SANDPOINT — Come on over; it's time to play.

And for the kid crew of the community, there is nowhere like PonderPlay for fun and good times in a place designed just for them.

And, even better, given the long, cold winters and often rainy spring days, the indoor play center means fun is available year-round in a climate-controlled environment.

"We love our life in Sandpoint and the access to the outdoors this area provides," said PonderPlay's Cathryn Bax, who co-founded the business with her husband, Caylor. "We also know the realities of some of those days; we need to get out of the house and let off some steam, regardless of the freezing temps or rainy skies. We saw a need in the area to have a place exclusively designed with kids in mind where parents and guardians can also feel a sense of community."

PonderPlay aims to provide a safe, fun place for kids to play with a community feel for adults. 

"We are fully dedicated to children's playtime," Cax said.

The brightly colored and playful structure features everything from a maze of play areas and tunnels to a ball pit and a slide. Comfortable chairs and tables are available for parents and, since they are at the front of the play area, in a perfect spot to watch the fun and keep an eye on their children.

The Baxes have worked to make pricing affordable so that every family can attend, offering various options, including a daily "drop-in" fee or a monthly pass option. The $10 drop-in rate is a great option for those who are here for a limited time or want to check out the facility. The $35 monthly pass works great for those who want to visit more frequently. The monthly pass includes unlimited visits during the 30 days the pass is valid.

Bax said the play center cleans and sanitizes daily. It requires socks to be on play equipment; bare feet and shoes are not allowed. To ensure no one misses out on the chance to play, socks are available for purchase at the play center.

Parents and guardians are required to be with children while they play; no drop-offs are allowed.

PonderPlay officials said they are excited to be opening their doors and have plans for expansion. Those plans include establishing a party space to help celebrate patrons' milestones and providing bounce house rentals for local events, as well as working toward community partnerships to expand future offerings.

The business, owned and operated by Caylor and Cathryn Bax, is found at 1314 Wright Way, Sandpoint.

The indoor play center is open: Sundays, 12-5 p.m.; and Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. PonderPlay is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

For more information, PonderPlay can be contacted via email at [email protected], online at ponderplaynw.com, or by phone at 509-475-6084.

    Caylor and Cathryn Bax are pictured with their daughter near the colorful and expansive play area at their new business, PonderPlay.