Explore Jolly Yolly Kids, Annapolis Mall’s New Indoor Play Area

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Annapolis’ newest indoor play area opened last month and has already become one of the area’s most exciting spots for kids.

Jolly Yolly Kids opened in the mall in April, right across from Crate & Barrel. The indoor play area is right in the middle of the mall’s other kid-friendly attractions — AV Bounce and Discoveries: The Library at the Mall. The mall also is home to the Be With Me Playseum, so there are plenty of opportunities to escape a rainy day with indoor activities that are sure to help kids get out some of the excess energy.

The BayNet had a great experience, from the friendly front desk staff to the multiple play areas to the big slides. Jolly Yolly Kids is clean, bright and big enough to keep kids occupied without parents and caregivers worrying about losing track of them in the space.

Visiting on a weekday was also a great choice since it wasn’t too crowded and we didn’t have to watch the time. Weekend admission has a two-hour cap to make sure crowds don’t become too much for the kids, and everyone can enjoy their time safely.

If you’re familiar with kids, you know that indoor play areas can quickly get worn down and can feel grimy. That definitely wasn’t the case at Jolly Yolly. The candy theming was so fun and whimsical, and staff members were actively cleaning and making sure the space and everyone in it was safe. The design and cleanliness stood out compared to other indoor play areas.

Here’s what you can expect from a visit to Jolly Yolly:

Check-In

The check-in process is easy, and all participants need to sign a waiver before they go inside. You can complete the waiver on one of the tablets at the desk or by scanning the QR code on your phone. If you do it on your phone, you’ll need to log into the facility’s Wi-Fi since service isn’t the best in the mall.

You also need to make sure everyone who goes into the play area, even adults, is wearing socks. This helps keep everything clean and prevents wear and tear.

There are plenty of cubbies for your shoes and other items, as well as space for stroller parking.

Multiple Play Zones

Jolly Yolly has three main play areas: the big kid zone, a multilevel premium indoor play structure for children ages 3 to 13; the kid zone, for children ages 2 to 7, featuring a triple slide, spinning coconut swings, a saucer swing, merry-go-round and more; and a baby zone for children ages 2 and under, featuring a honeycomb structure, a climbing mountain and a soft play bridge.

There’s also a small “parent zone,” a seating area featuring tables, chairs and free Wi-Fi.

Most of the kids 3 and up were splitting time between the two older kid zones, and kids older than 10 might not find the big kid zone too thrilling — but having a separate space for babies and their parents was a great way for the little ones to explore, and it looked like some of the parents were able to chat, too.

The play zones had plenty to explore, as well as fun slides and a foam block pit. Kids were making friends and enjoying all the spots to climb (and to fall), and the sensory activities scattered around the play areas. The tall slide was a hit with kids of all ages.

Party Room

We didn’t get to see a birthday party in action but did get a peek into the party room. It’s simple, clean and straightforward and looks like a great space for a kids party that you can decorate any way you like.

Jolly Yolly is open daily at 10 a.m. They close at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 7 p.m. all other days.

Admission for kids 0-2 is $11.95 Monday through Thursday, and $17.95 Friday through Sunday. Admission for kids 3-13 is $12.95 Monday through Thursday and $19.95 Friday through Sunday. Kids 11 months and younger are free with a sibling’s paid admission. Parents are included with a child’s admission, and all kids need to wear socks and have a signed waiver on file to play. Check the website for the most up-to-date hours and prices.

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