Westside parents, meet Fun Play World.
This colorful 5,000-square-foot indoor playground offers the perfect way to beat the summer heat — cool air, zero screens, and a chance to sip coffee while the kids climb and play.
The space debuted on Pico Boulevard in 2025 and has quickly become a go-to spot for working moms, nannies, and families who want their kids to burn energy without the chaos and grime of public parks.
The Mom Behind the Fun
Owner Natalie Lapidus is no stranger to L.A.’s entertainment scene. She and her husband, Ruslan, have run the Maze Rooms escape room brand for 12 years. But Fun Play World was born from a personal pain point.
“When my own kids were growing up, this type of business wasn’t popular,” Lapidus tells The Sun. “The options were mostly class-based kids’ gyms. As a working mom, I just wanted a place where I could sit down with my laptop while my kids played safely.”
Her first location launched in Cheviot Hills two years ago. The Santa Monica spot was opened to meet demand from families in Brentwood, Venice, and the Westside.
Lapidus says the mission is simple: “In modern life, everyone is so glued to their devices. We wanted to build a place where parents, nannies, and kids can actually interact and spend time together.”
A Peek Inside
The space is built for all ages, but is most ideal for early elementary schoolers. A massive, multi-level climbing structure with slides and obstacles dominates the room, and the colorful ball pit is the undisputed favorite. (There is a smaller area just for toddlers.)
An interactive air-cannon machine that launches balls is a sensory hit, and an upstairs arcade is in the works (pending permits) to keep older siblings entertained.
Everyone — kids and adults — must wear socks (no shoes) on the play floor. The venue enforces deep cleanings throughout the week and keeps a gap between parties to ensure the space is spotless.
One thing you won’t find in the playroom: televisions.
“Parents don’t want screens,” Lapidus says. “They come here because they want their kids to have fun, play, and enjoy time together.”
Walk Right In
During the day, the crowd skews toward nannies with little kids and parents hosting playdates. Lapidus says many families avoid public outdoor playgrounds due to safety and cleanliness concerns — and with extreme heat, the indoor, air-conditioned option is a no-brainer.
Walk-in open play sessions run two hours and cost $35 per child. Outside food is allowed, so families often bring lunch or order delivery. Most kids are preschool and kindergarten age, often accompanied by parents or nannies.
Birthday Party Fun
Naturally, Fun Play World is a magnet for birthday parties. The space typically hosts two parties a day on weekends at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Because there’s no separate party room, booking a weekend event means renting the entire venue. Packages range from bare-bones space rentals to full-service, turn-key celebrations.
Basic space-only packages start around $1,800 for up to 20 kids. The top-tier VIP package runs $6,700 (including 18% gratuity) and includes full custom decorations, catering, cakes, desserts, and staffing — parents just show up and enjoy. Most families opt for mid-tier or basic packages; the VIP is rare because it’s a full private venue rental with all-inclusive service.
At a Glance: Fun Play World
- Location: 828 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica
- Phone: 502-354-5934
- Open Play: $35 for two hours (walk-in)
- Best For: Ages 1–8
- More Info: funplayworld.com
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