Greystone Recreation Center is a free indoor playground that contains what I like to call ‘non-traditional playground equipment’. The play structure is similar to Leesville Park, Abbotts Creek Park, and Waverly Place. It is managed by Raleigh Parks and it’s the only free indoor playground in the area.
When the weather is nice, you will probably have the whole place to yourself. But if you go on a rainy or cold day this place can get pretty crazy FAST. Overall it’s a fairly small area but it does have lots of bench seating for parents.
My daughter (age 4) LOVES the “river” that goes through it and it is the source of much pretend play. The double doors go to the Magnolia dance studio where my daughter is taking ballet. More on that in another review.
I’d say the equipment is more advanced than some playgrounds. Little ones won’t be able to climb on all of it without help. The big kids can also get a little wild on the climbing wall, so I have to intervene some times for safety purposes.
If you are looking for an indoor play space it’s definitely worth a trip! It’s in a shopping center that houses a Food lion and a couple small restaurants and ice cream shop, so perhaps you can also get a bite to eat or grab groceries in one stop! I love anywhere I can visit multiple places without having to buckle my kids in the car every time!
Classes and Events
Also, be sure to check the leisure ledger or RecLink for classes and events. Greystone hosts a lot of fun events and also has preschool classes, dance classes, and music classes throughout the week! You must register in advance and pay your registration costs in order to attend.
Try nearby Rainbow playroom or Little Doodles Play Cafe for more indoor fun, although they both have an admission cost, whereas Greystone Recreation Center is free.
Find our full list of Indoor play options at https://www.raleightotspots.com/category/indoor-play-areas/
Pros:
- Indoors. And Free
- Rubber surface
- No sand boxes or swings. I know some of you try to avoid these when you can!
- Bathrooms are close by and clean and have a changing table available. You can stand in the doorway and keep an eye on one kid using the potty and another on the playground.
- Clean
- Nice murals on the wall.
- Benches are along the wall and snacks permitted.
- Vending machines in facility. Although this is potentially a con if your kiddo spies some M&Ms.
Cons:
- When weather is bad it can get BUSY
- Relatively small space
- It’s not great for younger toddlers. The climbing equipment is fairly complex and sometimes my 4 year old needs help.