Be with Me Playseum
About
The Playseum at Columbia Mall is an indoor play venue designed for children aged 1 to 11 years, featuring over 20 thematic "Cityshops" that mimic real-world environments scaled to children's sizes. These interactive spaces include a mechanic's shop, Italian restaurant, hospital room, and pet shop, encouraging imaginative play. Additionally, the Playseum offers hands-on projects at various bars: an Art Bar for painting, a Bakery Bar for decorating cookies and cupcakes, a Science Bar for making slime, and a Soap Bar for creating personal care items. The facility also hosts birthday parties and field trips, providing private party rooms and structured activities. Parents, grandparents, and older siblings are encouraged to participate, fostering family bonding through creative play.
Play Areas and Activities
The Be With Me Playseum at Columbia Mall offers an imaginative, kid-sized cityscape with over 20 interactive "Cityshops" designed to spark creativity and role-playing for children aged 1 to 11. Key play areas include an art room where kids can paint and craft, a grocery store for pretend shopping, a salon for dress-up and styling, and a pet shop featuring live animals to pet and learn about. Other highlights include a mechanics shop for fixing toy cars, an Italian restaurant for making pretend pizzas, and a hospital room for taking play x-rays. The venue also offers hands-on Creation Stations like the Science Bar for mixing slime, the Soap Bar for crafting bubble bath, and the Bakery Bar for decorating cupcakes, though these require Playseum Dollars, a pretend currency purchased separately. Daily story times and a theater area for performances add a storytelling dimension, encouraging kids and adults to engage together in imaginative play.
Pricing
Admission is $15 per person for ages 1 to 100. Regular hours are Monday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-7pm, and Sundays 1pm-6pm.
Facilities and Amenities
Located inside The Mall in Columbia, the Playseum provides a fully indoor, climate-controlled space ideal for year-round visits. Admission wristbands allow all-day access with in-and-out privileges, and the facility includes seating areas for parents to relax while supervising. A small microwave is available for heating baby food or bottles, but outside food is otherwise prohibited. Restrooms feature a diaper changing station, though cleanliness can vary during peak times. The book and toy store on-site sells a variety of play items, many of which are used in the Cityshops, doubling as a gift shop. Playseum Dollars, exchanged at a 1:1 rate with real money, are used for Creation Station activities and some purchases, with a discount if bought in bulk upfront. The venue is not a drop-off facility, requiring adult supervision, and offers benches throughout for resting, though active participation is encouraged.
Positive Reviews
1. Families enjoy the diverse range of activities, noting how the themed rooms keep children entertained and engaged for hours, appealing to various age groups.
2. The staff’s warmth and enthusiasm stand out, with many appreciating their help in guiding kids through activities and maintaining a welcoming vibe.
3. Parents value the focus on imaginative play, feeling it offers a refreshing break from screen time and fosters creativity in a hands-on way.
4. The all-day admission with re-entry is a hit, allowing flexibility for breaks or meals at the mall without feeling rushed.
5. The educational aspect, like learning about budgeting with Playseum Dollars or interacting with animals, is praised for blending fun with subtle life lessons.
3. Parents value the focus on imaginative play, feeling it offers a refreshing break from screen time and fosters creativity in a hands-on way.
4. The all-day admission with re-entry is a hit, allowing flexibility for breaks or meals at the mall without feeling rushed.
5. The educational aspect, like learning about budgeting with Playseum Dollars or interacting with animals, is praised for blending fun with subtle life lessons.
Negative Reviews
1. Some visitors find the admission price, plus extra costs for Creation Station activities, a bit high, especially for larger families or frequent visits.
2. Crowds during weekends or holidays can overwhelm the space, making it hard to enjoy certain areas without waiting or feeling cramped.
3. A few parents have mentioned occasional cleanliness issues, particularly in high-traffic areas like the pet shop or restrooms, detracting from the experience.
4. The rule requiring adults to pay the same entry fee as kids has frustrated some, especially if they’re just supervising and not participating.
5. Limited food options on-site, coupled with the no-outside-food policy, leave some families wishing for more variety or convenience during longer stays.
3. A few parents have mentioned occasional cleanliness issues, particularly in high-traffic areas like the pet shop or restrooms, detracting from the experience.
4. The rule requiring adults to pay the same entry fee as kids has frustrated some, especially if they’re just supervising and not participating.
5. Limited food options on-site, coupled with the no-outside-food policy, leave some families wishing for more variety or convenience during longer stays.
Kids Birthday Party
The Playseum at Columbia Mall is a popular spot for hosting birthday parties and group outings, offering packages that include private play time, access to a party room, and staff assistance. Party options range from basic to premium, with extras like Creation Station activities or goodie bags available for an additional cost. Guests appreciate the staff’s role in managing the event, from setup to cleanup, which reduces stress for organizers. The kid-sized city theme makes it a unique and memorable setting for celebrations, and larger groups like school field trips can book tailored experiences with educational focuses like financial literacy or arts. However, some have noted challenges with scheduling during peak times, and late arrivals may not get extra time. Feedback suggests it’s most enjoyable when planned for quieter weekdays to maximize space and attention.
Food
Food at the Playseum is limited to the Bake Creation Station, where kids and parents can decorate cupcakes or cookies using Playseum Dollars, and purchase snacks like hot or cold beverages. The hands-on decorating is a fun perk, especially for parties, and the treats are seen as a tasty reward after play. A free fruit or veggie snack sometimes follows morning story time, which health-conscious parents appreciate. However, the lack of a broader menu disappoints those wanting more substantial or savory options, and the no-outside-food rule can feel restrictive during long visits. Some find the snack prices reasonable for a specialty venue, while others see them as pricey for the simplicity, often opting to eat elsewhere in the mall.
Hours
Monday: 10AM-5PM
Tuesday: 10AM-5PM
Wednesday: 10AM-5PM
Thursday: 10AM-5PM
Friday: 10AM-7PM
Saturday: 10AM-7PM
Sunday: 1-6PM
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Maryland
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