Indoor Playgrounds for Toddlers
Indoor playgrounds are popular as an alternative to outdoor playgrounds that are affected by the weather and may have safety issues. Many indoor playgrounds are located in easily accessible malls that have ample parking areas, and some playgrounds are actually built along major walkways in the malls themselves. Some businesses that have children clientele include indoor play units as advertising enticements. Many establishments are primarily indoor playgrounds that accommodate small children.
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Features
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Each indoor playground chain offers its own set of features. Live music and storytelling during part of the day along with free short G-rated movies are sometimes shown in kid-appealing areas such as in enormous trees or kid-size theaters. Enclosed plastic tubes, tunnels and slides resembling those designed for hamsters (only larger) provide exercise for both the energetic tot and the adult who follows after him for safety reasons. Tot corners are full of age-appropriate soft blocks for building and climbing, wall puzzles, slide balls, ball pools and toy rides. Many play places have party areas that can be rented from a few hours to all day. These rooms usually come with tables and chairs, and many indoor playgrounds offer eateries. The menus often include pizza, fries, hot dogs, soda, chicken nuggets, popcorn, ice cream and other foods that children enjoy. Some more upscale ones offer food targeted for adults in small cafes. Some enterprising indoor playgrounds offer child care where tots are in areas closely supervised by a staff member. These programs have an hourly rate.
Health and Safety Issues
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Although unattended areas such as the colorful and popular ball pits can quickly acquire germs and other health risks, reputable indoor play grounds are manned by amenable staff members who closely observe the children and reinforce safety rules and hygiene regulations. Their areas are cleaned on a regular posted schedule and often. The best indoor playgrounds have age-appropriate toys in play areas designated for specific age groups. They also are arranged so that the access ways separate the little children from the older ones and that the parents of tots have full view of the tot areas no matter where the parent sits when he is not interacting with the child. These areas are fully enclosed and feature entrance gates that are securely latched to keep little ones in and unwanted others out. Also, parents can rest assured that these professional play centers follow strict rules when it comes to the safety of both equipment and flooring materials.
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Amenities
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Most indoor playgrounds remember the parents as well and offer amenities such as baby changing tables in both men and women's bathrooms, adult as well as child knee pads for climbing through the tubes, plenty of seating for the adults, and private storage lockers or boxes for shoes, coats and other personal paraphernalia.
Expense
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Although some mall-supported and some other indoor playgrounds do not require an entrance free, most independent ones do require a fee. This usually includes a private locker or basket for shoes, coats and access to all areas. A few newer play places offer 30- and 90-day memberships and multiple-visit punch cards at lower rates.
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References
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