Why is the Sloomoo Institute in Los Angeles the Ultimate Sensory Playground?

An Indoor Playground Dedicated to Slime Opens Its Gooey Doors in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is about to get slimed in the most delightful way possible. The Sloomoo Institute, an interactive venue focused on the gooey sensation, will welcome its first visitors on Sunday, Sept. 8. This new indoor playground isn’t just a place to look at displays; it’s a tactile wonderland where visitors can walk on gooey substances, stick their hands in vats of ooey matter, splatter it all over walls, and even fling it at friends. This unique attraction is all about making a mess with slime.

Karen Robinovitz and Sara Schiller, co-founders of the Sloomoo Institute, have created a world of play that taps into the senses and allows visitors to let go of the outside world. Robinovitz, who founded the Sloomoo Institute in New York in 2019, describes it as “a world of play, hands-on tapping into your senses and letting the rest of the world go.” The Los Angeles location, a permanent attraction, occupies a vivid pink building on Fairfax Avenue, directly opposite from The Grove.

The Healing Power of Slime

The Sloomoo Institute is more than just a playground; it is a therapeutic space aimed at both kids and adults. Robinovitz speaks from personal experience about the healing power of slime. After losing her husband and cousin within a few months, she found herself in a crippling depression. Her journey to healing began unexpectedly when she played with slime alongside a friend’s 10-year-old daughter. “I found an incredible spark of joy when I started playing with the slime,” she recalls. “It brought back my inner child, and I forgot all the struggles I had been going through.”

The founders hope that visitors will experience this same joy when they walk through the doors. The facility features attractions like Sloomoo Falls, where people get slimed from above, and a 500-gallon lake of slime that visitors can walk on. “Walking on slime is literally like being in a spa. It feels gooey and yummy on your feet, it’s like you’re giving them a massage,” says Robinovitz.

A Sensory Wonderland

The Sloomoo Institute offers a variety of sensory experiences designed to awaken the spirit with creative fun. The space is filled with compounds ranging from slime to kinetic sand, and features otherworldly CGI videos, kaleidoscopic glow-in-the-dark moments, and a 150-foot DIY bar where visitors can design their own slime. With 4,320,000 unique combinations available, the DIY bar is a highlight for many guests.

The Los Angeles location also includes an exclusive sound bath, featuring art from Randy Polumbo. This installation combines reflective surfaces, amorphic shapes, and synchronized sound to create a meditative experience. The sound bath room is equipped with bowls and meditation-ready balls that guests can strike to create their own symphonies. This space is envisioned as a potential home for yoga sessions or more relaxing, psychedelic-inspired sound baths.

Inclusive and Accessible Fun

Robinovitz and Schiller have made it a priority to ensure that the Sloomoo Institute is inclusive and accessible. About 10% of the workforce is neurodivergent, and there are scent blockers available for those sensitive to the smell-heavy focus of the institute. The founders are committed to creating a space that is not merely an Instagrammable “immersive” experience but a place where genuine, therapeutic play can occur.

At the heart of the Sloomoo Institute is the DIY slime bar, where visitors can discover a spectrum of slime colors, fragrances, and an assortment of textures to create their own unique take-home creations. This hands-on experience is designed to be both fun and therapeutic, allowing visitors to engage multiple senses simultaneously.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit the Sloomoo Institute, it’s essential to wear something you don’t mind getting slimy. Ponchos are provided for the slime showers, but it’s best to avoid wearing your favorite outfit. The institute is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $34, and more information can be found on their website.

In conclusion, the Sloomoo Institute offers a unique and therapeutic experience that is perfect for families, friends, and even solo adventurers. For occasional travelers, this is a must-visit spot to disconnect from devices and reconnect with your inner child. For expert travelers, consider exploring the sensory aspects of the institute, such as the sound bath or the DIY slime bar, to fully appreciate the therapeutic benefits of this one-of-a-kind attraction.

Whether you’re looking to heal, play, or simply have fun, the Sloomoo Institute promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. So roll up your sleeves, dive into the gooey goodness, and let the slime work its magic.