Corporate site
Since 2006

Built by a family for yours.

In 2006, Jodi and Rob couldn't find a play space they trusted for their boys. So they built one. 20 years, three locations, and 30,000+ families later, Safari Run is still a family-run jungle on a mission to nurture minds, bodies, and spirits — and have a blast doing it.

Happy adventurer climbs the mountain.
find a safari run near you
Pick your jungle
San Mateo location Flagship
Open play 10am — 1pm · 2pm — 6pm
(650) 342-1977
sanmateo@safarirun.com
Playful schedule · Private events after hours
Explore San Mateo →
20 yrs
since 2006
30K+
families
3
jungles
4.9★
parent rating
Why we do this

Active kids. Calmer parents.
real community.

Kids grow best when they are moving, laughing, and exploring. We built Safari Run because we couldn't find a place that took that seriously — clean enough to relax in, safe enough to step away from, structured enough to keep kids engaged from the moment they walk in.

That is the only thing every Safari Run owner builds toward. Everything else is a detail.

Our story

It started with two parents.
and a real problem.

In 2006, Jodi and Rob Eichensehr looked for a play space they could trust for their school-aged boys. Clean enough. Safe enough. Fun enough.

They couldn't find one. So they built it.

Jodi, a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer since 1990, designed a family-friendly play space celebrating the fun of fitness. Slides, ladders, bridges, tunnels, an animal-themed jungle gym, and a real running track — all built around helping kids develop motor skills, balance, cardio, strength, and confidence.

20 years and 30,000+ families later, that mission is still ours: nurture minds, bodies, and spirits through programs that mix fitness, nutrition, independent learning, and a whole lot of fun.

— Jodi & Rob Eichensehr
Founders, Safari Run

Jodi and Rob Eichensehr with their two boys inside the Safari Run play structure, 2006 est. 2006
What we offer

Six programs.
one jungle.

Programs vary by location. Check your nearest store for what is offered where.

Private Birthday Parties

Kids climb, race, and explore the multi-level play structure during scheduled open-play hours.

Public Open Play

Reserve the structure for your group when you want quieter, contained time without the crowd.

Private Open Play

Week-long camps with games, crafts, teamwork, and learning. Safari Guides on the floor all day.

Seasonal Camps

Week-long camps with games, crafts, teamwork, and learning. Safari Guides on the floor all day.

Fitness Classes

Age-appropriate movement classes built around strength, coordination, and healthy habits.

Memberships & Punch Cards

Flexible passes that save on open-play admission and add perks for parties and the snack area.

What our staff trains for

Five things.
we never compromise.

Every Safari Guide is trained around the same five commitments — the things parents notice, kids feel, and franchise owners build their reputation on.

Safety first, always.

Staff-to-child ratios, daily inspections, and clear pickup protocols keep safety top of mind.

Cleanliness you can feel.

Soft surfaces wiped hourly, party rooms reset between bookings, and deep cleans every night.

Service that remembers your name.

Guides know regulars by name, celebrate heroes, and note allergies before your child steps foot inside.

Engaged play, not just supervision.

We play with the kids, lead games, and champion kindness in every corner of the jungle.

Helping parents actually relax.

Clear sightlines, predictable rhythms, and thoughtful seating let parents exhale while kids go wild.

Testimonials

Parents talk. We listen.

"Safari Run is our go-to. It's always clean, the staff is amazing, and my child leaves happy and tired every time. It feels safe, organized, and so fun."
E
Emily R.
Parent of a 6-Year-Old
Read more reviews →
Looking to book or visit?

Each Safari Run is its own jungle.

Pick the one closest to you to see hours, packages, and book a party.

Find your store →

Build a Safari Run.
in your community.

Looking for a meaningful business that serves families, builds community, and runs profitably? Safari Run franchise gives you a proven concept, a battle-tested operating system, and a partner who has been doing this for 20 years.

What you get
  • Site selection support — we help you find a real-estate footprint that works for the model
  • Build-out playbook — drawings, vendor list, equipment specs, and timeline refined over 20 years
  • Operating manuals — every shift, every program, every cleaning protocol documented and tested
  • Training program — for you and every Safari Guide you hire, day one through ongoing
  • Marketing playbook — launch campaign, recurring promo calendar, social templates, parent communications
  • Vendor and supply network — pre-negotiated, no starting from scratch
  • Ongoing operations support — a real human you can call when something goes sideways
Who we are looking for
  • Operators who live in the market they want to serve. The best Safari Run owners are part of the community before opening day.
  • People with operations or family-services background — not required, but a real plus
  • Capital to invest — minimum range $[TODO]K liquid, total project cost [TODO]
  • Owner-operators, at least at first. We want you on the floor for the opening year.
  • People who actually like kids and parents — the work shows up in the room
Safari Run franchise opportunity
Explore franchising → See open markets Talk to our team

The TODOs above are placeholders for Jodi's real numbers — replace before publishing.

Join a brand families come back to.

Open a Safari Run in your community. Two decades of playground expertise built to be clean, safe, energizing, and profitable.

Explore franchising → Talk to our team