Kids Empire Bakersfield is a large indoor playground offering a full day of active indoor fun, with plenty for kids of different ages to explore. The large indoor playground features two big slides, climbing areas, a sledding-style ramp, bumper cars (an arcade feature at an additional cost), large building-block play, a small disco dancing area, and a toddler area with a ball gym, mini climbing structures, and smaller slides.
General admission currently is at $21.90 per child and includes two adults at no additional charge. Even better for families planning to stay awhile because admission is good for the entire day and includes re-entry.
There are some arcade games for kids to play and win prizes. Arcade games cost extra and are not included with general admission.
Before you go, everyone entering Kids Empire needs a waiver, and socks are required for both children and adults. Kids Empire specifies non-grip socks rather than grip socks. Families can bring their own or purchase socks at the front desk.
Kids Empire also offers birthday party packages, making it an option for families looking for an indoor birthday venue where entertainment is already built into the experience. Birthday parties get an extra dose of fun with a visit from the Kids Empire dragon mascot who comes out to interact and celebrate with the kids and even provides dance moves for all the kids to participate in!
Military families: Kids Empire Bakersfield offers a 10% discount for veteran families. Ask the location about eligibility and any other current discounts or promotions when you visit.
Macaroni KID Tip: One important thing to plan around is food. Outside food and drinks generally aren't permitted with regular admission. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, but this isn't a place to count on for a full meal. Because admission includes re-entry, families can leave for a meal and return for more play afterward. Few local restaurants are close enough to walk to from the parking lot of this venue. Also, for children celebrating birthday parties, the venue allows outside catering.
Business Review
I visited Kids Empire with my daughter and was impressed by how much there is for kids to do. At $21.90 for kid's admission and 2 additional adults go in free, this was a great affordable option to spend the holiday with my child.
There are activities for kids who want to climb, slide and move, as well as building, arcade, and dancing areas. I also appreciated the separate toddler play space for little ones.
My favorite surprise at Kids Empire was the claw machines. The arcade games are an additional cost, but the claw machines are designed so kids are guaranteed a prize. As a parent, I love that. There's something especially disappointing about watching a child try a claw machine only to walk away empty-handed!
Another small touch I appreciated: the arcade card comes attached to a stretchy wristband, making it much easier to keep track of while kids are running around and playing. It's a simple detail but those little conveniences can make a family outing go much more smoothly.
The only drawback for me was the limited food selection. You can purchase snacks and drinks, but there aren't full meals available. Since your admission allows re-entry, I'd plan around that if you're staying for several hours. Fortunately, there are a few restaurants conveniently located in the same shopping/parking areas, making it easy to find more substantial food options nearby without having to travel too far.
Macaroni KID Tip: Arcade games are an additional cost, so factor that into your budget if your kids love prize games!
