Children Climb, Jump, Crawl for Joy at Party Jungle

Party Jungle, an indoor playground for local children, is more than just a place to play - it is where children can scream, laugh, pretend and flit about to their heart's content.

Maria D’Auria and Kevin Borgersen opened Party Jungle in Englishtown in 2010. The business was formally known as Party Gym, but Borgersen and D’Auria completely renovated and renamed the business in 2010.

“We chose Englishtown because it is a very family oriented neighborhood,” D’Auria said.

Their well-known play structure has a vast 40 ft. tunnel system with sections for children to slide, climb, jump, hide, and crawl. Party Jungle is also equipped with a 12 ft. spiral slide, club house, ball pit, web crawl, rock climbing wall, cushion climb, air bounce and air hockey table.

The family-owned and operated business offers “open play time” rather than memberships, which tend to cost more for customers. Children can enjoy open play time during the week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a clean and safe environment.

"We have convenient and flexible hours and we try to meet the needs of both parent and child. Kids can come and release all that energy while parents can sit and take a break on those hectic 'where can I take them today?' days," D'Auria said.

While daily play time is always entertaining to watch, D'Auria said her favorite part of running the business is planning a children's birthday party and watching the family enjoy the fun on that special day.

Party Jungle offers private parties during the week and on weekends and during the party the business is not open to the public.

“We decided to get into this business because we saw that parents want to throw loud, fun, energetic, birthday parties for their children, but not in their own house,” D’Auria said. 

The party-goers get the chance to ride on the Super Fun Zip-Line Ride, as well as enjoy music, face painting, removable tattoos, and arcade games. They will participate in games such as freeze dance, limbo, parachute, and musical chairs, according to D’Auria.

“We make it so easy for parents,” said D’Auria. “We take pride in taking care of everything from balloons, to food, to entertainment.”

Children are offered pizza and beverages during the party and there is also an option to order catered food for the adults on the big day. Additional options, which cost extra, include a pinata, candy bag, favors, cake, and a balloon bouquet.

*Editor’s Note: Party Jungle is located at 310 Route 9 in Englishtown, but actually lies within Marlboro Township.