The Airport
Every airport has an observation area. When weather permits we let the kids sit on the hood of the car, but in the rain they play in the car and watch the planes take off and land. The kids like to guess which airline it is. We alternate between the International Airport and the smaller Executive Airport near our house. The kids love both!
The Library
Most libraries have story time or puppet time during the week and sometimes on evenings/weekends. This is a great way to meet other local parents, and enjoy some book time with the little ones!
Bass Pro Shops
We like to take the train down to Bass Pro Shop and then walk around and look at ALL the stuff. They can sit in the boats, on the ATV's and in the tents. You can stop and get a Coke and fries at the restaurant on your way out and look at the many fish tanks!
Chic Fil A
I'm not a huge fan of fast food, but you can't beat the play area at Chic Fil A! It is always clean, they have healthy choices for kids food and they usually have one night when kids eat free! And, if you go in the morning the place is empty and you can sit and enjoy a coffee in relative peace!
Chuck E Cheese
My kids are in love with Chuck E Cheese. Si doesn't know why she likes it but AJ thinks it is cool so she does too! If you go around 10am on a week day the place is EMPTY! The kids can run free, consume 20 tokens (for $5) and mom can relax!
The Pet Store
Its fun to take the kids to the Pet Store to look at fish, snakes, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Dogs, etc. Just don't go if you have a soft heart or you may come home with a couple of pets! :)
Toys R Us
Kids can spend hours just looking at toys. And, if you buy a small car or toy on the way out it is an inexpensive day!
Barnes and Noble
The larger stores have a train table and a Lego table so the kiddos can play and look at books.
IKEA
Some of the many reasons to LOVE Ikea!
-Kids that are 40"+ & potty trained can play in the supervisd play area for 30 minutes while you shop.
-On Tuesdays, kids eat free
-If you come at 9:30 you get a HUGE breakfast for $1.99
-If you join their club you get free coffee!
The Mall
Some malls have children's play areas that are a great place to beat the heat or rain and play indoors. We can spend a whole day at the mall between the play area and the Disney Store!
Did I miss a place?
Totally agree on lots of these! Chapters/ Pet Store, Chuck E Cheese in the morn, library are all total rainy day staples. Also, rec centers often have a drop in event a few times a week where they pull out a ton of gym equipment and let the kids go nuts, there's something about playing with other people's stuff that's extra thrilling. Costco is usually a hit and so many free tasters ;) Also I take the kids to dollar store, let them choose craft stuff for $10 and come home a do art mania!
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions Jenn, thanks! I might have to try the dollar store soon! It's been raining Buckets!!!!
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