Since opening its first location in July 2003, Jungle Java has redefined the indoor play space experience by creating an exciting place for kids to play, but with parents in mind.

As a mom of young children in the early 2000s, Laurel Hess saw all the different indoor play place options out there, most full of screens, greasy food and coin-operated games.

In an effort to focus on active play, healthy choices and a place where parents could relax and enjoy themselves too, Hess and her husband Eric launched Jungle Java, which has been a community staple for more than two decades.

Jungle Java features a massive four-story play structure complete with tubes, tunnels, slides, a rock-climbing wall and a zip line. Unlike other play places, the structures were built with adults and children in mind and parents are welcome, and even encouraged, to climb, slide and play with their kids if they choose.

What sets Java Jungle apart is there are no tickets, tokens or arcade distractions. One flat admission fee provides unlimited, active fun all day long, giving kids the opportunity to play freely and parents the peace of mind that there won’t be any surprise upcharges.

“Kids don’t have to beg for tickets or look for prizes, you just come in one time and then the kids can actively play all day,” Hess said.

Jungle Java was intentionally created to be a calmer and cleaner alternative to the average indoor play place. Rather than bright colors, loud music and dancing characters, the space was designed with natural, calming colors on the walls, mellow music, comfy seating and free W-Fi for parents to enjoy or get some work done while the kids play.

With health and safety at the forefront, Java Jungle’s play equipment is sanitized and disinfected at least once a day and hand sanitizer is available throughout the facility.

Jungle Java is also home to a full coffee bar and kitchen, with an extensive lunch menu offering delicious yet healthy options for families.

“We don’t have a deep fryer,” Hess said. “We want to offer the healthiest food available and it’s reasonably priced.”

From high-quality coffee and specialty drinks and smoothies made in-house to kids’ meals, healthy snacks, freshly made sandwiches and salads, there’s no need to leave for lunch.

Jungle Java has become a local destination for birthday parties with flexible options including reserved party spaces during open hours or private rentals on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights after 6 p.m.

Jungle Java is passionate about supporting local schools and nonprofits. Its fundraiser program offers a 50-percent return of admission fees to the organization hosting the fundraiser.

It also offers free meet-and-greets to local schools on evenings in September and October, where entire classes can book a time to come in and play for free. This gives parents an opportunity to try out Jungle Java, along with kids who may not otherwise get the chance to come to play for free.

Daily admission is $12 for children ages 2 and up, $8 for ages 12-23 months and free for adults and children under 12 months.

Jungle Java is located at 6481 N. Canton Center Road. For more information, visit www.junglejavaplay.com or call (734) 927-6680.