So firstly the pros. Oh how I love Play Centres! To paint the picture, it feels like it has been raining for at least 50 days in a row and it is not just the kids that are climbing the walls but I am too. There is only so much play dough cooking and craft that a Mum can do without going as mad as a hatter! These are the times that I just about cry with relief that there are such things as play centres. Where my boys can run off steam and I can generally sit and watch them whilst enjoying something hot and yummy. Ah bliss. It is at these times where I gladly pay the $14.50 per child entry fee that my closest play centre charges and in fact some days I would probably play double. Happy boys = happy Mum. The other times I love play centres is when I am meeting up with my mummy friends. Yes, even when the weather has been good or it is too hot to be outside. They are brilliant and it is great to organise to meet somewhere where we know everyone will be happy and you don't have to rely on the weather. The kids play together and don't fight over sharing toys and us mums can generally hang out by the slide and have a very good natter. I think these times have been my sanity savers. Many problems have been discussed by the ball pit or jumpy castle and I have learnt many valuable things by talking to my friends without our sentences being interrupted every other second. So how can you not love play centres?
Ah well the Cons. Play centres are really quite expensive. Not just the entry fee. Lets face it they are businesses and I think that the fee is quite reasonable when you compare it to other outings. (How much is it to see a movie these days?) No it's actually the 'no food' policies that bug me. Many centres in my area don't allow you to bring your own food. So you are left with two options. Buy the over priced, unhealthy foods that they sell or leave when the kids get hungry. (which is generally 10 minutes in for my kids) It frustrates me that I can't pack snacks for my kids that are cheaper and healthier when we have already paid to get in the door. I would happily pay for a coffee or a treat but I feel like I am committing a crime if I sneak in so much as a rice cracker.
The other thing that gets my goolies is actually 'those' (raises eyebrows) kind of parents. You know the ones that go there and let their cherubs run wild without so much as glancing up from their novel that is bigger than "War and Peace"? Most parents supervise but there are just those few that just use these centres and rely on other mums like it is a baby sitting service. I know my boys are no angels but we have come away from centres with our war wounds. It can be a bit like 'Lord of the Flies' in those tunnels where you can't see in very much even if parents are supervising. My last con is perhaps the germs. I hate to think of how clean the ball pits are, especially when my 1 year old is sucking on one of the balls. I am sure we have picked up many a snotty nose from these places. But I suppose you get as many germs from a shopping trolly so perhaps that is not really a con.
So the verdict? Whilst they are expensive compared to going to playgroup, the library, the museum, the art gallery and all those wonderful type of options, sometimes I just need something else that is easy and kid friendly and these places fill that hole.
So what are your thoughts on play centres?
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