Okay, this place has one of the worst Web sites I've ever come across:
EDIT: Link Removed See below...
But once you get past the truly horrid Web site, the actual place is a jewel.
Happy Tymes is located in Warrington, PA -- pretty much in the middle of nowhere just like Shunpikers like places to be. There's a Naval air station not far away, though, so you may be lucky enough to see some aerobatic flying from time to time.
Happy Tymes has a go-kart track, a batting range, quite a good assortment of indoor rides and amusements, one of those huge tube-type things that kids can crawl through and get lost in (it may be the biggest of those things I've ever come across, actually), a mini-golf course, and an arcade. There's also a bowling alley next door which (I think) is owned by the same family.
Admission is very reasonable: You can purchase tickets or a wristband. There's a wristband that costs $20.99 per person and includes unlimited use of everything except the batting cage, and one for $15.99 that includes unlimited use of all the indoor attractions. (The arcade games are not included in either case, of course. They must be fed like any other arcade games.)
What I like most about this place is that it's family-owned by people who really care about what they do. The employees are all happy to work there (most of them say the owners treat them like family), and they pay very close, yet inconspicuous attention to everything that goes on. This is a place where you can let your kids off their leashes for a while and not have to worry about them.
I also like the fact that unlike most amusement parks, Happy Tymes doesn't rip you off on the food and refreshments. The food and snacks they sell cost about the same as they would anywhere else (that is, they sell their food at
non-amusement park prices), there is a decent selection, the food is of better quality than is typical at amusement parks, and the portions are generous.
If you spend the whole day with your kids at Happy Tymes, they will be dirty, smelly, and exhausted at the end of the day -- just like kids should be after a hard day at play. But true to the place's name, they will have had a great time and will beg to go back again. And as an added benefit, they'll sleep really, really well that night. Even the most hyper of kids is no match for a day at Happy Tymes. They'll be completely exhausted when it's time to leave.
So if you find yourself shunpiking in the vicinity of Warrington, PA, be sure to check out Happy Tymes. I highly recommend it.
-Richard
EDIT: They have a new Web site now:
http://www.happytymesfun.com/
