play, The Blast Factory hosts two-hour private parties, during which up to 25 kids can enjoy 90 minutes of private inflatable fun and 30 minutes in a private celebration room. Each party also can include add-ons such as pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, and soda.