Zagreb - Softplay options

by Crojoe

Disclaimer: I receive no financial benefit in offering this information. Information supplied is subject to change and is only an opinion, not to be taken as legal advice or meant to be discriminating in any way, shape or form.

INDOOR SOFTPLAY AREAS IN ZAGREB:
(More than the average free play area found in most large retail stores today).

Bibo - http://www.bibo.hr/ (site only in Croatian)
Two (2) Locations in Zagreb: Zagrebaèki Velesajam, Paviljon 25 & Špansko, Zagrebaèka Avenija, Super Konzum.
Opinion: Velesajam site is big and has some fun slides, trampolines and climbing frame for kids of all ages.

I did spot some safety issues such as units not tied down, exposed inflatable fans that little fingers would love to touch and some tired tatty units, otherwise it is about the best place for older kids to jump and play. I believe it is also been open for business the longest. Has a number of hot and cold coin operated vending machines for drinks and large sitting area.

They offer some basic birthday play packages, but no separate party rooms. They supply the drinks and you supply the cake.

Note: One very annoying fact is that the facility is situated in the Velesajam fair ground, so to drive in you get charged 10 Kuna for parking.

Zagrebacka Avenija site is their latest, so one should expect a nice facility. Never visited, so no comment.

Habyland – http://www.habyland.com/index.html (site only in Croatian)

Location: Zagreb, Slavonska avenija 3.

Opinion: One of the newest facilities in Zagreb. While a lovely place, clean and good for kids, its low roof does not permit larger inflatable slides units. It seems more geared towards kids between 4 to 10 years of age. Overall a good standard. They also offer birthday packages.

West Gate Kids Park (formally known as Habipark, but now under different management) - http://westgate.com.hr/index.php?lan=cr&id=237 (site only in Croatian)

Location: West Gate shopping Centre (about 30 minute drive from Zagreb city centre)

Opinion: The biggest to date with plenty of room to run around. While not the best use of space, it will entertain kids of all age groups. It includes a basic restaurant and coffee shop. They offer 4 birthday party rooms and an area for little ones to play separately. A while back it was free entrance but not sure of the current situation. West gate is a shop till you drop (3.5 km of walking around shops), so leave Dad with kids at KidsPark.

Jump Outdoor Facility - http://www.jump.com.hr/o_nama.php (site only in Croatian)

Location: Jarun Lake, Zagreb

Opinion: Yes, this is an outdoor enclosed facility that includes large slide, ball pit, trampolines and plenty of fresh air. Not a bad visit when you’re at Jarun lake for a stroll or coffee. Open most weekends and during children’s holidays. They do pack up over the summer season and head to the coast. Do bring a spare pair of clothes for your kids as is outdoor facility.

Pointers to ponder when visiting Croatian play facilities:

Croatia is not a “blame and claim” society, insurance cover for play facilities are very limited so it can be difficult to sue if an accident where to happen (or take years). As in all indoor facilities you must keep an eye on your kids. Safety procedures are not up to western standards and often staff are not trained in first aid or proper handling of children on rides (more often then not they are hired student help). The facilities I have visited are often under staffed, so, parental guidance and oversight is a must.