people at play

We stopped at the office to make arrangements and we were told that it is no longer a business. They said the owners moved north and would not give us any information. We were there last week 9th of January 2014.

Just wow...I thought this was going to be just pretty fun but my husband LOVED it. I got it for him as a birthday present (actually last year, just now getting around to the review :). It was a surprise and he was thrilled. The training was fun and he got to play around. And then for the course they did just the right mix of making it difficult and not taking it too seriously. The couple who ran it were awesome. I chatted with the wife the entire time. She was very friendly and really passionate about their business. I would have loved to join but I was 7 months pregnant at the time. When we were walking to the car I just couldn't gauge my husbands reaction. Did he think this was silly? Or lame? As soon as we got in the car he starts talking a mile a minute about how awesome it was and how it was the coolest thing he had ever done. Serious kid in a candy store moment :)

We arrived early which enabled us to watch the "Foreman" before us. They were right on time with their scheduling, and so pleasant and personable. The instructors were clear and concise, and the machines where in good working order. My husband thought this was truly one of the best presents to go play in the dirt. (although he thinks a wrecking ball would be too much fun, and they do not offer that yet )

My wife purchased the "operator" package for the excavator as a Christmas present. After my experience today, I would say it has to be one of the best presents I have ever received for Christmas. Jason & Alisa provide an experience that is hard to match. Jason is an excellent and patient instructor and he thoroughly explained how to operate the excavator. I then had an hour to drive the excavator and dig to my hearts content in the dirt. Finally, they have a challenging obstacle course set up to test your operating skills which you learned while playing in the dirt. I would recommend People at Play for anyone who wants to have a lot of fun. Dean Bender

I had a great time at People at Play and would definitely recommend this attraction. I had a lot of fun. Everything was done with safety and professionalism. Wonderful couple who run People at Play. I will be back my next time in Bradenton.

My wife gave me an adventure to remember for my birthday. Two hours of playing in the dirt at "People at Play". I watched an instructional video before putting my hard hat on and venturing out to climb into the cab of an excavator. Jason gave me hands on instructions and then let me loose to play with the dirt. Scooping, moving and having fun. Then on to the obstacle course, where I faced 6 challenges, i.e., "picking up bowling balls one by one then dropping them into a barrel”, before the "log" roll and bowling, oh and the unstacking and restacking of tires on a post. I had a GREAT time and thank Alisa and Jason for their creative idea and their patience in guiding me through the activities. I highly recommend this adventure! Bring your camera!

This experience was a Christmas gift to my husband. The look on his face when he opened a package wrapped in CAUTION tape and pulled out a hard hat was priceless! He has always been fascinated with construction sites and equipment, so I figured this would be just the thing for him. I was right. From calling for information, to booking, to greeting us, Alisa was so nice and so helpful. She made us feel like we were old friends! After having the opportunity to spend about an hour getting the feel for the machine, my husband was taken to the obstacle course. What a blast he had! He made it through in 33 minutes and completed each obstacle. The look on his face when he got off the excavator said it all....grinning from ear to ear. When we looked at the pictures that in the motel that night, he said it was like being there all over again. I can't say enough good things about People at Play...it was worth every penny. They made it an unforgettable experience that he (and I) will remember forever!

My husband gave me a day at People at Play for my Christmas present. I have always loved heavy machinery, and had an amazing time. Drove a bulldozer, skid steer and excavator. They even had obstacle courses and games to test your skill which were a blast. Alisa was amazing to work with and her enthusiasm made the day even more fun. The guys were very helpful in figuring out how to work the equipment, and keeping an eye on you. I did not want to leave!

The Bennetts were great hosts of an amazing experience. They were informative, friendly and provided advise to make our experience memorable. The timed challenge course is a must. If you are in the area or even if you are not, make a trip and play in the dirt.

These guys are pros, both in teaching you the basics of operating the heavy equipment and in getting you to have a good time. Jason and Alisa are good teachers and the experience really makes you appreciate how much talent and skill is involved in being an operator (if you had any doubts ahead of time). I had no natural ability but managed to not damage the excavator and perform most of the tasks. Lots and lots of fun.

Alisa and Jason sure do fullfill your expectations! My wife always wanted to operate heavy construction equipment--so I surprised her with a gift. From the time we started the application process until the day of the event, they were very friendly, helpful and encouraging to my wife, who was a bit intimidated at the equipment at first. They really were patient and time did not matter the day of the event. For Alisa, it was more about providing my wife with the "experience of a lifetime". Great job and I would recommend it to anyone for a very different experience!Rusty E. - Pennsylvania

My family surprised me with a trip to come and play in the dirt. I had a fantastic time. It is a birthday i will always cherish and remember.

I traveled all the way from Ohio for this experience and I'd do it again in a minute. This was something I've always wanted to do and it was even better that I had ever imagined. I probably could have been happy just sitting in this awesome machine and digging a few holes, but Jason and Alisa made sure that I had the full "construction worker" experience. It was two hours of pure fun. Alisa took great photos the whole time which will allow me to relive the experience all over.....or at least until I get back and try to improve my time on the Challenge Course. And I will be back! I highly recommend this experience!

Since I was a little girl, I have always been fascinated with heavy construction equipment. I will never forget the day that my husband and I were driving down 301 and saw the People at Play course... "Honey! Did you see that???" I exclaimed to my husband... "Yes... and you weren't suppose to... I was going to get that for you for your birthday." Well, I got my chance, AND IT WAS AWESOME!!! The "crew" were so sweet. I was a little nervous that they were going to make me feel stupid, 'cause let's be honest... I didn't know what the hell I was doing out there... and nothing could have been have been further from the truth. They were helpful, fun, and the type of people you wanted to go grab a beer with afterward. If this is not on your bucket list... It should be. I had so much fun and I ended up not being too bad at it!!!! They had a little area where my husband and friends could take pictures and cheer me on... and all of them said that they were going to come back and try it themselves. You must do this!!! It's worth every penny.

I'm still jazzed up after several days, this was such a great experience. I was given plenty of time to operate the backhoe and bobcat, and I was perfectly happy. But it got even better when I went through the challenge courses. With the skilled guidance of Jason and Alisa, plus their warm humor and encouragement, the challenges really demonstrated the dexterity of these machines. It was a dream of mine to operate this equipment. And reality was better than the dream.