Kids Empire Tempe
Rating
Family of 4
$50–$70 (Kids Empire typically charges per child; adults often free or minimal cost; check current Tempe pricing)
Duration
2–3 hours
Best Ages
1–10 years
About
Kids Empire at the Tempe location on Elliot Road is one of the higher-end indoor playground experiences in the Phoenix metro area. The chain is known for well-maintained, visually striking play environments that go beyond the standard foam-pad-and-slide setup — think themed play villages, multiple climbing structures scaled to different ages, sensory play zones, and an on-site cafe where parents can actually sit with a cup of coffee while maintaining sightlines to their kids.
The 5-star Google rating is remarkable for an indoor play venue. Normally these places generate enough complaints about crowds, cleanliness, or wait times to drag down the average. Kids Empire Tempe's near-perfect score suggests they're doing the fundamentals — cleanliness, staff responsiveness, equipment quality — better than the competition.
Age range: Kids Empire genuinely serves babies through about age 10, but the toddler and preschool set (ages 1–6) is the core audience. The youngest zones use soft materials and lower-scale equipment appropriate for walkers who aren't yet ready for big-kid climbing structures. Older kids (7–10) can use the full range of climbing challenges.
The location in South Tempe off Elliot Road is convenient to families staying in Tempe, Chandler, or southern Scottsdale. Sessions are capped, so book online before you arrive — walk-ins on busy days may find no availability. Monthly memberships are worth considering if you're local; the per-visit math shifts quickly in your favor.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings for toddlers; weekend afternoons for bigger kids
Wait Times
Minimal — session-based entry manages capacity
Nearby Food
Located in a commercial center on Elliot Rd in South Tempe with several restaurant options nearby. Kids Empire has an on-site cafe for parents and light food for kids.
Why Kids Love It
Kids Empire is a premium indoor playground concept with multiple themed zones — a toddler village, climbing structures, slides, sensory play, and a cafe area for parents. The Tempe location earns a perfect 5-star rating, which for an indoor playground is rare and speaks to consistently clean facilities and well-maintained equipment. Kids love that there's always something new to explore within the same visit.
What Parents Say
“My 3-year old has the best time in the toddler area! Everyone here is so friendly and helpful and the facility is so CLEAN and SAFE!!!”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Kids Empire locations are among the cleanest indoor playgrounds you'll find — they maintain hygiene seriously.
- The cafe area means parents can grab coffee or a snack while kids play in view.
- Book online — walk-ins may not get in during peak times since capacity is managed.
- The Tempe location is in South Tempe off Elliot Rd, easy access from the 101.
- This works for multiple ages simultaneously — toddler zones keep little ones safe while bigger kids use larger structures.
What to Bring
- Socks for everyone
- Light snacks to supplement the cafe
- Water bottles
- Camera — the colorful play areas make great photos
Cost Info
Admission Prices
- Adult
- $5
- Child
- free
Tips to Save
- Kids Empire offers monthly memberships that pay off quickly for regular visitors.
- Book sessions online.
- Adults accompanying young children are typically at reduced cost.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10AM-10PM
- Monday
- 10AM-8PM
- Sunday
- 10AM-10PM
- Tuesday
- 10AM-8PM
- Saturday
- 10AM-10PM
- Thursday
- 10AM-8PM
- Wednesday
- 10AM-8PM