ML Interest Tag: showroom

Let’s Play! Small & Local Toy Stores to Support This Christmas

by Maria Chambers

It’s that time of year where kids are excitedly making their Christmas lists (and checking them way more than twice). We can guarantee their biggest wishes can be granted on the shelves of a local Chicago toy store. Shop your neighborhood go-to or venture farther out to discover a new-to-you gem—just don’t forget to stop for a steaming cup of hot cocoa while you’re at it! Or, maybe even a favorite hot dog stand for a super-speedy lunch on the go? Just trust us: you’re going to need sustenance when you start shopping these independently owned toy stores throughout Chicago this season.

Related: Timber Time! Christmas Tree Farms to Spruce Up Your Holiday

1. Toys et Cetera

Learning and play intertwine at this shop, which is located in the historic neighborhood of Hyde Park. The owners seek out good craftsmanship and clever toy inventors, and the store is big on safe, eco-friendly fun that's also educational and developmentally and culturally sensitive. They've been going strong since 1976, so they have their finger on the pulse of what kids like. 

1502 E. 55th St.
Hyde Park
Online: toysetcetera.com

 

2. Play

This hot spot is full of fun and educational finds, and it has a sweet nostalgic twist. Owner Ann Kienzle has worked in the toy biz for eons and stays on top of the latest innovations. She has a passion for the importance of play in a child's life and has created a well-designed space that inspires awe in all who step into one of Play's four shops, located in Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, and the West Loop, its newest storefront.

Various locations throughout Chicago
Online: playtoysandbooks.com

3. Berwyn’s Toys & Trains

Have a wannabe conductor on your hands? This specialty shop is worth the trip. Follow the glowing neon sign to a train lover's dream that has everything from collectibles to Thomas merchandise. Its specialty is O-Gauge electric engines, which were popular in the mid-1900s, from makers like Lionel and Mike's Train House. There's a separate toy room that has LEGO sets, Playmobils, and slot cars.

7025 Ogden Ave.
Berwyn
Online: berwynstoytrains.com

4. Building Blocks Toy Store

Saying this old-fashioned toy store is packed to the brim isn't an exaggeration. Its three locations fill every nook with play-rich, high-quality toys and books. Owner Katherine Nguyen is passionate about supporting small, local companies, so you'll find everything from developmental playthings for babies to science kits that grandparents can't keep their hands off of. Building Blocks is also known for its deep selection of Thomas, Brio, and Chuggington trains, but you'll also discover lesser-known finds. 

3306 N Lincoln Ave.
Lakeview

2071 N Clybourn Ave.
Lincoln Park

2130 W Division St.
Wicker Park
Online: buildinblockstoys.com

5. Geppetto’s Toy Box

Like Pinocchio, children will want no strings to hold them down at this Oak Park treasure. Cut your little ones loose to explore art kits, building blocks, puzzles, developmental diversions, and lots more. The owners of Geppetto's stand behind "slow toys"—back-to-basics playthings that children need time to explore and grow from. To that end, you won't see (or hear!) a lot of flashes, beeps, or electronic brouhaha on the shelves.

730 Lake St.
Oak Park
Online: geppettostoybox.com

Related: Gobble, Gobble! Dine-In or Take-Out on Thanksgiving Day . . . You Pick!

6. Timeless Toys

This Lincoln Square mainstay is what we think Santa's workshop looks like—toys, toys, and more toys everywhere. Also: a big air of whimsy. This sweet shop in the heart of the neighborhood's shopping district has been around since 1993 and is known for championing educational play. Go for games, puzzles, puppets, trikes, dolls, outdoor games, books, and just about anything else your little tinkerer's heart desires. 

4749 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Square
Online: timelesstoyschicago.com

7. Oakridge Hobbies & Toys

This mom-and-pop creation offers more than 250,000 products via their online store, but they have the best-of-the-best on display in their Lemont showroom. You'll find a sampling of hobby, craft, gift, toy and home & garden decor products offered on their website. They're also well stocked in Tonie figurines for those obsessed with the storytelling device.

15800 New Ave.
Lemont
Online: oakridgestores.com

 

 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Halloween Costume Shops That Rock (& Shock!)

by Jen Peterson

These local costume shops are perfect for outfitting your little ones this Halloween—and beyond

It’s time for your family to begin pondering one of life’s big questions: what should we be for Halloween?! And, these days, it’s not enough to come up with a one-night-only disguise for Halloween trick-or-treating. All October, dozens of family-friendly Halloween events promise to get kids into the spooky spirit, with costumes highly encouraged. Thankfully, we have you covered with some of our favorite local storefronts and pop-up places to shop for costumes, accessories, and festive décor. Whatever your family needs to complete their costumes, keep the Halloween spirit alive with the help of these shops—many of which are open year-round and can help you with many a theme-party looks!—in both the city and the ‘burbs.

For a Vintage Vibe: Lost Eras
The cool speakeasy of costume shops, Lost Eras is a hidden gem with a throwback twist. It houses a showroom full of vintage and antique collectibles, and is known for renting props and costumes to theater and movie sets (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Untouchables, and Public Enemies—yep, Robert De Niro wore their clothes!). At Halloween, they add to their stock and go gangbusters. If you’re looking for funky décor—Halloween or otherwise—Lost Eras has a lot to choose from.

1511 W. Howard St.
Rogers Park
Online: losteras.com

Related: Our Ultimate Guide to Chicago-Area Pumpkin Patches

For Treasure Hunting: Chicago Costume Company
Don't let its small facade deceive you: Chicago Costume is crammed to the rafters with costumes, makeup, accessories and anything else you need to transform your look. Kiddies will go bananas for the selection of Disney, Star Wars, superhero, and comic book-themed costumes. This is one of just a handful of year-round costume shops so don’t panic when your little superhero needs a new costume in January. Too busy to shop in the store? Purchase online and have your costume shipped to you or pick it up for free at one of their two Chicago locations.

1120 W. Fullerton
Lincoln Park

4727 W. Montrose St.
Portage Park

Online: chicagocostume.com

For a Spooky Setting: Halloween Hallway
Known for its robust selection of adult costumes since it was founded in 2007, Halloween Hallway also caters to kids with four Chicago locations (River North, Wicker Park, Downtown, Lincoln Park) that are open during Halloween season only. We love the overabundance of accessories. They take decorating seriously and some of the décor (zombies, vampires and other things that go bump in the night) might be a little scary for little ones—yet super-duper cool for big kids!

Multiple locations
Online: halloweenhallway.com

Related: Field Day! Local Chicago Corn Mazes to Get Lost In

For the Procrastinator or Late-Night Shopper: Fantasy Costumes
This year-round costume headquarters is a Chicago classic and known for helpful service. So helpful, in fact, that for the last few days before Halloween, they stay open 24 hours a day to satisfy all those last-minute, eleventh-hour switcheroos that parents love so much. Kids will love the Fortnite costume selection—and with so many adult costumes, your whole family can dress up together! Fantasy Costumes goes above and beyond in the accessories department, so expect to find an enormous selection of makeup, wigs, masquerade masks, and other do-dads to complete the transformation.

4065 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Portage Park
Online: fantasycostumes.com

 

For Kids, Pumpkins & Pets: Spirit Halloween
North, south, east, west—no matter where you turn, Spirit is like your friendly-ghost neighbor. With costumes for everyone (including pets!), a dedicated pumpkin carving area, and a "glow" section of accessories that will last well beyond Halloween, you'll find everything you need here. Because many locations are seasonal brick-and-mortar stores, open only during the holiday time, check their site for up-to-date locations. 

Multiple locations
Online: spirithalloween.com

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Fall Fashion with Stroller in the City

by #MomLife

 

Brianne Manz

I'm Brianne Manz, once a fashion showroom owner turned mom and blogger/writer. I live in Battery Park with my husband, our three children & our puppy Cooper.

Follow Me

As much as I love summer & summer dresses, fall is my favorite season in New York City. There’s nothing quite like the changing colors in Central Park. But fall in the north east can be a tricky time for fashion! We continue to have bright sunny days but overall cooler temps. I find myself constantly asking, should I bring a layer or not? I love a cozy knit but sometimes I get too hot. And I love a dress but they aren’t always warm enough. I also start to pull out all my jeans around this time of year after having put them away for summer. I have gathered some of my current favorites to help inspire us all during this gorgeous season!

1

Forrest Wool Coat

$895

Chic for fall, this oversized trench-style jacket has an exaggerated, relaxed silhouette with a hood, double-breasted buttons down center front, a wide belt and twin patch pockets at front.

BUY NOW

2

Potter Cashmere Pullover

$495

A cashmere is a fall & winter must have. These sleeves bring so much fun and femininity to a classic sweater option. Also comes in 4 colors!

BUY NOW

3

Demi Dress

$130

I love how flattering the bodice of this dress is while the sleeves are soft and flowy.

BUY NOW

4

Chalet Turtleneck Sweater Dress

$315

This is such a cozy staple for fall that can be worn with any style boot and coat!

BUY NOW

5

Isla Slim Ankle Boot

$450

This is a classic slim bootie that is totally easy to wear and in a versatile color.

BUY NOW

6

Remington Hoodie

$495

Fall is the epitome of comfy cozy and this hoodie is also just that! Perfect for running errands or staying home by a fire.

BUY NOW

7

Vote Mask

$16 BUY NOW

Tis the season for voting! This mask comes in both children and adult sizes! A fall 2020 must have!

Making Memories in IKEA

By Jessica Beal

Photo: via Yelp

Oh, IKEA. My 13-year-old anxiously awaited her chance to wander the aisles of the furniture store after her younger sister, some weeks back, took approximately 547 photos of items she wanted to add to their future she-shed. We arrived early, eager to check in the 5 and 6-year-olds we brought along (given no other option), to the amazing kid zone so we could go through IKEA as quickly as humanly possible before having to retrieve the younger siblings. After the disappointing realization that the kid zone was not open, we reluctantly took the youngest kids with us on the maze of adorable room inspirations and wallet shrinking adventure.

We passed through the seven layers of the wood furniture forest and into the farthest reach of the store when the 6-year-old gives me the look of desperation and says ” I have to poop!” I exclaim, “Can you wait a few more minutes?” She assures me she cannot absolutely wait at all, not even one more tiny second. I give instructions to the teenager to stay in the adorable modern living room design #24 and wait for me while I retrace the many miles back to a bathroom. IKEA, why are there no bathrooms in the showroom??? I’ve never played football, but I imagine I am a linebacker pushing through crowds of people as I run the opposite way of those IKEA arrows with my 6-year-old whining in tow.

If you know me, directions are really not a strong suit for me. It is sort of like a foreign language. In fact, my husband has threatened multiple times to revoke my passenger seat privileges or send me to “map school” if I cannot be of more help to him while he is driving. So inevitably, I get lost. I pass every single layer of IKEA; from odd children toy department to plastic plant paradise to furniture that functions as a bed, desk, and closet all in one before finally finding the registers. I shove my way through crowds and discover the line that has formed outside of the bathroom. Oh wait, I think to myself there are more restrooms by the entrance. I can see the entrance now, but how do you get over there? You have to follow the yellow brick road of torture all the way around the store again to get to it.

My child is sweating and near tears. I do not help the situation as I yell-whisper that this is her fault as she didn’t give me decent notice of her predicament. I channel my inner husband and his direction skills and make it in record time through the arrow maze and reach the oasis of a bathroom. My child feels instant relief and smiles up at me wondering what the big deal was and why her mom reacted like a crazy person.

I have time to calm down, feel that familiar pang of parent guilt about the yelling and vow to do better the next time. Thankfully kid zone is now open. I beg the lady to save me two spots while I rush back through the maze to find my teen angel and 5-year-old still waiting patiently for me. We drop the children off, plan our 45 minutes of bliss and begin the trek through the store again!

It feels like I’ve run a marathon both physically and mentally, but we survived. The teen found many suitable items for her she-shed all nicely packed in tiny boxes. “Why is everything in boxes?” she innocently asks. It’s IKEA, dear, so yes, everything is packed in nice little boxes with impossible directions, one tiny wrench and a promise to never you’ll never fall victim to this again.

But I know I will do it again. The lure of tiny rooms will bring me back once again with hope the trip will go smoothly and be filled with memories. Memories that make me smile, laugh, give us stories for years to come. Until next time, IKEA.

I am a part-time teacher, CHP wife, mom to 5 kids biological and adopted, ranging in ages from 14-5. I love friends, trailering, fun dinner parties, booze, exercising ( because booze) and being with my family. In my spare time....ha ha ha ha!

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

My House Is a Disaster and I Couldn’t Love It More

By Courtney Myers

There’s a sort of beauty that comes with seeing things in hindsight, right? We notice tiny little things of importance and goodness and often tend to gloss over the not-so-great stuff. Recently, I’ve started approaching my role as a parent with such a perspective. I’m still very much in the thick of raising two toddlers under the age of four, but I’m already seeing how quickly time passes and if it makes any sense at all, I already miss these days, even while I’m living them.

I had such a realization this evening when I was picking up the house before the kids started their baths. I entered my bedroom and was immediately greeted by the tiny chair that my daughter had propped up against the door. She had been trying to reach the top of my dresser earlier, where I keep my necklaces. Then, I saw my son’s toy trucks strewn all over the floral carpet.

I thought the mess looked pretty manageable, all things considered, and then I noticed the baby food pouch that someone had stepped on. Pureed mangoes, peaches and (this is the fun part) beets were splashed all over the place, with one particularly purple stream hitting my stark white dust ruffle just so.

For a second, I just stood there and took it all in. Yes, it was a mess, and yes, I was more than a little irritated that they’d just left it and assumed I’d pick it all up like I always do. Still, it was golden hour, and the sun was pouring through the plantation shutters, and in that particularly beautiful light, I didn’t really even see the mess. I saw hours of play, joy and laughter.

I pictured my four-year-old daughter lugging that chair in from her tiny table in the kitchen, then stepping up on it to get a clandestine look at mama’s jewelry box. I pictured my son, sitting comfortably on the floor, playing quietly with his favorite toys. Then, I pictured my bedroom put back exactly the way it had been five years ago before babies were even a word on our breath.

I closed my eyes and saw my unruffled comforter, pulled tightly at the corners without a single wrinkle. My dresser always stayed dusted and wiped clean on the top and my necklaces were never tangled. I had my diffuser on the nightstand and every night I’d drip in some lavender essential oils and my husband and I would drift off into dreamland, not waking up in the middle of the night for anything, but actually indulging in eight hours of uninterrupted slumber. Yes, it was a sweet time back then, but right now is even sweeter.

Give me the messes and the memories. Give me the toy boxes crammed all the way to the top like a game of Tetris, with tops that won’t close and are about to fall off the hinges. Give me the sticky cupboard drawers with misplaced and mismatched kitchen tools  Give me baseboards with the paint nicked off from a plastic bike that really should be outdoors but is more fun inside.

Give me the chaos and the craziness, because these are hands-down the best years of my life and if I’m going to spend them in a tornado of toys, so be it.

It’s not in my nature to tolerate a mess. The younger version of me wouldn’t let the sunset on a sink full of dirty dishes, but here it is close to midnight and their cartoon plates and half-full milk cups are sitting waiting to be washed. I’ll get to them soon and one day this little house that we worked so hard to restore and decorate will look like a showroom again.

For now? It looks like a family actually lives here. And judging from the ten pictures of Crayon hearts that decorate and clutter up my refrigerator, it looks like we love here, too.

Hi, y'all! I'm Courtney. I'm a mama of two, married to my high-school sweetheart and making a life in the little town I grew up in. I'm a writer by trade, but a mama by heart. I love chocolate and I love family. Let's navigate this crazy, messy, blessed journey together! 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

7 Bowling Alleys Where You Can Strike Up Some Fun

by Nikki Walsh

Bowling has come a long way since our childhood days of crouching down to push a way-too-heavy ball down a fluorescent-lit alley. Now, bowling alleys rock groovy jams and disco balls, and even the tiniest tots can score that once elusive strike thanks to gutter bumpers and ball ramps. These 7 places to bowl are sure to be up your alley… and most offer fun perks like arcades, billiards, and more. So, all you need to do is get rolling.

photo: Michael Bentley

Tavern and Bowl
Let the good times roll at these uber-hip bowling lanes with colorful lights, pop-up bumpers, and a bowling ramp for beginners. When your mini bowlers work up an appetite trying to get that first strike, you can order a meal off the alley’s full restaurant menu. We love the flatbread pizza and southwest salad, which are a cut above your average bowling alley fare. We recommend making online reservations if you go during a peak time.

Cost: $19-$40/hour (Up to 6 people); $4/shoe rental

200 E. Via Rancho Pkwy
Escondido, Ca
760-690-2300

881 Showroom Place
Chula Vista, Ca
619-565-2695
Online: tavernbowl.com

Kearny Mesa Bowl & Mira Mesa Lanes
If your kids are early risers on Sunday mornings, then make lemonade out of lemons and take them bowling on the cheap. Deals like $1.50 games and shoe rentals are certainly up every parent’s alley… and you’ll be thankful that wee bowlers will go right down for that afternoon nap.

7585 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
858-279-1501
Online: kearnymesabowl.com

Cost: $17-$26/lane (per hour); $4/shoe rental

8210 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
858-578-0500
Online: miramesalanes.com

Cost: $1.50 games/ $1.50 shoe rental. Games must be purchased before 10 a.m. and completed by 11 a.m.

photo: Richard Giles

AMF Eagle Lanes
Kid’s will have a ball when an afternoon bowling session turns into an outright party as the lights go down, and the disco-inspired fun begins. Your whole family will get a kick out of turning a ho-hum weekday afternoon into an impromptu trip to this bowling alley, which has 40 all-star lanes, a mini-arcade, snack bar, smaller-sized balls for kids, and a bowling ramp to ensure scoring that first strike!

Cost: $3-$6.69/game (per person); $4.69/shoes

945 San Marcos Blvd.
San Marcos, Ca
760-744-7000
Online: amf.com

photo: Travis I. via Yelp

Viejas Bowl
There will be fun to spare at this twelve-lane boutique bowling alley in Alpine, which has a friendly staff, stylish couches and an upscale vibe. Kick back and relax while the kids bowl. Order anything from a healthy turkey wrap to pizza or buffalo wings off the tasty menu.

Cost: $3.50-$5/game (per person); Shoes, $3.50/adult, $2.50/child

5005 Willows Rd.
Alpine, Ca
877-303-2695
viejas.com/bowling

Parkway Bowl
Grab the ramp, put up the bumpers, don those crazy shoes and get ready to roll. This large, reasonably-priced bowling alley with state -of-the-art lanes boasts plenty of good times beyond the wood floors. Hit up their booming arcade and billiards tables once your lane time is up.

Cost: $2.35-$4.60/game (per person); $3.75/shoes

1280 Fletcher Pkwy
El Cajon, Ca
619-448-4111
Online: parkwaybowl.com

photo: JP G. via Yelp

Brunswick Zone
Looking for an alley that can accommodate a big family or group for a day of bowling? This Chula Vista hot spot has forty-eight lanes and automatic bumpers. Daily specials make Brunswick Zone as affordable as it is amusing. And with ten billiard tables and a pretty killer arcade, this is your one-stop shop for family fun.

Cost: $3.49-$5.59/game (per person); $4.69/shoes

845 Lazo Ct.
Chula Vista, Ca
619-421-4801
Online: bowlbrunswick.com

Where do you take the crew bowling? Let us know in the comments below.

—Nikki Walsh

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

In A Galaxy Not-So-Far-Away: Star Wars Celebration Arrives

by justJENN

For your little Jedi, a big year this will be! If they (or you) can’t wait until the new movie hits in December, you can visit a convention that’s bigger than the Death Star.  Star Wars Celebration is coming to Anaheim April 16-19, and it’s bringing all kinds of beings from galaxies near and far. Use the force and the freeway to bring your whole Rebel Alliance to this once-in-a-lifetime event.

In A Galaxy Not-So-Far Away…
Star Wars Celebration is four days of intergalactic fun, where fans of all ages come together from around the world to celebrate the pop culture phenomenon that is Star Wars. The convention is a love letter from George Lucas to his fans, and it’s in a new city every year.  From Tokyo to Indianapolis, it could be anywhere, which is why we’re so lucky that this year, as our little padawans anticipate the new movie, it’s landed in our own back yard.

Get The Most Out of Your Intergalactic Voyage
There’s so much to see and do at this convention it’ll make your head spin like an astromech droid. The best way for all-knowing Jedi parents to enjoy their visit is to plan ahead.  Visit the official Star Wars Celebration website to check the schedule (guests and activities are being announced and added daily). That way you’ll know ahead of time which panels, screenings and events to hit first. Star Wars Celebration has already announced special guests like Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker themselves: Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, as well as kid-fan favorites Freddie Prinze Jr. and Vanessa Marshall, Kanan and Hera from Star Wars Rebels. Planning out your day saves time on-site and gets you organized ahead of time, so you won’t miss your favorites.  They even have an app you can download to keep you updated at all times.

What kinds of things, aside from meeting amazing Star Wars actors (from all the movies and TV shows, and even behind the scenes) will your family want to see?  How about screenings, game debuts, a bounty hunt that the whole family can do together, cosplay contests and checking out millions (literally) of fan and commercially made Star Wars objects.

Wear a Costume, You Must
Cosplay has gone mainstream, and dressing up like your favorite characters has become a source of pride and an expression of fandom. At Star Wars Celebration you’ll find families donning the simplest of everyday cosplay to elaborate costumes that took months to make. Celebration will be filled with people dressed in Stormtrooper armor and homemade droids will be roaming the halls. It’s every kid’s dream come true: Star Wars come to life.  So be sure to wear your best costumes to get the most out of the day (and delight your kids).

“Tell Jabba I’ve Got His Money”
If you’re used to your little ones asking for things they see at the grocery store, then hold onto your wallets, because the Exhibit Hall here is the big leagues. The showroom floor has every sort of Star Wars merchandise you can imagine and it’s easy to get sucked in and spend a lot of money. You may see the same items multiple times, priced differently each time. Here’s our tip: write down or take a picture (always ask the vendor first) of the merchandise, booth number and row number so that you can find your way back to that location. Then you can save a little Imperial Currency for things like Jedi Academy, or college.

Know Before You Go
Bring plenty of snacks and water to get you through the day. Strollers are fine, especially when they look like this.

The celebration takes place April 16-19.  The hours are Thursday from 11 a.m.–8 p.m, Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Everyone over 5 will need a ticket, and all kids under 18 must be with an adult.   Tickets are $35 for kids ages 6-12 and $60-$75 for adults per day and $60/kids, $140/adults for a 4 day pass.

Star Wars Celebration
Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Ave.
Anaheim
Online: starwarscelebration.com

Don’t forget, May the 4th is Star Wars Day! How are you going to celebrate? We’ve got some great ways to celebrate Star Wars right here in LA, today and every day.

—written and photos by Jenn Fujikawa

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

The Ginormous Indoor Play Area You Have to See to Believe

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

With chilly temps at peak performance, you’re probably spending much of your free time trying to keep your kids’ stir-craziness at bay. Luckily, there are plenty of drop-in play areas around the D.C. metro, but—believe us—you haven’t seen anything this big. Play N’ Learn: The Playground Super Store, with locations in Chantilly, Va. and Columbia, Md., boasts a whopping 14,000 square feet of combined showroom space filled to the brim with play pads, trampolines, and air hockey tables (to name a few). Of course, the play equipment is all for sale, but the stores’ main draw is their free and open play sessions that give kids warehouse-size space to run, jump and climb (without having to jokey for a five-second turn on the tire swing). Cabin fever, bring it!

Test Ride
Don’t judge a book (er, a swing set) by its cover. Even though this backyard superstore has been around for years, its free and open play still remains somewhat of a secret. On cold or rainy days, gather rowdy kids and head out to the Chantilly, Va. location for free play or the Columbia, Md. spot for $6 per kid open play (make reservations here). Surrounded by slides, ladders, basketball goals, and the like, your little one could probably spend a 12-hour day bopping from monkey bar to monkey bar. But, with a two-hour time limit, you can get in, get around and get out…hopefully sans a public meltdown. Bonus: both locations have changing tables, water fountains, and patio furniture for parents to kick back on while kids play.

Party Hop
Looking for a cool place to host a party for your little mover and shaker? Amazing birthday shindigs are offered in 2-hour blocks at the Columbia, Md. location. In addition to all of the playground doodads and wahoos that the birthday kid gets to run wild on, tablecloths, plates, napkins, cups, and plastic ware are included in the price of the party ($219 on weekdays to $269 on weekends). If party planning isn’t your jam, no worries–you get your own dedicated party coordinator to help set up, clean up, make sure you can hook your iPod up to the speaker system, or whatever else you may need.  Bring in Junior’s favorite food to share, or have something delivered. Insider secret: Book your party here sooner than later; they typically fill up about a month in advance.

Take the Fun and Go!
The store’s hottest piece of equipment at the moment is the Springfree Trampoline (which is like a giant bouncy playpen), but don’t worry about getting accosted by a salesperson to buy the backyard beauty right there, on the spot. They know that seeing the cheese-grin on her face as she bounces joyously is the best sales pitch there is.

Have you been to this HUGE play space? Tell us about your visit in the comments section below.

–Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Photos courtesy of Play n’ Learn: The Playground Superstore

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Just Jump In: Trampoline Parks to Bounce Around

by rtchristinacross

When the natives are restless and jumping off the couches like a superhero in flight, it’s time to visit a trampoline park and save your furniture from doom. Indoor jump parks are perfect to get the wiggles out (and hey, jumping is also a good workout for you!). Unlike outdoor trampolines, the trampoline centers feature specially designed frames and springs covered by thick safety padding and considered much safer. Read on to find out three great places to jump in.

Photo credit: Get Air Poway Facebook page

Get Air Poway
What makes Get Air Poway unique is a gated “Small Air” area with trampoline and foam pit which is totally separate from the main jump area. Here, kids under 46-inches have the freedom to safely jump without any parent’s worry of their kiddo colliding midair with a much taller jumper or adult. There are super, comfy couches that outline one side of the Small Air Area, where parents can sit back and relax while watching their little one bounce and play. The Small Air area is located on the same floor as the main court, which makes it easier to keep track of older kids playing in the dodgeball court or main court.

Insider’s Tip: There are cubby holes to store shoes. Since there are no lockers, be sure to leave valuables at home.

12160 Community Rd.
Poway, Ca 92064
Online: getairpoway.com

Photo credit: Sky High Sports Facebook page

Sky High Sports
You’ll find three different areas at Sky High Sports located in Miramar, including one main trampoline area where you can literally bounce off the wall. Another area is dedicated for dodgeball. Kids love the foam pit area where they can either swing from a rope or trampoline bounce into a sea of soft foam blocks. The lower level includes the Kids Court for little jumpers ages 8 and under. Luckily for parents, there are lots of benches around the trampoline perimeters so you can chat with friends while the kiddos jump to their hearts’ content. And if anyone needs a break from jumping, head into the arcade.

Insider’s Tip: “Munchkin Mondays” admission for kids 6 and younger is $8 for 2 hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, on the first Tuesday of every month from 2 to 5 p.m., Sky High welcomes kids and young adults with special needs and their families and friends so they can enjoy bouncing without the loud music and other distractions.

8190 Miralani Dr.
San Diego, CA 92126
Online: sdo.jumpskyhigh.com/index.php

Photo credit: Sky Zone San Diego Facebook page

Sky Zone San Diego Indoor Trampoline Park
Located in Chula Vista, Sky Zone San Diego is inside the Eastlake Design Center. Like the other trampoline parks, Sky Zone San Diego has times for open jump, a foam zone and ultimate dodgeball. What makes this center unique is their offering of SkyRobics for parents. These classes are low-impact, healthy fun that combines calisthenics, core exercises and strength-building aerobics. Hey, just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean you can’t have fun (and burn calories) too! Jumpers are fitted for and required to wear Sky Zone shoes while jumping. If you forget to bring or wear socks, Sky Socks are for sale.

Insider’s Tip: Bring the little ones in for jumping at a discount. Sky Zone offers kiddos 42-inches and under the chance to jump for only $12 until 4 p.m. on Monday – Friday.

851 Showroom Place #100
Chula Vista, Ca 91914
Online: skyzone.com/SanDiego

Which San Diego trampoline park is your favorite and why?

— Christina Q. Cross and Leah R. Singer

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Play Kitchens & Fake Food for Little Cooks

by rtashleyjonas

Playing kitchen may be a classic childhood pastime, but today’s pretend kitchens, faux food and toy cooking gadgets have come a long way. They look sleek, modern and now — and even follow the trends (felt macarons, anyone?) Click through our guide to see what you should put on your shopping list.

Kidkraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen

Love sleek, urban design? Look no further than the Kidkraft Uptown Kitchen. This masterpiece looks like it popped out of a stainless steel appliance showroom, and includes a fridge, dishwasher, oven, microwave and cordless phone.

Available online at amazon.com, $154.99

BUY NOW

What does your kiddo love to play kitchen with? Share in the Comments!

— Ashley Jonas

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement