Get Lost in Fun
Lost in Fun is the brainchild of owners Monica and Scott Lieske, who opened their family-run business in 2007. It’s an “indoor park” that offers something for every age. We had a chance to talk with Monica about how their business got started and what fun activities they offer.
Where did the idea for Lost in Fun come from?
Monica: I was born and raised in Mexico City. I was used to going to festivals and activities all the time. When I married Scott and moved to Lincoln, I searched for things that we could do as a family that would be fun for all of our kids. That got me thinking about starting our own business, something I always wanted to do.
What was the planning process like?
Monica: When we first started working on this idea, I relied on my faith that we could create a fun place for families to enjoy. Scott and I had been given a second chance at happiness when we married, and that positivity carried over to our planning. My husband had just been laid off after his company closed. My background was in marketing and I had a degree in Business Administration. I believed we could do this even though many of our friends said we were crazy.
How did you decide on the location of your business?
Monica: We drove around Lincoln searching for a building that would be big enough to create this fun space. One weekend, we spent all day, Saturday and Sunday, counting cars that were driving by a south Lincoln area. Back then, there weren’t hardly any cars passing by where the vacant building we were considering was located. Once again, I relied on my faith and we decided to take a chance on that location. We leased the building, which today is at a very busy intersection with lots of traffic near 15th Street and Yankee Hill Road!
How did you involve your kids in the business?
Monica: Who better to create a space for families than a family with kids? In the early years, Scott and I would bring our blended family of five kids with us when they weren’t in school. They loved being there. As they grew up, we made it possible for them to work there with us. Today, our kids are all grown up but they still enjoy being involved in our business.
What is the theme of the interior space?
Monica: I wanted people to feel like they were outside even though they were inside. Winters in Nebraska can be long so you need a place to go during those months. The vibe has a park theme featuring blue skies, trees, and animals to help people imagine they are outside. I drew on my colorful memories of places back in Mexico to design the interior space, making it fun and energetic with bold colors. I didn’t want people to feel like they were in a warehouse.
Scott and I had to gut the interior of the building in the beginning, and we did all the work ourselves. We also did cleaning and maintenance of the space over the years.
What types of activities do you offer?
Monica: Lost in Fun is a place for everyone. Families love the variety of things to do. Grandparents come with their grandkids. We have moms’ groups that gather here. What makes it so unique is that you can stay for as long as you want.
We are constantly modifying the activities and introducing new ones. Some of the activities that we offer include:
Inflatable Jungle
Laser Maze
Crawl and Slide Gym
Slides and Swings
Foam Pit
Open Floor Space for Games
Pretend-Cook Kitchen
Toddler Area
Private Party Rooms
Food and Snacks
We’re not the same Lost in Fun from when we opened 17 years ago. There is something new and different every time you come. People don’t get bored that way.
What is included with your Birthday Packages?
Monica: We offer a basic Family Package that includes rental of the room, party supplies, drinks, a gift for the birthday child, and a game card that you can use in the arcade area. From there, you can customize the party based on the number of kids you are inviting. This way no one has to pay for more kids than they plan to invite. Parents seem to like this better. There is also food that can be purchased for the birthday parties.
Monica and Scott enjoy making people happy. One thing is for sure – Lost in Fun is a place you can go with your kids and have a wonderful time. Plus, adults play for free!
Located at 8431 Cody Drive in Lincoln, Lost in Fun is open:
Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,
and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
