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November 11, 2005

Tun Fun

I finally dragged the kids to Tun Fun today. The weather looked like it was going to rain and since I didn't really know where I was going and I'd heard it was near the sketchy Waterlooplein area (biggest flea market for water bongs) I decided to take 2 tram rides to get us there.

It was well worth it from Karsten's point of view. The review from Lonely Planet Amsterdam quotes, "Very odd, very cool, very Amsterdam. In addition to being a unique venue for kids, TunFun is also a great example of Amsterdam’s distinctive local initiative process in action." What could this mean?

Tun Fun is an old freeway underpass that has been converted into the biggest McDonald's Play Land you've ever seen -- minus the McDonald's part. The odd thing is they didn't put a floor in, everything is right on the old road, dividing lines and all. "Skate karts" litter the floor for cruising down the highway, and the kids are cruising around like crazy. The decor is graffiti art and the kids and can play with an old street crossing sign.

Karsten hit the street (ha, ha, pun intended) as soon as we walked in. I went over to grab an English newspaper realizing we weren't leaving any time soon. After a few minutes I could no longer see Karsten. I figured the place was contained enough that I wouldn't worry about him. After 15 minutes, still no sign of him I decided to peak in. It was like a scene from Kids Gone Wild in Amsterdam. Kids were jumping up and down, crashing, climbing up slides. Mayhem. No Karsten. I grab Britta and we walk the length of the place, past all the mazes and ball areas and darting out of the sport court I finally see Karsten making a run for the maze area again.

I went back to the place I'd camped out and settled in a for a 4 hour stay! I kept waiting for the meltdown that would eventually occur but if one did happen I must have missed it. He was in no mood to leave after 4 hours.

Anywhoo, how did this blog post turn out so long? Needless to say I think we'll be visiting Tun Fun again next week. Karsten's guaranteed to sleep well for at least 3 days after so much Tun Fun.

Posted by jana at November 11, 2005 12:56 PM

Comments

Must see a picture of this place. Take a few next week if you can!

Posted by: becca at November 11, 2005 8:20 PM