Thanks to Red Panda Play Space for hosting our visit and East Bay mom of two littles with a 3-year age gap, Jade Spadoni, for helping us test out Red Panda Play Space with her team.
As a mom of two kids with a three-year age gap, I am always looking for places we will all enjoy and Red Panda was pretty perfect. The space itself isn’t too big, which I appreciated, and felt I could watch both kids simultaneously without feeling stressed.
Red Panda Play Space, Castro Valley
Small but in a lovely, cozy way, Red Panda Play Space in Castro Valley has pretend play galore with a dozen little vignettes or play stations. In the 90 minutes my children, ages 4 and 1, explored, we were princesses, ran an ice cream truck, built towers with Magnatiles, made food at the diner, performed a baby doll well-check, and drove the school bus.
Note: Shoes off. Socks are required, but they don’t need to be special, grippy socks.
What to love about Red Panda Play Space
The staff at Red Panda Play Space was incredibly friendly and the space was well-maintained and clean. We found it perfect for a mix of ages from toddler to young elementary.
I loved the set-ups and the extensive offerings of Melissa and Doug pretend play they offered. The play area is divided into little worlds ranging from a diner/kitchen area, nail salon, veterinarian/doctor’s office, and supermarket to allow young children to be immersed in their imaginative play.
Both of my kids enjoyed the kitchen area and Nora even dressed up as Cinderella as we played diner. At the nail station, they had kid-safe nail polish, where Benny asked to paint my nails, which was very fun.
Bring a snack or purchase one. Two rows of tables near the entrance are available for eating snacks and beverages. My husband loved this since he brought his lunch with him and could eat while he watched our kids play.
On the way out, we let the kids pick a snack out at the little snack bar to purchase (which were all affordably priced). They also had little toys and items at the front as well so be prepared!
Plan your visit to Red Panda Play Space
Online reservations are recommended for rainy days, no school days, and weekends. The play space is on the second floor. We found parking easily in the small parking lot out front.
Ages: 18 months to 8 years
Location: 3553 Castro Valley Blvd Second floor Ste L&M, Castro Valley
Hours: Vary, please check the calendar.Â
Fees: $16 per child over age one for 2 hours of play; $14 for siblings; $12 per baby 6 months to one year; up to 2 companion adults are included. Bulk-buy punch cards and memberships are available.
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