Alright, several years ago we built a Pickler Triangle and it was well loved in our house, but then my babies became toddlers and now preschoolers who need a little more adventure and a lot more climbing. These kids are ready for higher heights and greater risk, but I needed something that could fit in my relatively average size home that doesn’t have a big play space.

Enter: featuring a climbing wall, ladder, swings, and more that attaches to the wall.

We’ve now had our structure for a month, so I thought I would come to answer a few of the frequently asked questions I get on my Instagram. If you have more questions please ask and I’ll come back and answer. 

Disclosure: I am using an affiliate link for this product that earns me a small portion of any purchases you decide to make. Thanks for supporting this blog.

Where did you Order it From?

I ordered. They are a small business operating in Washington State.

 

How much did you really pay for it?

I think when people ask me this question they are referring to the exchange rate and cost on my credit card plus shipping. There are not a lot of options in Canada. If you want an indoor play gym in Canada then I’m not sure where to point you. This is the one I ordered to my Canadian address and the costs associated.

 

We ordered  for $375 USD.

I also ordered the for $80 USD

Shipping to Canada was $119 USD with UPS.

Grand Total: $574 USD or $765 CDN 

… but then I got charged Duties one month later. I paid $126 in Duties to the Canadian Government. Most of that was a brokerage fee. I have received a variety of different duty numbers from people who ordered these. Some Canadians paid less some more. Who knows. You can estimate your duty fees here. 

All in Cost: $891 Canadian

Not bad considering the cost of outdoor play equipment or a trampoline and this is going to get me year round love and joy. I’m okay with this cost. 

How long did it take to arrive?

Once UPS picked it up it took two full days to get from Washington State to me in Prince George BC. I was super impressed.

I then had to wait a week because it arrived the morning after I left for a trip to visit my parents in Vancouver. Longest week of my life. 

How long did it take to build the BrainRich Kids Play Gym?

They suggest 2 hours. We don’t have two hours without kids. It took us about 3-4 hours with kids, failed bedtime and a few other distractions. It was challenging but not really that bad. The hardest part is trying to decipher the manual, but once you figure it out, you got it. I would really recommend following the advice on the Brain Rich Kids site.

How old are your kids?

My oldest is 3.5 and my youngest is almost 2. The BrainRich Kids Play gym is recommended for kids 3 years and older.

My kids are wild kids. They are adventureous. They are the ones who run faster, climb higher, and take on things their peers don’t. That’s not to brag that’s just to give you an idea of their personalities and temperments.

My oldest started playing instantly. My youngest took a week or more to warm up to it and now plays causally on the lower things that are easier for her to reach. She enjoys swinging and climbing.

Maximum Weight?

This indoor climbing structure for kids is rated to 220lbs. Which is plenty for our kids. No adults please. I don’t trust my walls. I trust the structure but not my walls.

 

A Month with BrainRich Kids Indoor Play Gym.

It’s been a month and I’m sure you want to know my thoughts. You’ve probably noticed by now my rope is missing from the original install. That has nothing to do with the quality of the Play Gym and everything to do with my overzealous brother in law who thought he could do something with it that didn’t turn out. I am considering a replacement part but also considering a few other gizmos to attach to it.

We installed it in our living room against the main wall in our house. This is the only wall where it could go (there are different models too) and this is where we live. We don’t have a playroom. We just have a small house where share all the spaces.

The kids play great. They love it. Other kids love it. It’s a huge hit.

Downsides: my kids are getting stronger. My 3.5 year old also thinks he can fly sometimes. 

Upside: I can say “go play on your gym for five minutes before TV” and 2-3 hours later they’ll have complelty forgotten they asked for TV.

Realistic: they only ever play on the gym for 10-15 minutes maximum. It’s usually something they go do for 3-5 minutes and then go do something else. Eventually they circle back and do a little swing or climb and repeat. Preschoolers have short attnetion spans. Which is why it’s great that it’s in the main part of my house where I can see them from the kitchen and the bathroom.

My Why?

After a summer of forest fire smoke and more indoor days then I care to admit and a history of long cold winters, I knew that we needed something inside to help beat the crazy. Sure, we hit up the playground as much as we can, but sometimes doing this work-at-home-mom thing I just need indoor resources to keep my kids busy.

Toys don’t entertain my kids. My kids are busy people. They love to tackle things, climb things and explore. The Pikler Triangle was a hit until it was conquered and now we needed something new and exciting.

Why I love the Brain Rich Kids Gym

They have yet to get bored of it and I love watching them learn new things take on new challenges. Kids love to swing and climb. We know as parents that they never get bored of stretching their bodies and tackling these skills.

I know this will continue to get love for many years to come and I really don’t mind it in my living room. It’s fun bright colours add a pop of life to our space and knowing our kis are having fun and stretching their skills is amazing.

What about Risk?

There’s always risk with these sort of things and you’re going to have to calculate that for yourself and create your own rules around how they can or cannot play with this. We have certian stunts the kids can’t do, and they always have to have an adult in the room to play.

I know my kids and I know myself. This worked well for them and me and our risk limits.

You know you, I can’t answer this question for you.

Things I don’t like about the BrainRich Kids Gym

Installation was kind of a pain, but I’m cautious to harsh it too much because I did build it with kids who distracted me and this was advice they said not to do. I don’t think it was that bad and you can totally do it. It’s really the same thing on repeat so once you figure it out it’s a breeze. The nice thing about this set is it is a lot of thes ame pieces, bolts and processes. Which I love simple.

We are sketpic about the climbing rope structure on this activity center because it feels like it really stretches out. I’ve retied the ropes already for a better snug fit. However, it does seem to be as stretched as it’s getting and not loosening anymore so maybe it was just the first week or two of getting the ropes strethced out.

I wish the rope had a base plate on it. They have informed me there is a rope swing with one that I can order so I will probably add that to an order for next time.

That’s really my only critique after a month. We are super impressed and love seeing videos of internet friends who have since ordered one.

Where can I buy an indoor play gym?

Directly from Brain Rich Kids. This is a small business and they would love your support to grow.  Yegor (founder) is also on Instagram and Facebook and really engaging and helpful.

Would I recommend it? I’m nothing but impressed. I love how little room it takes up, I’m totally okay with the price point, and my kids get a ton of use out of it. I would buy it again. There are ceiling mount options available.