Malls with children's playpen?
By MadMax - 1/12/09 - 3:52 pm
It's poll time. Round Boston, especially the WR+Rozzie area, where are the most
popular childern's playpens? My daughter is starting to become an accomplished
walker. Presumably she would enjoy walking in some place other than our house.
Apologies to the news gurus to appropriating their blog for my pedestrian inquires.
Really hoping nobody responds Chuck E. Cheese.
Comments
Try here
I don't have a good suggestion, but you might try this site:
BoMoms
Norwood McDonald's
Has a decentish hamster-tube and ropey-ladder setup, and if you're one of those wired parents, free WiFi for you.
The Hyde Park McDonald's on Hyde Park Avenue is OK in a pinch - although it's mainly just a two-story slidey-tube thing.
But South Shore Plaza in general is not bad with a toddler for walking around in, at least, as long as you don't promise her ice cream just before the ice cream place closes because it's Sunday and she has a meltdown and starts taking all her clothes off and trying to run away right there at the food court.
Or so I've heard.
The Chestnut Hill Mall used to be just wonderful for toddlers, what with the giant round seating area down by Filene's, but that joint has gone down hill in recent years - they took out all the fun running-around/hidey spots (like the semi-submerged seating areas on the second floor). Boo.
Doesn't the Atrium have an honest-to-goodness play area?
It Does
The Atrium play room is on the 4th floor next to Portrait Simple. The play stuff would be boring for older kids, but great for toddlers. The Burlington Mall has a similar set-up (same toys) by the food court.
Natick Mall has a fancy-shmancy playground on the 2nd floor next to JC Penny's, but it's usually crowded and full of older kids (5+) which might intimidate little ones. Also, parents at that mall have a tendency to dump their kids off and go shopping, not watching them like they're supposed to. The luxury wing is great--cool fountain, fake trees, lots of room to run, and few shoppers to be bothered by psychotic children.
I hear Woburn has a big indoor play space that's pretty cool, but I haven't been there myself. I think it's geared towards pre-school and up, but not sure about that. Anyone know?
mcdonald's? would you
mcdonald's? would you really feed that garbage to a child?
Not a parent, are we?
We'd take her as a treat and she really was way more into the playplace than the food.
But I admit it: One of her disappointments as a young kid was when Burger King tore down the great outdoor playplace they had on Rte. 1.
Lots of ideas ...
I scouted several McDonalds but didn't find any playgrounds. I'd already planned on taking the kid to the Atrium.
#asbestos_suit on
Rhetorical question, but are the majority of posters female? I see Adam carting his daughter round WR, so there's at least there's one responsible father out there. Where are the rest of the posters?
#asbestos_suit off
kid's playground in woburn
It's not in a mall and it's not in WR but the kid's playground in woburn is probably the best play center in the area - although it's best for slightly older kids...
kid's playground
The Roslindale Community
The Roslindale Community Center (Cummins Hwy & Washington St) has a drop-in playtime in the gym M - Th (?) from 9 - 1030 (?) or something approximating those days/hours.
Also, the Y in West Roxbury has a drop-in Children's Gym time that is free for members and I think $5 for nonmembers on Wednesdays and Fridays from something like 9-11.
There is an indoor playspace in the Savers plaza, but I haven't been there, so can't vouch for it and don't know the cost.
Also, the Children's Room at the main branch of the library has a really wonderful area in which to play.
As the mother of a 14 month old who *never stops moving*, I am trying to keep my finger on the pulse!
Not a mall, and is pricey-
We are members at the Dedham Health Athletic Club- we remain there b'c they offer a TON of great programs for kids from 6 months to 15 years old. Included in the kids membership is family pool and tree house use (9am-8pm). We have found the tree house (a set up very much like gymboree, but larger) to be a lifesaver during the winter months.
Not a mall, and may be obvious
but whatever, if you're stuck, and can T downtown, go to the Children's Museum. You can spend an entire morning and afternoon there if you want to, because there's so much to do, the facilities make it really easy to change/feed, etc.
Oh, absolutely
The Children's Museum is just wonderful. And in addition to that amazing climbing thing in the front, they have a dedicated area for the toddler set. And you can get a pass at your local BPL branch, I believe.
Not obvious
Indeed, I knew about this place, but completely forgot about it. FAIL!
Yup!
The toddler area is terrific. So much safe space to toddle around in, things to play with, and a kitchen so you can eat/nurse, restrooms with real changing tables... awesome.
It does get crowded, though!
BTW, I found this interesting:
Once this past summer I went there to join my wife & son, who had already been there for a while. We are members, and I had my card with me, but they would not let me go in by myself, without a child, until I showed photo ID, and called my wife, who had to bring our son downstairs to, er, escort me in!
(Here's their policy:
"Please Note: Children younger than 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Adults unaccompanied by children must provide proper photo identification (i.e., driver's license or passport).")
I think what she was supposed to do was just take my member-card & ID, make a note in their records or whatever, and then let me in.
Anyway, it's a completely great place, but be prepared to feel awkward if you get there by yourself!