The Squishy Goose is Northumberland County’s beloved indoor playground, event space, and family-friendly coffee and snack bar — a locally owned and operated gathering place designed by families, for families. Located at 9 Elgin Street East in Cobourg, Ontario, right at the corner of Elgin and Division, The Squishy Goose opened in March 2022 and quickly established itself as the go-to destination for young children and parents across the region. The centrepiece of the space is a custom-designed, 3-storey soft-sided play structure built in partnership with Orca Coast Playgrounds out of British Columbia — a purpose-built structure where children can climb, crawl, roll, swing, and run to their hearts’ content. Add a dedicated toddler zone, a comfortable parent lounge, fresh coffee, and a genuinely warm community atmosphere, and it’s easy to understand why The Squishy Goose holds a 4.8-star rating from over 138 reviews. Come let loose at The Goose.

The Squishy Goose is ideal for drop-in family play in Cobourg and across Northumberland, as well as birthday parties, private events, and the venue’s own drop-off preschool program, Little Goslings. Families travelling from Port Hope, Brighton, Colborne, Grafton, Campbellford, Hastings, Bewdley, Roseneath, and Alnwick-Haldimand will find it well worth the drive — particularly on a rainy or cold day when outdoor options aren’t on the table. Play passes, memberships, and gift cards can all be purchased online ahead of your visit, and completing the online waiver before arrival helps save valuable playtime at check-in.

Attractions and Play Areas at The Squishy Goose — Cobourg Indoor Playground

Custom 3-Storey Play Structure — Climbing, Crawling & Gross Motor Play in Cobourg

The heart of The Squishy Goose is a 300-square-foot, three-storey soft-sided play structure designed in collaboration with Orca Coast Playgrounds — a BC-based company with over 20 years of experience building commercial indoor playground equipment. Custom-made for the Squishy Goose space, it offers a wide variety of gross motor challenges: climbing nets, crawl tunnels, rolling elements, swinging features, and open run areas. Multiple levels mean children of different ages and abilities can navigate it at their own pace, and the soft-sided construction keeps the environment safe even during energetic play. Reviewers consistently describe it as bright, spacious, and well thought out — not overcrowded or overwhelming.

🎯 Recommended Age: 3 to 17 years

Dedicated Toddler Area — Safe Play for Crawlers and Early Walkers

The Squishy Goose has a fully separate toddler section designed specifically for infants, crawlers, and early walkers — children who aren’t quite ready for the full three-storey structure but deserve their own safe and stimulating space to explore. This area is cleaned and sanitized two to three times throughout the day in addition to the full facility disinfection done each morning, making it one of the most carefully maintained parts of the venue. Infants under 12 months visit free when accompanied by a paying older sibling, making The Squishy Goose a genuinely inclusive option for families with children at very different developmental stages.

🎯 Recommended Age: 0 to 2 years

Inflatables — Extra Bounce Throughout the Play Space

In addition to the main play structure and toddler area, The Squishy Goose features inflatables positioned throughout the space — a detail that reviewers consistently call out as a welcome surprise. The combination of the main climbing structure, the toddler zone, and the inflatables ensures there is genuinely something for every age and energy level during a visit, and children rarely find themselves with nothing left to try.

🎯 Recommended Age: 3 to 17 years

Parent Lounge & Coffee Bar — Just Brew It Coffee, Snacks & Room to Relax

One of The Squishy Goose’s most praised qualities is its parent lounge — a bright, naturally lit, and genuinely comfortable seating area where caregivers can relax and socialise while keeping a clear eye on the play zones. The coffee and snack bar serves freshly brewed coffee and tea courtesy of Just Brew It Cobourg, alongside juice, pop, and cold beverages, with seasonal options like hot chocolate and apple cider added throughout the year. Snacks are available on-site, and the venue asks that guests leave outside food and drink at the door in order to maintain allergen management and cleanliness standards for all families. Reviewers specifically note that the music is at a comfortable level — a meaningful detail for parents of younger or more sensory-sensitive children.

🎯 Best For: Parents, caregivers, and grandparents of all ages

Little Goslings Drop-Off Preschool Program — Cobourg, Ages 2–4

Little Goslings is The Squishy Goose’s own instructor-led drop-off preschool program for children aged 2 to 4 — the venue’s first drop-off offering, and a genuinely exciting one for Northumberland families. Running Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with morning sessions from 9:30 am to 12 pm and afternoon sessions from 1 to 3:30 pm, Little Goslings delivers a structured, nurturing program that includes music, song and dance, sensory and messy play, arts and crafts, a story circle, free play on the climbing structure, outdoor time, and a provided snack. Spaces are intentionally limited to ensure each child receives a high-quality experience. Families can register for one, two, or all three days per week, with multi-day discounts available. For current session dates, availability, and registration, visit the Little Goslings page on the Squishy Goose website.

🎯 Recommended Age: 2 to 4 years

Community Events — Seasonal Parties, Holiday Celebrations & Special Days

The Squishy Goose is more than a play venue — it’s an active Cobourg community hub that runs themed events throughout the year, most included with regular admission. Past events have included the annual Boo Bash Halloween party (now a Cobourg institution in its fourth year), Swiftie dance parties with friendship bracelet making, a free Kids’ Costume and Winter Outerwear Swap Shop, a Goosemas holiday celebration with Santa visits, and PA Day programming. These events are a natural expression of the community-first spirit the venue was built on, and they give families an extra reason to visit beyond drop-in play. Check the Squishy Goose website and follow @thesquishygoosecobourg on social media for the latest upcoming events.

🎯 Best For: All ages

Birthday Parties & Private Events — Kids’ Birthday Venue Near Cobourg & Port Hope

The Squishy Goose is one of the most thoughtfully equipped kids’ birthday party venues in Northumberland, and its Super Party Package is where the team really shines. Rather than offering a bare room with a folding table, The Squishy Goose has curated a full-service celebration experience in partnership with local Cobourg businesses — so families coming from Port Hope, Brighton, Colborne, Grafton, Campbellford, Bewdley, and Hastings can throw a memorable birthday party without the stress of coordinating multiple vendors. The dedicated party room is equipped with a smart TV and full PA system, and every event booking includes access to the play areas for all party guests.

• Custom helium balloon arrangement themed to your party, designed by the Balloon Boutique at Mazdak Leisure/Beachcomber Hot Tubs Cobourg
• Premium on-theme decorations from The Squishy Goose’s collection, room fully set up and ready on arrival
• All party wares included — plates, napkins, cups, cutlery, and candles coordinated with your theme
• Pizza from 241 Cobourg (cheese and/or pepperoni) included with the Super Party Package
• Drinks included — bottled water, juice boxes, coffee, and tea for all party guests
• Cake or cupcakes customized to your guest list size, with choice of flavours and colours; themed and character cake upgrades available
• Smart TV in the party room for slideshows, photos, or entertainment
• PA system and music — stream whatever playlist you like throughout your event
• Invitations — free virtual download, or printed 4×6 cardstock with envelopes; fully customized themed invitations also available
• Dietary accommodations available on request for guests with specific requirements

For full party package details, availability, and to book, visit the Parties page on the Squishy Goose website, or reach the team at info@squishygoose.com or 905-375-9632.

Facility Amenities at The Squishy Goose — Northumberland Indoor Play Centre

• Custom 3-storey soft-sided play structure — designed with Orca Coast Playgrounds, 300 sq ft of gross motor adventure
• Dedicated toddler area — sanitized 2–3 times per day; safe for crawlers and early walkers
• Inflatables throughout the play space for additional excitement
• Parent lounge — bright, naturally lit, comfortable seating with clear sightlines to the play areas
• Coffee & tea via Just Brew It Cobourg; juice, pop, cold beverages, and seasonal specials available
• On-site snacks; outside food and drink not permitted (allergen and cleanliness management)
• Tree nut-free efforts — the team works to keep common allergens off the menu; all pre-packaged goods are clearly labelled with ingredient lists
• Dedicated birthday party and event space with smart TV and PA system
• Little Goslings preschool program — drop-off, instructor-led, ages 2–4, Mon/Wed/Fri mornings and afternoons
• Seasonal community events included with regular admission throughout the year
• Fully accessible facility — hydraulic lift at the main entrance, meeting current government accessibility standards
• VitalOxide disinfection daily (Green Frog Tech partnership); high-touch surfaces spot-cleaned multiple times per day
• Socks required for all guests, children and adults — child and adult socks available for purchase on-site
• Drop-in play — first-come, first-served; pay on arrival; no online pre-purchase for drop-in admissions
• 10-play passes, 6-month memberships, and gift cards all available for purchase online
• Online waiver — complete before your visit at squishygoose.com to save time at check-in
• Payments accepted — debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and cash
• Grandparents admitted free when accompanying a paying child
• Infants under 12 months visit free with a paying older sibling

Why Northumberland Families Choose The Squishy Goose in Cobourg

What visitors consistently say about The Squishy Goose — across more than 138 reviews and a 4.8-star rating — is that it feels genuinely different from a standard indoor playground in Cobourg. It’s not just the quality of the custom play structure or the meticulous cleanliness of the facility (though both are frequently praised); it’s the sense that every decision was made with the whole family in mind, not just the children. The parent lounge is actually comfortable. The coffee from Just Brew It Cobourg is actually good. The music sits at a level where you can hold a conversation. The inflatables are a welcome bonus no one expected. One reviewer who has visited similar venues across southern Ontario described The Squishy Goose as the best all-around — bright with natural light, spacious, comfortable, and never too loud or overwhelming. The community programming — from the annual Boo Bash to the costume swap shop — reflects a team that genuinely cares about the families it serves. For Northumberland County, The Squishy Goose has become the trusted answer to the question of where to take the kids when the weather won’t cooperate. And it earns that trust every visit.

Frequently Asked Questions — The Squishy Goose Indoor Playground Cobourg

Is drop-in play available at The Squishy Goose, or do I need to book ahead?

Drop-in play is available at The Squishy Goose on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to capacity. Drop-in admission cannot be purchased online in advance — simply arrive at the venue and pay in person on the day. If you’re booking a birthday party or private event, those can be arranged and paid for online through the Book a Party page. For any visit, The Squishy Goose recommends completing your online waiver in advance at squishygoose.com/sign-waiver to save valuable playtime at check-in.

Do adults have to wear socks too at The Squishy Goose in Cobourg?

Yes — socks are required for every person in the venue, children and adults alike, whether you’re playing or simply sitting in the parent lounge. All footwear must be left at the front entrance on arrival. If anyone in your group forgets socks, both child and adult sizes are available for purchase at the venue for a nominal fee. This includes grandparents! It’s a small thing that makes a big difference to the cleanliness and hygiene of the space for everyone who visits.

What is the Little Goslings program and who can join?

Little Goslings is The Squishy Goose’s own instructor-led drop-off preschool program for children aged 2 to 4. Sessions run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in both a morning option (9:30 am to 12 pm) and an afternoon option (1 to 3:30 pm), so families can choose the days and times that suit their schedule. Each session includes music and movement, sensory and messy play, arts and crafts, a story circle, free play on the climbing structure, outdoor time, and a snack provided by the venue. Spaces are limited, and waitlist registration is available when sessions are full. Multi-day discounts are available for families registering for two or three days per week. Full details and registration are at squishygoose.com/little-goslings.

Is The Squishy Goose accessible for guests with disabilities or mobility needs?

Yes — The Squishy Goose is a fully accessible facility. The main entrance is equipped with a hydraulic lift that meets current government accessibility standards, and the space was designed with inclusivity and comfort in mind for every member of the family. If you have specific accessibility questions before your visit, the team is happy to help — reach them at info@squishygoose.com or by phone at 905-375-9632.

Where is The Squishy Goose located in Cobourg, and how do I find the entrance?

The Squishy Goose is located at 9 Elgin Street East, Unit 6E, Cobourg, ON K9A 0A1 — at the corner of Elgin Street and Division Street. The venue is in a large L-shaped plaza shared with LightHouse Dental and Watton Employment Services, but The Squishy Goose is around the back: facing south, it’s the easternmost unit on the southeast side of the building, right alongside the woods and greenspace. Parking is available in the plaza lot. For current hours and any seasonal changes, check the Contact Us page or follow @thesquishygoosecobourg on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.