Leaps and Bounds (playplace)

Leaps and Bounds was a chain of indoor play places for children, owned and operated by McDonald's. The concept was similar to Discovery Zone, with a focus on physical activity and play for children. The first Leaps and Bounds opened in Naperville, Illinois in 1991, and at its peak, there were over 45 locations across the United States.

History

Leaps and Bounds was created by McDonald's in an effort to diversify their business and provide a new type of entertainment for children. The concept was designed to be a safe, clean, and fun environment where children could play and parents could relax. Each location featured a variety of play equipment, including ball pits, slides, and obstacle courses.

Despite initial success, Leaps and Bounds faced competition from similar businesses like Discovery Zone and Chuck E. Cheese's. By the mid-1990s, the chain was struggling financially. McDonald's sold the Leaps and Bounds locations to Discovery Zone in 1994, which subsequently closed many of them.

Legacy

While Leaps and Bounds no longer exists, its influence can be seen in the continued popularity of indoor play places. Many modern play centers incorporate elements that were popular at Leaps and Bounds, such as ball pits and obstacle courses. The concept of a safe, clean environment for children to play in remains a key feature of these businesses.

See also

• McDonald's
• Discovery Zone
• Chuck E. Cheese's