The new school year is officially here — and whether your kids are excited, nervous, or a mix of both, it marks a huge milestone. For families, this season often means earlier mornings, homework checks, sports sign-ups, and plenty of hustle. But it can also be a time to pause, create memories, and add a little extra joy into the start of another school adventure.
That’s where Funtastic comes in. As Opelika’s brand-new indoor play center, we’re here to help you kick off the new school year with laughter, play, and the kind of moments your kids will talk about long after the bell rings. From weekend family outings to special playdates and birthday bashes, there are so many reasons to celebrate the school season with us.
1. Kick Off the New School Year with Joy
The start of a new school year is more than just fresh pencils and new lunch boxes. For kids, it’s a big emotional shift — moving from the freedom of summer to the structure of classrooms. Even kids who love school can feel the jitters. That’s why adding a dose of pure fun helps build positive energy around this transition.
Imagine the first Saturday after school starts: instead of staying home glued to screens, your kids are racing through colorful obstacle courses, climbing walls, and diving into soft play pits. Their laughter echoes through our space, and their worries about spelling tests or locker combinations melt away.
Celebrating the new school year at Funtastic sends a message to your kids that learning and fun can go hand in hand. It shows that even though routines are back, there’s still plenty of room for adventure.
Make It a Family Tradition
Why not turn the first weekend after school starts into a yearly “back-to-school play day”? Snap some photos of your kids by our climbing walls or arcade games and watch how their excitement grows each year. These are the memories they’ll hold onto long after they graduate to bigger classrooms.
2. Reconnect with Friends Outside the Classroom
School is a wonderful place for friendships to grow, but the first days of a new school year can be awkward. Who will sit next to whom? Will last year’s buddies be in the same class? It takes time to rebuild those social ties.
Organizing a playdate or casual meet-up at Funtastic is the perfect way to ease those transitions. Here, kids can simply be kids. No desks or line leaders — just laughter, exploration, and shared fun. Watching them team up for arcade challenges, race through slides, or cheer each other on at the climbing walls naturally strengthens their connections.
Great for New Neighbors Too
If you’re new to the Opelika or Auburn area, or your child is starting at a different school, planning a gathering at Funtastic is a stress-free way to meet classmates and their families. Parents can relax in our seating areas while kids get to know each other on their own terms. It makes showing up on Monday morning a lot less intimidating.
3. Relieve New School Year Stress with Active Play
Even kids who seem to slide effortlessly into the new school year can carry invisible stress. New expectations, crowded hallways, and heavier backpacks all take their toll. Physical play is one of the best, most natural ways for children to process those feelings.
At Funtastic, kids have room to run, jump, climb, and test their limits in a safe, padded environment. This isn’t just entertainment — it’s an important part of healthy development.
The Science of Play
Research shows that when kids engage in active play, it helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boosts endorphins (the feel-good chemicals). It improves sleep quality and even enhances focus back in the classroom.
So after a long first week of spelling lists and math drills, giving your child time to simply move and laugh does more than tire them out — it genuinely helps them handle the demands of the school year better.
Don’t Forget the Grown-Ups
Parents often feel the weight of the new school year too, with emails from teachers and endless forms to sign. Spending an afternoon watching your child beam with joy is an excellent way to reset your own stress levels. And seeing them gain confidence on the climbing walls? That’s the kind of feel-good moment every parent needs.
4. Create Memories Before Schedules Fill Up
The start of the new school year often feels like opening a floodgate. Suddenly there are soccer practices, spelling tests, open houses, and homework. Before you know it, weekends fill up and family time gets squeezed into leftover moments.
That’s why it’s so important to carve out space now. Hosting a small back-to-school party or planning a dedicated family play day at Funtastic lets you create happy memories before your calendar locks in.
Make It an Event
Want to go big? Book one of our birthday-style party rooms — even if it’s not technically anyone’s birthday. We’ll handle the setup, food options, and clean-up, so all you have to do is enjoy. Kids get to bounce between play zones and arcade games, and parents get to actually sit back and savor it.
It’s a fantastic way to kick off the new school year on a high note, and gives your child a story to share on Monday that’s all about laughter and celebration.
5. Keep Weekends Special All Year Long
Just because school is in session doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. In fact, having regular outings to look forward to makes the whole family’s routine more balanced. As homework and extracurriculars pile on, kids (and adults!) benefit from something that’s purely about joy.
A standing weekend visit to Funtastic can become a cherished tradition. It gives kids motivation to power through their assignments, knowing a Saturday packed with play awaits them.
Weather-Proof Fun
Alabama weather is unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring. Planning outdoor fun can be hit or miss, but Funtastic’s indoor space guarantees a good time — rain or shine. So even if the forecast doesn’t cooperate, your plans won’t get washed away.
For Every Kid
We’re also proud to offer sensory-friendly hours every Saturday from 8 to 9 AM. During this time, we lower lights and sounds to create a calm environment perfect for children who might find typical play times overwhelming. It’s just one more way we ensure every child can make the most of the new school year with safe, joyful play.
More Than Just a Play Center
Celebrating the new school year at Funtastic isn’t only about burning energy. It’s about building confidence, nurturing friendships, and giving kids a place where they feel unstoppable.
- Climbing walls teach perseverance and courage as kids try new routes and learn that slipping down is just part of getting better.
- Soft play areas for toddlers build coordination and social skills through gentle exploration.
- Arcade games spark friendly competition and teamwork.
Every part of our center is designed to encourage laughter, discovery, and connection — all things kids need as they navigate the challenges of a new academic year.
Tips for Your Visit
Want to make the most of your back-to-school celebration? Here are a few parent-tested tips:
✅ Bring or buy grippy socks.
They’re required for all play areas, and help keep kids safe on climbing equipment. If you forget, no worries — we have them available at the counter.
✅ Fill out your waiver online.
Skip delays by handling it ahead of time on our website. That way your kids can jump straight into the fun.
✅ Invite a few classmates or neighbors.
Play is even better with buddies. It’s a low-pressure way to help shy kids bond outside of school walls.
✅ Bring your camera.
Trust us, you’ll want photos of the big smiles (and maybe that epic climbing-wall victory dance).
✅ Ask our team for recommendations.
Our staff love helping families plan the best routes through the play zones, and can even suggest arcade games based on your child’s interests.
Make This New School Year the Most Fun Yet
The new school year is full of possibility. Yes, there are new challenges ahead, but there’s also a world of excitement — and it doesn’t all have to happen in the classroom.
At Funtastic, we’re here to help your family keep the joy alive. Whether you’re planning a small weekend outing, hosting a party to reconnect old friends, or simply surprising your kids with an after-school adventure, we’d love to be part of your memories.
So as you stock up on folders and pencil cases, remember: the best way to start the new school year is with a little extra play. Come see us at Funtastic and let’s make this season the happiest yet.
