Mumbai for kids: Chuckles at Bandra West

Now that it is pouring, it might be a good idea to scout for indoor play spaces. If your kids are young, trekking in the rains may not be such an endearing option. I remember worrying about kids getting soaked, catching a cold or picking a bug - concerns that I do not worry about now that they are older.

An indoor play area that is safe, dry and fun is a great option especially when you know your kids need that one hour of free-play.

A little one seems mighty pleased

Chuckles is a soft play area and a compact space, which is in the heart of busy Bandra's even busier Hill Road. We're here with two frisky nine-year-olds who may be slightly older than what this soft environment has to offer. Chuckles is a colourful and vibrant. The loaded ball pool catches your eye immediately as do the balloons that fringe every corner of the space. It was obvious that the space had just been used for a birthday party.

Parents can wait near the play area as their kids play in the adjacent space

In the Toddler Zone (six months to three years), we spot tumbling tunnels, rocking cars, inflatable bouncy balls, twin slides, ball pools, soft toys and soft blocks. Ideal for strengthening a toddler's gross motor skills and body balancing. It also offers choices for fine motor skills and constructive downtime. The minute we enter, cheery music greets us. The temperature is controlled. Familiar with rules in soft play areas, we are equipped with a pair of socks each for both kids.

Plenty of interactive play options

For the slightly older child (above three years and up to 10 years) there is a 180-degree tunnel landing straight into a huge ball pool, obstacles, climbing rockers and pogo balls, balancing bridge, trampolines, ladders, punching bags and a zip line ride. However, while both the boys enjoy the tunnel ride that raced them into the ball pool and the zip line ride, this space is suitable for younger kids.

We like that the staff is alert. We are gently asked to leave the soft area because we (parents) aren't wearing socks. The music, a tad loud, is also meant for toddler - they play nursery rhymes throughout the one hour that we are in the space
While children have fun, parents or caregivers can catch up on reading, browse through magazines or watch the telly. In case parents or kids feel peckish, they can buy packaged snacks on sip on tea/coffee or juice. Chuckles is an ideal space for a birthday party of kids between three to seven years of age.

The two kids I had taken for this review were nine-year-olds. Had they been younger, perhaps, I would have had to negotiate exit time with them. After 45 minutes of tumbling around in the slide and jumping the trampoline the kids had enough.

Safety: All equipment is padded and child-safe. Crash mats in the play area and alert staff are reassuring