FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions
Are socks required to play at Play Grounds of La Crosse?
Yes, socks are mandatory for certain areas. Clean, athletic-type shoes must be worn throughout the Play Grounds, except on the inflatable jumper, where socks are required. Bare feet are not allowed anywhere in the facility. Socks can be purchased from our cafe. To ensure entry, children must have appropriate shoes and socks. WEAR TENNIS SHOES & SOCKS!
What does "unstaffed" mean?
"Unstaffed" means Play Grounds of La Crosse does not have staff at the entrance to accept payment or to monitor children during their play activities. However, the Play Ground’s owners will be on-site periodically to provide customer service, oversee field trips, and handle maintenance and security needs. We will also have at least 1 staff member running the cafe and available to attend to other areas of the facility as needed. Activities are otherwise monitored remotely through security cameras.
Can I drop off my children to play at the facility alone?
No, children cannot be left unsupervised. Adults must observe and supervise their children at all times while inside the facility. If children are left without a responsible supervising adult (age 18+), Playgrounds of La Crosse reserves the right to contact the police or other authorities.
Are gift cards or certificates available?
Yes, gift cards and certificates are available. Thank you for considering Playgrounds of La Crosse as a gift! When buying a membership as a gift, please register it using the recipient's name, email address, and phone number so they can receive important information about their membership and the facility.
What should adults accompanying children know?
Adults who accompany children to the Play Grounds must monitor the children in their group. The facility operates on a self-use, self-clean basis, similar to an outdoor playground. It's available for play during business hours, but activities are undertaken at your own risk. Please help keep Play Grounds of La Crosse clean!
Security and Safety
How is the facility secured?
Play Grounds has 2 entry doors leading to an entry vestibule. While the exterior entrance doors are open during business hours, the interior entrance door remains locked. Access is granted only by entering an entrance code into the keypad by the interior entry door. Paid admission is required for each child entering the facility.
Members receive a designated entrance code valid as long as their membership is active. Non-members need to purchase a PLAY TODAY PASS and receive a new entrance code for each visit.
There is only one main exit door, separate from the entry doors, besides the emergency exits. Activities and door access are monitored by security cameras and other technologies. Each person entering the facility must have a valid entrance code. Do not open the door or allow unknown persons to enter unless greeting pre-paid guests.
Using an entrance code for unpaid children or sharing entrance codes to allow unpaid entry is prohibited and will be prosecuted as theft.
How do I get into Play Grounds of La Crosse?
To enter the Play Grounds, use your entrance code (plus the # sign) on the keypad next to the entry door. An entrance code is provided upon completing your online purchase, which requires a valid name, email address, and phone number.
Sharing your entrance code with unpaid persons is prohibited. If an entrance code is shared, the purchaser will be financially responsible for all children entering with that code. Random receipt and membership verifications may occur inside the facility.
How is the Play Grounds maintained and sanitized?
At Playgrounds of La Crosse, we prioritize maintaining a clean and safe play environment. We adhere to the Wisconsin Department of Health's Indoor Play Area Maintenance and Sanitation guidelines. The Play Grounds common areas, furnishings, and play equipment are thoroughly cleaned daily with disinfectant solutions recommended for commercial facilities. In addition to professional nightly cleaning by a janitorial crew, the Play Ground’s owners, cafe staff, and attendants regularly clean high-use areas (such as restrooms, the cafe area, entrances, and benches) throughout the day.
Despite these efforts, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other contagious viruses or illnesses exists in any public place. By playing at Playgrounds of La Crosse, customers assume all risks related to contagious viruses and illnesses.
Are sick children permitted in the Play Grounds?
No, to maintain a healthy environment, adults must not bring children with known cold or flu-like symptoms (such as fever, vomiting, coughing, nasal drainage, sore throat, or diarrhea) or other possible contagious conditions to the Play Grounds for at least 24 hours after symptoms have ended.
If needed, adults should use the first aid, spill center, and biological clean kits located next to party room 1. Any unsafe equipment, spills, biological incidents, or hazards should be reported immediately. Children who vomit at the facility must leave immediately, and young children must be accompanied by an adult in the restroom.
Adults who fail to clean up and report biological accidents caused by their children may be banned from future use of the Play Grounds.
Regular handwashing is essential to prevent infections, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Learn more about proper handwashing techniques and the importance of using soap and water.
What should I do if my child gets sick at the facility?
Biological spill kits, located by the first aid area next to party room 1, contain items and instructions for cleaning and reporting biological accidents, including vomit, urine, and blood.
Adults must use the first aid, spill center, and biological clean kits if necessary and report any unsafe equipment, spills, biological incidents, or hazards to the Play Grounds owners immediately. To prevent further exposure, children who vomit in the facility must leave as soon as possible, and young children must be accompanied by an adult in the restroom.
Failure to clean up and report biological accidents caused by children may result in a ban from future use of the facility.
Do I need to sign a Liability Waiver?
Yes. During the online purchase process, you electronically acknowledge the Liability Waiver for the children entering the facility under your entrance code. Whether purchasing a Play Today Pass, membership, or guest pass, the children entering the Play Grounds under your designated entrance code are bound by the Liability Waiver terms and conditions. Physical signatures or bringing the Liability Waiver to the facility are unnecessary.
Despite our cleaning efforts, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other contagious viruses or illnesses exists in any public place. By playing at Playgrounds of La Crosse, customers assume all related risks.
What should I do if I see a safety hazard or have a facility concern?
If you notice a safety hazard or have a facility concern, take reasonable action to safeguard the area and immediately report it to the cafe staff on duty. If that is not possible, contact the Play Grounds owners by phone at (608). Provide the following information:
- Date and time
- Location of broken equipment or hazard (e.g., turf field, basketball court, jumper, playground, cafe area)
- Your name and phone number
Party Rooms
What is the party room food policy?
In the Play Grounds of La Crosse Party Room, guests are welcome to bring their own cake, cupcakes or ice cream cake. Bottled water will be provided for the 10 children and pizzas will be delivered from Topper’s. Any additional snacks, food or drinks can be purchased from the cafe located next to the party rooms.
Can I decorate the room for my party?
Yes, you can decorate the room, but only certain decorations are allowed. Table decorations and tablecloths are permitted. However, balloons, wall hangings, nails, tacks, tape, and hanging decorations such as piñatas are not allowed.
Do I have to book the room ahead, or can I drop in?
Drop-in parties are not allowed. Please plan ahead and make a reservation. Reservations can be made online through our website. Groups found having unauthorized parties (e.g., cake, presents, and decorations) in the cafe area will be fined $200.
How do I make a reservation?
You can reserve your time slot by clicking on "BUY TICKETS," selecting the "Birthday Party" tile, and finding an available time slot that suits your needs. Once you have selected your time, you can add it to your cart and proceed to checkout.
Will we have the facility to ourselves?
No, the facility will remain open to other guests and members during your reservation. Our staff will provide wristbands to your party, allowing you and our team to easily identify the children in your group.
What happens if we need to cancel?
We recommend attempting to reschedule before cancelling. However, if you need to cancel and provide at least 24 hours' notice, you will receive a $100 refund. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, the entire booking fee will be forfeited.
Can I reschedule?
Yes, you can reschedule. We allow one free reschedule if it is more than 14 days before the event. A rescheduling fee of $100 will apply to requests made within 14 days of the event.
Can we play music in the party room?
Yes, you can play your own music in the party room, but you must provide the music and speakers. Music must not contain explicit lyrics and should be kept at a reasonable volume.
Amenities
Do I need to bring play equipment, such as balls?
No, each play area is fully equipped with the necessary balls or equipment for permitted activities. Certain activities, such as softball, baseball, jump roping, frisbee, skateboarding, rollerskating, and golfing, are not allowed in the facility. Additional play equipment for prohibited activities is not permitted.
Is there food for sale? Can I bring food into the facility?
Yes! We have kid friendly food, healthy fruits and veggies, prepackaged snacks, coffee and other drinks!
Cubbies are provided to store your snack bags and water bottles. Please note that glass containers, gum, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Food and beverages are not allowed outside the designated cafe area.
Are there first aid or spill clean up stations?
Yes, the first aid kit is located across from Hoops Hall. It includes band-aids, instant cold packs, vinyl gloves, and other items for minor injuries.
Biological spill kits are available by the first aid area and include items and instructions for cleaning up and reporting biological accidents, such as vomit, urine, and blood. Adults are expected to use these kits if necessary and report any unsafe equipment, spills, biological incidents, or hazards to the facility owners immediately. Children who vomit in the facility will be required to leave immediately, and young children must be accompanied by an adult in the restroom.
Failure to clean up or report biological accidents caused by children may result in a ban from future use of the facility.
Are lockers available?
No, lockers are not available due to the self-use nature of the facility, which means on-site help may not be immediately available to resolve locker issues. Storage cubbies are provided throughout the facility. Keep valuables with you at all times, as Play Grounds of La Crosse is not responsible for personal items lost or left behind. Non-valuable items left behind will be placed in our lost and found.
Is there a Lost & Found?
Yes, if you think you left something behind, you can check our lost and found located next to the coat racks. Items will be cleared out once a week.
Valuable items (phones, wallets, keys, etc.) will be held in the office and can be retrieved by contacting the facility staff. Play Grounds of La Crosse is not responsible for personal items lost or left behind.
Play Today Pass
How many times can I enter the facility with the entrance code?
Entrance codes for Play Today Passes provide unlimited access for the covered children (and their adults) for the date purchased.
Can a Play Today Pass be purchased for a future date?
Yes, a Play Today Pass is valid only for the day you select.
Is a Play Today Pass refundable?
Used passes are non-refundable. However, you can switch the date of the pass yourself by accessing your account. A Play Today Pass is only valid for the date you pick unless you change the date prior to entering the facility.
Permitted and Prohibited Items/Activities
Are birthday parties or hosted group play time allowed? Why not?
No! To ensure proper child supervision, cafe area space, and overall facility security, birthday parties or similar parent-hosted group play times or organized group events, such as team gatherings, multi-family group potluck play dates, and birthday party group playtime (with or without invited adult guests), are not permitted. Purchasing for a group of children and distributing the entrance code to others is not allowed.
In addition, party-related activities such as using the cafe area for celebration activities, presents and present opening, birthday-decorated cupcakes or cakes, candles, and invited guests for food and beverages are not allowed. Children cannot be dropped off for a hosted play event.
Persons who attempt to violate this rule with invited guests for a hosted celebration/play event may be denied access upon arrival or required to leave the facility. As an alternative, the facility reserves the right to charge a $300.00 fee to customers who host an unapproved group event.
What are the prohibited items?
The following items are not permitted in the facility: gum, alcoholic beverages, balloons, glass containers, hair/scarf/sewing pins or needles, high-heeled shoes, cooking or food warmers, piñatas, and art projects involving paint. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is also prohibited.
Additionally, toys and other play items such as baseballs, bats, Nerf guns, rollerblades, skateboards, or children's personal toys (e.g., Hot Wheels cars, marbles) are not allowed. Please refer to the rules page for further details.
Persons responsible for balloons floating to the ceiling may be charged a $100.00 facility fee to cover the cost of removing the balloon before it interferes with heating and lighting systems.
Can I drop my child off to play at the facility?
No! Play Grounds of La Crosse does not employ staff to supervise your children. Children aged 17 years and under must have a responsible adult (a person aged 18 or older) with them inside the facility at all times.
The facility reserves the right to contact local police if children under the age of 17 are left unsupervised to play.
Are pets allowed in the facility?
No. Pets or animals of any kind are not permitted in the facility unless they are licensed personal assistance animals.
Are bare feet allowed in the facility?
No. All persons must wear either shoes or socks at all times. Clean, athletic-type shoes should be worn everywhere in the facility, except only socks on the inflatable jumper. Please bring clean shoes and socks to play!
Can I have a team or group meeting in the cafe area?
The self-use, self-clean cafe area is available for families to use for eating or taking a break from playing. It's not available for team or group meetings or other pre-planned events with several families. When not using the table, food and personal items should be stored in the cubbies or on the garment racks. Tables may not be held or reserved.