FUNbelievable
Rating
Family of 4
$50-$80 (child admission ~$13-16; accompanying adult discounted or free; snacks extra)
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-10
About
If you live in Lakeside, El Cajon, or Santee and you've been driving all the way to Miramar or Chula Vista for an indoor playground fix, FUNbelievable on Riverside Drive is your local answer. This is one of the larger indoor play facilities in the East County San Diego area, and it serves a community that doesn't have the same density of kid-focused attractions as coastal San Diego.
The multi-level climbing structure is the anchor of the space — interconnected platforms, tunnels, and slides that keep kids ages 4-10 actively exploring without repeating themselves. The toddler zone is separated with appropriate fencing, so parents of mixed-age groups can let older kids run while keeping a closer eye on the younger ones in a contained space.
Friday hours extend to 8PM, making FUNbelievable a legitimate after-school destination for kids who have pent-up weekday energy. The rest of the week closes at 6PM (10AM-6PM), so it's more of a morning or early afternoon activity on non-Fridays.
The facility is located in the River Run East Business Park, which has free surface parking and is easy to navigate. This isn't a flashy new space, but it's well-maintained and the staff are consistent about enforcing safety rules like sock requirements and age-zone separation, which matters when you're a parent trying to relax for five minutes.
For East County families, this is a reliable, affordable, and local option that doesn't require a 40-minute drive to reach.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings; Friday evenings are busy
Wait Times
Minimal on weekdays; brief check-in line on weekends
Nearby Food
Lakeside has several fast casual dining options along Riverside Drive and nearby Winter Gardens Blvd. The venue itself has limited snack options.
Why Kids Love It
FUNbelievable in Lakeside is a large indoor play facility with multi-level climbing structures, slides, a dedicated toddler play zone, and open play areas that give kids room to run. Kids 4-8 love the climbing structure's maze of tunnels and platforms, while the toddler zone keeps younger siblings safe and entertained separately. The Friday evening extended hours make it a popular after-school destination for East County families.
What Parents Say
“I brought my one year old and he loved the toddler area with the "pool" filled with plastic balls.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- FUNbelievable is one of the few indoor playgrounds serving the Lakeside/El Cajon area — it fills an important gap for East County families.
- Friday has extended hours until 8PM, making it a good after-school option.
- Socks are required for all participants.
- The Riverside Drive location in River Run East Business Park has easy free parking.
- Birthday party packages are available — call or check funbelievableplay.com for current options.
What to Bring
- Grip socks
- Snacks and water
- Change of clothes for active kids
- Birthday party supplies if applicable
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$50-$80 (child admission ~$13-16; accompanying adult discounted or free; snacks extra)
Tips to Save
- FUNbelievable offers membership plans for frequent visitors.
- Weekday visits are typically less expensive than weekend rates.
- Bring your own snacks to avoid venue food costs.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10AM-8PM
- Monday
- 10AM-6PM
- Sunday
- 10AM-6PM
- Tuesday
- 10AM-6PM
- Saturday
- 10AM-6PM
- Thursday
- 10AM-6PM
- Wednesday
- 10AM-6PM