The Arches at UPUMC
A Place to Play, Connect, and Grow
Welcome to The Arches at UPUMC, a vibrant indoor play space designed especially for children from toddler age through 5 years old. Located inside University Park United Methodist Church near our Children's Chapel, The Arches provides a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment where children can explore, imagine, and play year-round.
More than just a play space, The Arches is a gathering place for families. Children can enjoy interactive play experiences while parents, grandparents, and caregivers build relationships, find community, and connect with other families. Comfortable seating areas throughout the space allow adults to relax, visit, and enjoy watching their children learn and play.
As part of our commitment to serving families in our community, The Arches will host special events, play dates, story times, and other community engagement opportunities throughout the year. Whether you are a member of UPUMC, a first-time visitor, or simply looking for a fun place for your child to play, you are welcome here.
At UPUMC, we believe every child is a gift from God, and every family deserves a place to belong. We invite you to come play, connect, and create lasting memories at The Arches.
All are welcome.
Hours of operation, policies, and play space guidelines can be found below.
FAQ
Summer hours
M-F: 9 am-4 pm
Saturday: closed to the public; available for private parties; open for Common Grounds on the 1st Saturday of the month 10 am-11:30 am
Sunday: closed to the public during church, open 1 pm-4 pm
School year hours (School year follows the Highland Park Schools calendar)
M: 12 pm-4 pm open to the public
[9 am-12 pm open for UPUMC ministries and ministry partners (internal messaging)]
T-F: 2 pm-4 pm open to the public
[9 am-2 pm open for UPUMC ministries and ministry partners (internal messaging)]
Saturday: closed to the public; available for private parties; open for Common Grounds on the 1st Saturday of the month
Sunday: closed to the public during church, open 1 pm-4 pm
*The playground will be closed on major holidays and from December 26th to January 2nd. Additionally, the playground is subject to closure at any time. Please check our [Facebook page] for closure notices.
FAQs
Does it cost money to play at The Arches at UPUMC?
No, The Arches is a free space for children and families to gather and play! We welcome any donations to the upkeep of The Arches [here]. The Arches is available to reserve for private parties on Saturdays. For more information on reservations and fees, please click [here].
How do I get to The Arches at UPUMC?
The most convenient ways to reach The Arches are 1) use the parking lot off Pickwick Ln and enter through the glass doors. The playground will be directly beyond that entryway or 2) use the parking lot on Caruth Blvd, adjacent to the outdoor playground, and enter through the doors under the covered walkway. The playground will be just beyond the Weekday School front desk.
Can I bring food and drinks?
You are welcome to enjoy food and drinks at the tables provided outside of the play space. We appreciate your cooperation in tidying up after yourself with the provided resources. No food or drink (including water) is allowed within the bounds of the play area.
Are restrooms and water nearby?
Yes, you can find a family restroom (with a changing table), men’s room, women’s room, and water fountain in the hallway just past the Children’s Chapel.
Do you have accessible WiFi?
Yes, you are welcome to use the UPUMC Guest or WDS Guest Wi-Fi networks. There is not a password needed to access either.
Can we play on your outdoor playground?
Yes, the outdoor playground is open to the community when the Weekday School is not in session.
Are private parties allowed?
Yes, The Arches is available to reserve for private parties on Saturdays. For more information on reservations and fees, please click [here].
Rules
Adult supervision is required at all times, including but not limited to the play area, hallways, and restrooms.
Age Limit: This playground is built for ages 2 to 10, separated into two sides for younger and older children. Please keep older children from running or roughhousing on the younger side, and please keep younger children from crawling or impeding movement on the older side.
Please remove shoes before playing.
No food, gum, or drinks (including water) in the playground area.
No climbing on the outside of the play equipment or up the slides.
No changing diapers in the play or eating area. You can find a changing station in the family restroom down the hall.
The Arches at UPUMC is a free amenity for our community, and does not have a dedicated staff member. We appreciate you tidying up after yourself and your children. If you feel the play space or eating area needs attention, please complete [this short form] and we will send a facilities staff person as availability arises.
Play at your own risk. University Park United Methodist Church is not responsible for injuries in or around the play area.
