Sometimes you need a few hours to yourself to finish errands or indulge in a proper meal out somewhere that doesn’t serve Oodles of Noodles. And, when you’re without your mini me—even for a short time—it can feel like a real vacation. So when you need that breather (or a date night) check out these three drop-off childcare options. Read on for all of the sanity-saving details.
WeVillage
They say it takes a Village, and don’t WE know it! WeVillage is totally awesome; in fact, it was a winner in the Red Tricycle 2013 Totally Awesome Awards.
Who? 2 – 12 year olds
Where/When?
The Pearl
1024 NW Glisan Street
Portland, Or 97209
503-935-5590
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 am – 9:30 pm
Friday: 7:30 am – 11:30 pm
Saturday: 10:30 am – 11:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
Orenco Station
1295 NE Orenco Station Parkway
Hillsboro, Or 97124
503-640-7529 (PLAY)
Monday-Thursday: 7 am – 7 pm
Friday: 7 am – 10 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm
Sunday: Closed
How much? For members ($85/year): $10 per hour for one; $16 for two sibs and $22 for three sibs! For non-members, $15 per hour for one; $8 per hour per child for more than one
Minimum + Rezzys? 2 hour minimum; reservations not necessary, but not a bad idea, especially on Saturday date night and Portland Public School closure days!
Hungry? Snacks galore; and you can add on lunch for $6 or dinner for $8.
You will especially love: The modern play spaces look like they were taken straight from the coolest kid catalog ever. And Portland parents will love that all the toys come from SpielWerk Toys so you know they are high-quality and natural!
Kids Klubhouse
For more than 20 years, parents have been relying on this home away from home for their kiddles. The current owner has worked there for 10 years, so if you’re looking for stability, look no further!
Who? 2 – 12 year olds
Where/When?
7515 SW Barnes Road, Suite #102
Portland, Or
503-297-1400
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 pm
How much? $8 an hour for one kid or $12 an hour for two kids (They just raised the prices Jan. 16, so you can expect these to hold steady for a long time!)
Minimum + Rezzys? One hour minimum; rezzys are requested and recommended.
Hungry? Feast on kid-friendly crackers and other noshes for snacks, and if you’re there at mealtime, kids can pick from among a range of kid faves from $3 to $6. Got a super picky one? You can bring your own food.
You will especially love: This Klubhouse features any “station” your kiddo could dream of, from a train “station” (sorry, couldn’t resist!) to the dress-up corner, arts and crafts area, building center, Little People – you name it! Also, they prorate fees after one hour — no more wasting 45 extra minutes at the mall because you’ve paid for it anyway!
Play Boutique
Parents love Play Boutique for its awesome classes and its Stay and Play sessions, where you can read a magazine or chat up a friend. But, this may be even better: the Happy Hour Parent Date Night! Yep, just think of it as “parallel play” – they’re playing there and you are playing “elsewhere.”
Who? 1 – 8 year olds
Where/When?
Lake Oswego
464 First Street
Lake Oswego, Or
503-675-PLAY (7529)
Beaverton
12345 SW Horizon Boulevard
Beaverton, Or
503-352-5202
Both locations hold Date Night Friday and Saturday 5:30 – 8:30 pm.
How much? It’s $25 for the first child and $18 for each additional. Members get a break: $10 or $15 per child depending on yourmembership level.
Minimum + Rezzys? Minimum doesn’t apply here, since you sign up for the whole session. But keep in mind that classes fill quickly so reserve as early as possible – at least 24 hours in advance. On the off chance they don’t have enough kids register, they’ll let you know by Thursday evening.
Hungry? Dinner is served! A rotating menu might include corn dogs, pasta, pizza, or the always-popular “breakfast for dinner.”
You will especially love: They put your kid into PJs. Yep, pick up your cute jamma-bear, jam home, read a bedtime story and continue your date on the couch. In your PJs…whatever that may be.
Did we miss your favorite drop-in childcare? Let us know below!
By Cathie Ericson (who sometimes can’t drop fast enough!)
photos courtesy of WeVillage and Kids Klubhouse
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
