I Chickened Out at the Play Area at the Mall

Today I decided to go to the mall just to get out of the house. I had plans to let them loose in the play area for the first time, but once we got there, I changed my mind. There was SO MANY kids and parents. I would say there was about 30 people (kids and adults).


I just could not picture myself in there with the two of them and all the other people. The area is enclosed and has a three story house and kids were running up and down the stairs. I think we would of been fine if it were not for the stairs.

And I was so envious of the parents just sitting there drinking their coffee while their kids played.

They just turned 2 so I know one day I'll be brave enough to do it, but just not today.

 

Congratulations on attempting it, but I totally understand about backing out. It was probably so busy because its a school holiday. Try on a day when school is in session and its nice outside (so other moms with toddlers will be at the outdoor playground). My girls still know they are too small to play at the playcenter in McD's...between the germs and the heights I just can't handle that yet.

 

When it's too busy I don't go either. I'm always the only parent that seems to be watching their kids.

 

I wouldn't go with one to a busy play area, let alone two. We always go to one that I know a lot people won't be at, or during a time that I think won't be busy. I took my to a place here called The Imagination Station just the other day and it was the first time ever that I could sit and watch them, I still had to get up and help with with some things (like the monkey bars), but for the most part, they were happy to be on their own. There were only 4 other kids there that day.

 

Judy, I've taken my kids to the mall play area several times. However, when it's as crowded as what you've described, I back out too. Usually those kids are much bigger than mine and that alone (on accident) can cause them to be knocked down and, therefore, unhappy.

 

I don't let mine play when it's busy like that either. I hate it when older school-age kids are playing when they are obviously above the height limit.

Is the mall open early for mall walkers? I usually take my kids an hour or so before the mall opens in the morning. There is usually one other parent and maybe 2 kids there at that time. Although we haven't gone in months because I'm worried about the catching something. Last winter, I think Addie got her horrible stomach virus that landed her in the hospital from the mall play area. Plus my DS likes to lick the equipment, so if there was a germ, he'd cathc it. We did go several times a week in the summer though.

 

I tend to stay out of the mall on busy days. I just don't want to deal with three kids and the crowds. I've gone on weekdays and let the three of them play, but only if the play area is not busy.

 

congrats for attempting it, and congrats for knowing what's best for your kids and going that route--even if it's not that fun or popular!

the truth is that stuff like that is much harder for us. we've got lots of benefits but that's just not one...... some day, however, it'll work and it'll be fine!

your post caught my eye cuz i think we're going to do the same thing this afternoon (if one of my guys ever goes down for his nap!). there's a play area that we'll try but there's also a big, empty area where they've connected two parts of the mall. i thought it might be fun for them to run around there, also. it's enclosed, but really big. maybe you can find something like that? if not--just wait 'till later.

jl

 

I've done it, but the stairs would have turned me off too...