Visit Rise Play Park for a fun playdate or special event

Friends of Rise Play Park are joining forces to help the indoor play facility, located at 3300 Gretna Rd., Suite A, in Branson, weather a financial crisis and continue to stay open. 

Rise Play Park, which received honors from Best of Southwest Missouri 2025 in the categories of Indoor Entertainment, Children’s Birthday Party Venue and Branson Attraction, was opened by Nathan and Sabrina King with the goal of creating a special space where families could come together, kids could play freely, and parents could connect. However, rising operating costs have exhausted the couple’s start-up capital, prompting friends who have enjoyed what the park has to offer to come together and join the Kings in asking for the community’s help. 

“This isn’t an easy post to write,” shared Nathan via social media recently. “Sabrina has poured her heart into this, but the past few months have been incredibly hard.” 

Sabrina’s creativity is evident in the park’s rooms and themes, which include a pirate ship and a pizza shop, complete with accessories and costumes. A variety of age-appropriate play areas help keep the little ones safe while older children enjoy more challenging activities; and there are accommodations for those with special needs. Parents who have gathered at the facility for moms’ days out, their children’s parties, or simply a family play day have expressed real appreciation. 

One of those parents is Leah Pingleton, whose son Justice has multiple physical challenges due to a rare degenerative disease. Justice’s Journey was featured in a Globe article last spring, and as a busy mom of other children as well, Leah appreciates having a safe, accommodating place to spend time with other parents. Jordan and Leah Pingleton also shared that Rise Play Park was a wonderful host venue for Justice’s recent birthday party, with Branson first responders, local businesses and friends coming together to help the 6-year-old realize his dreams, including meeting firefighters and other heroes. 

To show their gratitude and ensure other families can have a similar fun experience, the Pingletons have started a Go Fund Me to help their friends at the park through this financial crunch. 

“We’re looking for anyone who believes in this mission—through investment, fundraising, partnership, or simply sharing ideas and connections,” said Leah. “If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of something that truly impacts children and families, this is your moment.” 

The Kings are grateful for all who have already reached out, and for everyone who has visited and enjoyed Rise Play Park since its inception. Have a special birthday or family gathering coming up this fall? Why not avoid the chance of a surprise from the Ozarks weather by planning a fun surprise at Rise instead? 

See photos of the facility and of kids having fun by visiting the Park’s Facebook page, where you’ll also find fall hours and a link to the Go Fund Me page; and visit https://riseplaypark.com for membership and price information.