Gretchen Griffin remembers the former Electric Playground that was tucked away at the former Holiday Shopping Plaza that today is Gabe’s Plaza. She remembers the former Valley Worlds of Fun in Marion County that also provided entertainment particularly for children.

 

Today, with a six-year-old, Griffin realized there weren’t a whole lot of places like those any more on a year-round basis. Because of that, Griffin is the new owner of Jump for Joy WV Play Café. It’s an indoor version of an inflatable business she already has in place.

 

“We found that by being in the inflatable rentals business that there was a need for more indoor activities for kids in the area, particularly in the wintertime,” said Griffin. “We believe we have a location that will allow kids to have fun, exercise their energy and allow their parents to relax as well.”

 

Perhaps not so ironically, the business is in the same location as the former Electric Playground mentioned above. It opened on Nov. 20.

 

“So far, it’s been really good. (Thanksgiving) week we were busy,” said Griffin.

 

The business isn’t just set up with inflatables. There are rooms for parties, a gift shop area, a café for those wanting to get something to eat and plenty of places for friends and family to sit while children play.

 

“We encourage families to come in and sit and talk with friends and get a bite to eat in our café, which has a little bit of everything,” said Griffin. “We also have party rooms available for birthday parties or things of that nature.”

 

And if you go to a party and forget something?

 

“I’m one of those moms that forget gifts, so we have a small gift area to help out,” she said. “We’re trying to wrap up as many services as possible to make the visit to the business convenient and take stress off of parents.”

 

In fact, if you need them to, they’ll even take photos of the event for you. It’s part of the multiple services offered.

 

“We encourage anyone to come by at anytime and grab a bite to eat,” said Griffin.

 

The food menu includes pizza, hot dogs, nachos, fresh ground coffee, frappes, multiple drink items, sandwiches Dipping Dots and much more. As likely expected, the business for the kids include bounce houses, a basketball game (obtained from Valley Worlds of Fun), arcade games and toys.

 

“Everything you play is included for one price, so you don’t have to buy tickets to keep doing things,” said Griffin. “There are no tickets, tokens or quarters needed,” she said. “

 

The business, at Gabe's Plaza off Lodgeville Road, is open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The hours on Friday and Saturday are 10:30 a.m. to 8 pm. And on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: Top photos show youngsters having a good time taking advantage of some of the items offered,  while owner Gretchen Griffin is shown below.