About CJ’s Climb and Play
CJ’s Climb and Play is a family-focused indoor playground located inside Prince Albert’s Gateway Mall (1403 Central Avenue) . The facility specializes in active, imaginative play: its brightly colored play zones include slides, ball pits, tunnels, climbing frames and obstacles all built to North American safety standards . Open daily, CJ’s is especially popular in Prince Albert’s long winters, giving children a warm, safe place to burn off energy and socialize. As the region’s premier indoor play center, it emphasizes healthy active play – “encouraging a healthy lifestyle through fun exercise in a safe, comfortable indoor environment” . The venue’s signature Canadian-made play equipment and imaginative layout make it unique in the local scene, and many families consider it a go-to wintertime attraction (one reviewer calls it a “great place for young children to play on a cold winter day” ). Though CJ’s is new (opened in recent years), it’s quickly become a gathering spot for kids and parents in Prince Albert, complementing the retail experience of Gateway Mall with hands-on fun.
Play Sessions and Parties
Rather than booked shows or performances, CJ’s Climb and Play operates drop-in play sessions and private events. On most days any family can walk in and play during regular opening hours (no advance ticket required). The center also hosts birthday parties and group events – it has dedicated party rooms for celebrations (one visitor notes “decent sized party rooms” on site ). Parents can contact CJ’s to reserve a party slot or private function. While it isn’t a theater or concert venue, CJ’s sometimes runs special kids’ events (seasonal themes or holiday activities) announced on social media or in their lobby. But generally, the programming is unstructured play: children climb, slide and explore freely under staff oversight. With one free adult admitted per child, parents or guardians stay to supervise – so a typical “event” is simply a play date or birthday bash inside CJ’s inviting play area.
Tickets and Booking
Admission is paid on arrival – there is no separate ticket outlet or online sale. Families pay by the hour or day at the front desk. Standard drop-in rates (as of 2024) range roughly from CAD $9–10 for toddlers (age 3 and under) and $13–15 for older kids (ages 4–12), depending on weekday vs. weekend . One accompanying adult is admitted free on weekdays, and one free adult per child on weekends; additional adults cost about $2.50 each . The center also offers membership packages: for example, a 1–6 month unlimited play pass (kids 3 and under vs. 4–12 priced differently) . Punch cards are available too – a bundle of 10 admissions (valid for multiple children) at a discounted rate . All bookable parties or functions are arranged by contacting CJ’s staff directly; party packages typically include reserved time and use of the private party rooms. Note that CJ’s reserves the right to limit entry during peak times or if capacity is reached . Always check CJ’s latest hours and updates on their Facebook/Instagram or by phone before heading out, as they may adjust hours for holidays or special events .
Play Area Layout
CJ’s Climb and Play is built around a large, interconnected play structure suited for kids (~age 1–12). The colorful, multi-level climber has slides, nets, obstacles and tunnels – all with padded, soft floor surfaces . Surrounding this are open areas and separate zones: for example, a designated toddler area for the youngest children (a “small area for littler ones” as one review mentions ). Throughout the space parents’ seating and benches allow adult supervision around the main play park. The design is spacious and vibrant: with high ceilings and broad sightlines, parents can see most of the play floor from key vantage points. Since there’s no stage or fixed seating (it’s an open play center), the “best view” is whatever spot lets you watch your child. In general, the entire arena is roughly rectangular and minimal obstructions, so any spot near the sides or above the entrance can provide a clear view of kids climbing inside. Strollers and wheelchairs can be parked near the entrance of the play area; the play structures themselves have ramps and ground-level features to include children with different abilities. In short, the layout encourages freedom of movement: kids climb up and down the slides and obstacles at will, with padded edges and nets ensuring safety as they race around.
Getting There and Parking
CJ’s Climb and Play sits in north-central Prince Albert, inside Gateway Mall at 1403 Central Avenue . The mall is easily reachable by car: it’s at the busy corner of Central Ave (Highway 3) and 13th Street East. There is **ample free parking** around the mall – both surface lots and attached parkade levels – so driving is convenient. Highway 11/Dunlop Street is a block east, providing quick access from the Trans-Canada route. For those using taxis or ride-hailing services, the main mall doors on Central Ave have a passenger drop-off zone. Transit riders can hop on Prince Albert Transit buses that run along Central Avenue – several city routes pass the mall (check the latest schedules on the city website) . Gateway Mall’s address (and GPS 53.199876, -105.75403) ensures it shows up on mapping apps. Once inside the mall, follow interior signs or directory kiosks to Unit #500, the CJ’s entrance – it’s near other children’s stores. Overall, CJ’s is accessible from all sides by the network of downtown Prince Albert roads, making it easy to reach by car, bus or even on foot from nearby neighborhoods.
Inside the Venue
On arrival at CJ’s, expect a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. You’ll first find staff at the reception desk where you pay admission – they’ll note the number of children and adults. Plan to remove shoes (most kids place shoes in cubby bins or a shoe area) and **wear socks** on the play equipment (this is standard practice for hygiene). There’s no formal coat check, so keep coats and valuables with you; some guests recommend extra safeguards for personal items due to past locker-theft concerns . Once inside, you’ll see an expansive play structure brightly lit under overhead lights. Soft music or children’s tunes often play in the background. Parents can sit ringside on benches or chairs placed around the perimeter; there’s usually a low table area near the entrance. The main play floor is carpeted or thickly padded. Along one wall you’ll find a snack kiosk: CJ’s offers a small concession stand selling kid-friendly food and drinks at reasonable prices (buy coffee, juice boxes, popcorn and light snacks on-site). Restrooms (with changing tables) are located on the way out of the play zone – keep eyed on the map sign by the door. A coat rack or shelves may be nearby, but don’t expect full-service storage. CJ’s does not have a full kitchen or sit-down dining; for anything beyond snacks you’ll need to exit to the mall’s food court. One useful tip: bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer – a reviewer mentioned “bring wipes” for sticky little fingers after a play session . Although there’s no formal gift shop, sometimes the entrance area might have balls or small toys for sale. In general the venue is clean and cheerfully decorated, and staff are on hand (often brightly uniformed) to monitor safety and assist kids. The overall vibe is energetic and busy – expect lots of laughter and running feet. If you run into any issues (a crying child or a first-aid need), attendants are trained to help; many visitors have praised the friendly, attentive staff.
Nearby Amenities
Because CJ’s is inside a mall, everything you need is within easy reach. The Gateway Mall’s **food court** is immediately accessible for quick meals: it features kid-pleasers like A&W (burgers), Taco Time (tacos), Orange Julius (smoothies), Famous Wok (Asian stir-fries) and Trifon’s Pizza . If you’d prefer sit-down dining before or after your playtime, several cafés and restaurants are just outside the mall doors or one block north along 13th Avenue. For example, the adjacent Gateway Casino complex has a casual pub/restaurant called Match Eatery & Public House. A little further west (5–10 minutes’ walk) on downtown streets are family-friendly spots like Irish pubs and breweries – Sam Ryburn’s or the Canadian Brewhouse – and pizza and sandwich shops. Kids-friendly chains (Tim Hortons, Subway, McDonald’s) are a short drive away on Central Ave. If you’re staying overnight, a few hotels are in this neighborhood: Travelodge and Quality Hotel & Suites are literally a one-block walk north (67 13th St E, about 0.2 km) , and Twilite Motel & RV Park is a half kilometer east on Highway 2 . These provide easy lodging close to CJ’s. For late-night options or drinks, the Gateway Casinos complex itself has bars open late, and Prince Albert’s nightlife is mostly centered on 6th Street (a short drive from the mall). Overall, you’ll rarely need to leave the Gateway Mall area: it gives large parking, a food court, washrooms and even free Wi-Fi in the mall common areas, making CJ’s a one-stop family destination.
What Makes This Venue Special
CJ’s Climb and Play stands out in Prince Albert for its scale and design. Unlike small home play centers, CJ’s has a **large, professionally built indoor playground** with Canadian-made equipment. The colorful multi-level climber was custom-designed to capture kids’ imaginations . Its brand-new, themed aesthetic gives a fun, almost playground-park feel under cover. The venue’s focus on physical activity is also part of what makes it special – parents appreciate encouraging exercise through play, and staff often emphasize safety and healthy habits. Over the years since opening, CJ’s has become woven into local family culture: many grandparents and parents recall their own children’s birthday parties here. It’s one of the few all-ages recreational spaces in town, so it doubles as a community hub for youth events and casual meetups. Famous memories include toddler’s first playdates and repeat summer visits during school break. While no superstar artist appears here, the center occasionally hosted local kids’ music performances or holiday characters (San ta, etc.). The fact that it’s attached to Northern Saskatchewan’s largest mall also means it’s a landmark – practically everyone in town knows CJ’s is “that fun playground by the Gateway Mall.” In short, CJ’s Climb and Play delivers a unique combination of energetic design, family-centric programming and reliable year-round fun that’s made it beloved by Prince Albert’s young and young-at-heart.
Visitor Tips and Information
**Prepare for Socks and Snacks:** CJ’s requires socks on the equipment, so bring a pair for each child (and maybe a spare if they get wet). Outside food and drink typically aren’t allowed on the play structures (though some parents trade quiet snacks outside the play pen). There’s a small concession inside if you need juice boxes or treats. **Plan for Busy Times:** Weekends and school holidays can be very crowded – arriving early might help snag seating. The last admission hour is discounted ($6 per child) on weekday evenings and weekends , so if you come late you’ll pay much less (but kids get less playtime). **Bring Wipes and Backup:** Children often end up sticky (one dad “crashed” after a long play session ). You might want wipes or extra clothes. Also, winter weather means boots off inside – keep an eye on your child’s shoes or bring easy slip-ons, since a few guests did lose boots due to theft . **Accessibility:** The play area is wheelchair/stroller-accessible up to a point. Caregivers with baby strollers can walk them to some entrance zones, but the climbing structures aren’t designed for wheelchairs. All restrooms are typically wheelchair-accessible, including a family washroom in the mall corridor. **Safety and Ages:** CJ’s is geared for kids roughly ages 1–12. Children outside this range are not the target (as evidenced by the pricing tiers for “3 & under” vs. “4–12” ). Parents must accompany young children at all times. There’s no formal dress code beyond being fully clothed and removing shoes. **What Not to Bring:** Leave valuables and large bags in the car or use the mall lockers if available. Use personal judgment on photography – casual cell phone photos are fine, but professional setups or tripods might be restricted. **Other Advice:** CJ’s staff are usually very helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask if your kid needs a break, a bandaid, or help retrieving a lost shoe. Before you leave, check that you have all your belongings (parents have reported handfuls of left-behind hats and boots!). Finally, when planning your trip, factor in some mall time: there are restaurants and shops you can combine with a play session to make a full-day outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission prices at CJ’s Climb and Play?
Standard drop-in rates (as of 2024) are about C$9.50 (weekday) or C$10.50 (weekend) for children up to 3 years old, and about C$13.50 (weekday) or C$14.50 (weekend) for kids 4–12 . These include one supervising adult free (additional adults cost ~$2.50 each ). There are also memberships (unlimited visits for 1–6 months) and punch cards (10 admissions for price of 8) for frequent visitors . Near closing time a reduced “last-hour” rate (~$6/child) applies on certain days . Exact prices can change, so it’s best to verify the current rates on CJ’s website or Facebook before your visit.
Do I need socks and what should I wear?
Yes – CJ’s requires socks for everyone on the play structures. Children must remove shoes or boots before climbing (the facility provides cubbies for shoes). It’s best to bring a clean pair of socks for each child; closed-toe shoes are not allowed in the play area. Aside from socks and comfortable clothes, there are no strict dress codes. Dress kids in comfortable, non-restrictive clothing suitable for climbing. You might also pack a sweater or light layer since indoor play areas can be cool.
Can adults join in and do they have to pay?
Adults can certainly help children at play, but they should not freely wander on the play equipment. One parent or guardian per child is admitted free on weekdays (Saturday/Sunday allow one free adult per child as well) . Any additional adults beyond that pay a small fee (around $2.50 each ). So one adult per child is covered in the ticket price. Note that this venue is designed for children; adults are expected to stay on the sidelines for supervision rather than climbing alongside.
What ages of children is CJ’s Climb and Play best for?
The play equipment is designed for younger kids – roughly ages 1 to 12. In fact, admission price tiers explicitly split at age 4 (0–3 vs. 4–12) . Most slides and obstacles suit toddlers through elementary school kids. Older preteens/adolescents might find the structures small and usually taller than 12 years are not intended to play here. Infants who can’t walk are free, but parents usually keep babies in the seating area until they can crawl. Overall, if your child still tends to climb on furniture at home, CJ’s is appropriate; if they’re headed into teen heights, this probably isn’t the venue they’re looking for.
How do I book a birthday party or group event at CJ’s?
CJ’s makes party bookings by direct contact. You can call them at (306) 763-7225 or stop by to reserve a date. Packages typically include a reserved party room, decorations, and entry for a set number of children; additional guests are extra. Party organizers usually pay a deposit or lump sum upon booking. It’s smart to book at least a few weeks in advance, especially for weekend dates. Check CJ’s official pages or ask in person for current party rates and what’s included, as these details can change seasonally.
Can I bring my own food or drink inside?
Most indoor playgrounds discourage outside food to avoid spills and allergies, and CJ’s is similar. There is a concession stand on site selling snacks, drinks, and simple treats. Parents are generally not allowed to bring large coolers or restaurant meals into the play area. You can bring a small water bottle for your child, but full meals or large snacks should be consumed in the seating area or outside the play pen. If your child has serious dietary restrictions, it’s best to feed them beforehand; otherwise use the CJ’s snack bar for refreshments.
What are CJ’s Climb and Play’s opening hours each day?
CJ’s typically opens around 10:00 AM daily and closes between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, depending on the day . For example, Mondays through Wednesdays it often closes at 6:00 PM, Thursdays extend to 7:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays close at 6:00 PM, and Sundays usually have shorter hours (around 5:00 PM) . Closed holidays or special holiday hours do occur, so it’s wise to double-check the current schedule (posted on CJ’s website or Facebook) before planning your visit. Also note the “last admission” time: for instance, on most weekdays the last children are admitted around 5:00 PM (or 6:00 PM on Thursdays) .
Is CJ’s Climb and Play wheelchair accessible?
The venue is generally wheelchair- and stroller-accessible **up to the entrance of the play area**. CJ’s is on the ground level of Gateway Mall and has ramped entries. Once inside the play area, however, most of the equipment is meant for climbing, so a wheelchair-bound child cannot ride the slides or climb the structures. The surrounding walkways and seating areas are flat and spacious. Restrooms (in the mall corridor) have wheelchair access and a family washroom. Parents with strollers should leave them parked just outside the fenced play zone; infants and young toddlers can still enjoy the padded floor space and lower toys designed for small ones.
Where can I park and which bus goes to the mall?
Gateway Mall offers free parking all around its perimeter and in attached parkades. The parking is plentiful and easy (first couple of rows are closest to the main mall entrance). As for public transit, Prince Albert Transit buses run along Central Avenue; routes go west from downtown to the mall. Check the city transit schedule (or use their trip planner) to find a route stopping at Gateway Mall. In general, buses that serve downtown Central Ave will stop near the mall’s main doors. If in doubt, use the city’s online trip planner or ask the driver for a drop-off at Gateway Mall (there is a designated stop).
How long can we stay once we enter – is there a time limit?
There is **no fixed time limit** for a single admission. Once you pay and enter, your child may stay and play up until closing time. Of course, the facility will clear out at closing. If you arrive during the “last admission hour” (around 5–6 PM depending on the day), you pay the reduced single-hour rate and your time ends at closing. Otherwise, plan as long a visit as you need – some kids stay for the full day (especially on weekends when all-day admission can be economical). Just note that if it gets crowded, your child should always stay within sight of a supervising adult.
Why did some parents say they lost shoes at CJ’s?
A few reviewers have mentioned minor theft incidents (like a child’s boots taken by someone). CJ’s does not have secure lockers or checks for shoes; kids typically leave shoes in cubbies or on benches. As a precaution, many parents advise keeping a close eye on shoes or bringing easily replaceable footwear. In practice theft is rare, and staff will try to help if something is lost. To minimize risk, don’t leave valuables or expensive shoes unattended. Renters of the nearby mall lockers could also stash items in them if you're worried.
