No, NOT the infamous “Hooters”! Ha!! While perhaps poorly named, “Hoots” is nevertheless a fantastic indoor play area on the northwest side of Albuquerque, near the Balloon Park. I’ve made a point of stopping here after a long day of running errands in ABQ or doing other parent-directed activities, so the kids can burn off some energy before the 2-hour drive home. Hoots is a great go-to: it’s relatively cheap, small (you won’t lose your kids), appeals to a wide age range (~2-11yrs), and is a cool air-conditioned option in the summer or warm & dry in the winter when it is simply too cold to hang out at a park.
The indoor area is small but easily holds 3 huge inflatable play structures, including 2 large slides and 2 obstacle courses. There is room enough for your kiddos to run around between the inflatables and an intelligently-placed water fountain so your kids don’t have to constantly bug you for a drink.
Somewhat separated from the inflatables section, there is a screened-in obstacle course that is a larger version of what you might find in a newer McDonalds or Chik-fil-A (also similar to the outdoor playplace at Twirl in Taos). In this obstacle course, there are bouncy netted floors, a slide, a hammock, a rope swing…. Fun enough to keep your 10 year old entertained but gentle enough for your toddler to explore as well. While we normally end up there on a weekday (yay for homeschooling!), it’s never been that busy no matter when we visit. The main exception, I suppose, would be if there is a birthday party scheduled.
My boys love this place as it gives them freedom to exercise their gross motor skills in a variety of ways – scrambling up the inflatables, throwing themselves down the slides, playing games in the screened-in section, racing from one inflatable to the next…. Even our 2 year old has mastered climbing on the inflatables {with the occasional boost from mom}.
The only negatives I’ve experienced there so far involved 1) having to purchase socks because I had forgotten ours at home & 2) our oldest son unwisely climbing over the side of one of the inflatables and hitting his head on the floor (carpeted but not padded). *Note: this was his own fault and warranted a stern scolding and a hug and a kiss, and does not reflect on the safety of Hoots itself. The business also has a couple of arcade-style games and an air hockey table, so I try to have a few quarters on hand.
If you’re visiting Albuquerque or passing through, Hoots is one of the best kid-friendly stops you can make to ease the pain of more long hours in the car. (Be sure to download the waiver online to save time when you arrive!) After leaving Hoots, I also like to make a quick, 10minutes-out-of-the-way stop at Menchies to grab a frozen yogurt – YUM. Hoots & fro-yo puts all of us in a good mood on the way back up the hill 🙂
Looks like a wonderful place for the boys to play and you to rest. 😁