There’s a new kids’ play space in town and it is well, downright cool. The Coop on Ventura Blvd. in North Hollywood, feels more like the Sky Bar than an indoor chlidren’s play ground. Walking in you almost start looking for the martini bar when suddenly you see a giant white bouncie house nestled next to a climbing tube with a slide that lands your wee ones into a giant ball pit. The Coop is a hang out place for moms as much as a play area for kids. Hip grown up music sings from the speakers. Vogue magazine is perched on a shelf near a funky chair for me. There is a delightful lounge area outside that again feels more “hotel lounge” than kids indoor gym. The idea of the Coop came about when two LA Moms, Lucinda Lent, and Juliet Boydstun got together and felt there had to be an alternative to the depressing, loud, circus like spaces that kids indoor playgrounds usually inhabit. Juliet told me, “I would be with my kids hanging out at these horrible places and think, “I used to be cool.  What happened to me?” Well, lucky for us she and Lucinda came up with a plan. They launched a new kind of play space “built for kids, designed for you.” The Coop is a gorgeous space, and does feel like it is designed for me! They even are going to have wireless Internet and although no martinis, there is a cappichino bar, plus healthy snacks for the kids. You can also go with some friends and order a meal to be delivered. It is an ideal spot for kids birthday parties, which are already being booked.  So check it out, bring your kids and some friends and have a blast. More importantly re-connect with your cooler former self, She’s in there somewhere. Trust me.

Drop in fee is $10 a kid and then $7 for a sibling. Or if you come with a play date of more than four kids it is $7 a child.  Plus they have all kinds of bulk rates, or memberships if you’d rather.

The Coop (thecoop-la.com)

11118 Ventura Blvd. at Vineland, Studio City. (818) 760 9613

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 10-6pm. Closed weekends for birthday parties.