Catch Air indoor playground opens in East Meadow and Massapequa

If the summer sun is knocking out your kid's energy, a new solution has arrived on Long Island. Catch Air, an indoor, air-conditioned, multistoried play center, is opening at two new locations in Nassau County.

The East Meadow Catch Air at The Meadows opened on July 30, while the Massapequa spot is set to open later this month at the Carmans Plaza shopping center. East Meadow contains a space theme while the Massapequa location will have an ocean theme embedded in the decor. Each space is about 15,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 300 people.

"Both of these locations were previously gyms, so they have a nice open floor concept," operations manager Daniel Cheek says.

HOW IT WORKS

Catch Air, which is geared for ages 1 to 10, is a giant playground that has digital components weaved in. There’s also a designated area for toddlers.

"This is a large-scale play structure that’s several stories high. Inside, there are physical components like slides and bridges along with interactive digital components such as touch screens plus digital walls and floors," Cheek says. "You might be going down a slide and there’s a projection on the slide that causes you to hit virtual balls or bugs out of the way. Additionally, you can throw balls at a screen to hit the targets that are being projected."

However, the tech is not complicated, and no experience is necessary to enjoy the activity.

"Although it is digital, it’s not like a video game or an app on your phone. It’s very simple and intuitive," Cheek says. "Even if you haven’t touched a gaming console or a smartphone, you can completely come in and have a great time. It’s very user-friendly."

TIMING AND TREATS

Unlike other indoor playgrounds, Catch Air doesn’t sell timed blocks. Once admission is paid, you have access all day.

"People can stay two hours or four hours," Cheek says. "Guests can play, go get lunch and come back in the afternoon to stay for the rest of the day."

Kid-friendly food is sold on site, like pizza, chicken tenders and french fries. There’s also hot and iced coffee for adults.

"Our East Meadow location has an upstairs mezzanine lounge that overlooks everything," Cheek says. "You can hang out and socialize in a quiet space while still keeping an eye on your kids."

PRIVATE PARTIES

Each Catch Air comes equipped with three private party rooms that can be used for children's birthday parties.

"Every party includes a two-hour time block," Cheek says. "The first 80 minutes is structured play and the last 40 minutes occurs in the party room."

Repeat visits are encouraged because the technology is always changing.

"We are constantly evolving and trying to make ourselves better every day," Cheek says. "Each time you visit there might be new components that we are developing."