[Parent-Child Days #015] Chikyu no Niwa Kashiwa Store | An indoor playground where you can play safely with 2-3 year olds!

Sorry to bother you again!
It's Basha.

This is the 15th article in the Parent-Child Days series,
where I write about places I've visited with my family.

Where should I go with my 2-3 year old?
I hope this helps those who are wondering.

[Introduction]

This time, I wrote an article about when I went to Chikyu no Niwa, an indoor playground at Aeon Mall Kashiwa, with my
2-year-old son.

It's a playground with a calm atmosphere,
centered around a ball pit.

The theme is the Earth and nature,
making it a playground
where you can learn while playing.

I would like to honestly summarize
my impressions of actually going there.

[Quick Review]

Here is the review right away.

Excitement level: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
Cost performance: ★★★★☆ (4.0)
Photo index: ★★★★☆ (4.0)
Parent-child synchronization rate: 70%

Stay duration: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
Amount spent: about 2,000 yen

The overall ratingis at the end of the article.

[Photos & Report]

Along with photos,
I will briefly report on each area.

・Iceberg Area

A blue and white ball pit inspired by a large slide and the ocean.
There was also a bazooka that could launch balls.

・Volcano Area

A red ball pit inspired by magma.
The volcano erupts.

・City Area

A pretend play area with lots of shops.

・Arctic Area

There is a fluffy dome you can ride on,
and there are overseas toys and wooden train toys.

・Mountain Area

An area for children from 0 to 2 years old.
You can play safely.

・Strata Area

Sand play corner.
The sand is safe, antibacterial sand.

Boots and aprons are also available so you don't get dirty.

・Chikyu-kun

He came to play.
He will take pictures with you.

[Good Points]

These are the benefits.

・You can experience the "Earth" and "Nature" while playing

Chikyu no Niwa is an indoor playground themed around the Earth and nature.

With worldviews divided by area such as volcanoes, icebergs, forests, strata, and cities,
it's not just about playing;
conversations like "What is this?" or "Why?"
tend to arise naturally.

・Wide age range, making it easy for siblings to play together

There is a baby area for children from 0 years old, and it caters to preschoolers through elementary school students.

The fact that siblings of different ages can "play in the same space" is
a very helpful point for parents.

・Since it is an indoor facility, you can play without worrying about the weather

It is an indoor type that can be used with peace of mind even on rainy, hot, or cold days.
It is very reassuring as an option for days when "playing outside is tough today..."

・Good balance between physical play and focused play

While you can move your body in the ball pit or with soft play equipment, there are also many elements for sitting and playing carefully, such as sand play and educational toys.
You can switch how you play according to your child's mood and stage of growth.

・Well-equipped facilities for those with children, such as a baby room

An environment that is easy to use even with a baby, such as for diaper changes and nursing.
It's less likely that you'll have to say, "We have to go home halfway through...", which reduces stress for parents.

・Easy flow within the Aeon Mall

It's easy to eat or shop after playing, and the fact that you can complete your day just here is a big advantage.

[Bad Points]

Here are some points that might be a concern.

• Might feel underwhelming for elementary school students and older

Chikyu no Niwa has a very strong focus on preschool children.
Children in the upper grades of elementary school might feel they want a bit more excitement.

• Flashiness and attraction-like feel are modest

If you are expecting large play equipment or high-speed play, it might feel a bit plain.
It is strictly a facility for "playing carefully" and "spending time calmly."

• Not photogenic

Because it has a gentle, wood-grain atmosphere, it's hard to take flashy photos for social media.
However, it is easy to capture the natural atmosphere of parents and children playing together.

• More for 1-2 hours than for long stays

Rather than playing all day, it feels just right to "stop by for a bit in the morning" or "drop in while shopping."

・Harder to play when crowded

Since the space itself is not too large, it might feel a bit cramped during peak hours on weekends, holidays, or rainy days.

[Basic Information/Access]

◆ Name
Chikyu no Niwa Kashiwa Store (Indoor Children's Playground)

◆ Location
2-5-25 Toyocho, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture

Aeon Mall Kashiwa 2F

◆ Phone Number
070-1412-6909

◆ Business Hours
10:00-20:00 (Last admission 19:00)
*Subject to Aeon Mall Kashiwa's closed days

◆ Closed Days
Subject to Aeon Mall Kashiwa's closed days

◆ Target Age
0 to 12 years old and their guardians

◆ Fees (Estimate)

・Child (first 60 minutes) Weekdays: from approx. 1,000 yen, Weekends/Holidays: from approx. 1,200 yen
・Extension and 1-day passes available
・Separate adult fees apply
*Discounts available with membership registration

◆ Access

・Approx. 15-17 minute walk from JR Joban Line "Minami-Kashiwa Station" (to Aeon Mall Kashiwa)
・Parking available (Aeon Mall Kashiwa parking lot)

◆ Official Website

*Please check the official website for the latest fees and business hours.

[Summary & Overall Rating]

To be honest,
this is not a place to look for flashiness or thrill-ride attractions.

However, because of that,
the level of perfection for playing safely and calmly with 2-3 year olds is quite high.

While moving their bodies in the ball pool,
there is also time to focus on sand play and pretend play,
and it had a full range of "play that is just right for this age."

Since it is inside an Aeon Mall,
it is also helpful that you can get play, meals, and shopping done all at once.

Overall Rating

★★★★☆ (4.0)

It is the best indoor playground to visit with 2-3 year olds because of the ultimate sense of security.
If you are looking for peace of mind rather than flashiness, you cannot go wrong with this place.

Oh,
however, the access to Aeon Mall Kashiwa is a bit tricky!
It is a hassle if you do not have a car. lol

To all of you who love carriages, see you next time.