“Mamma I am bored, Daddy I want toys…” Their demands reach new heights when you decide to visit a mall or have a lazy lunch with your friends. Shopping becomes even more cumbersome when you are accompanied by a curious toddler and all you can do is to keep chasing the kid!
A child playing on swing. Pic: Anisha Nair
Play areas for children have come up at many places so the mum or dad can get some relaxed time for activities like shopping, spas or a cuppa with friends. These play spaces have games and activities that would interest children and keep them engrossed for a while.
It’s hard to keep children away from sand. Some play spaces have indoor sand pits for them to play in sand and not get scolded! Yes! It is an absolutely clean space. Just get up, dust yourself, and head out. Toys like buckets, cups and rings are scattered over the sand pits to keep kids entertained.
Children playing on slides. Pic: Anisha Nair
Get outdoorsy, indoor, with wall and rock climbing. There are small plastic or cement structures made to look like walls or rocks where children can climb and play without getting hurt. And some places do have caregivers around, to take care of these tiny adventurers.
Some of the safety measure common for all play areas.
Shoes or slippers are not allowed.
No sharp objects will be allowed.
No rough play or bullying allowed.
Parents not allowed to smoke inside the premises.
Among the list of old favourites, are inflatable bouncers, also known as moonwalk, inflatable trampoline or bouncing castles. Once the child hops onto it and start bouncing, it will be difficult to get her out.
Some places also have a library to keep your little reader occupied. Of course there are small slides and swings too.
The facilities are charged on hourly basis ranging from Rs 100 to 300 per hour. They accommodate children from age 2 to 10 years.
So the next time you want to hang out without the kid loitering around you, you know where to head out first, dropping the child at the play centre without worrying for their safety. A win-win situation. Isn’t it?
Hide and Peek: 102/7, 1st Main, Jayamahal Extension. Ph: 66492191, 9945600805. They have packages too.
Gambolla: No. 3, Natasha Penta, Infantry Road Cross. Ph: 4205 8980, 98807 81411. Children below age four have to be accompanied by parents.
Amoeba: Three Quarter Chinese: 22nd Cross, Cosmopolitan Club, 3rd Block, Jayanagar, Ph: 30412940 ext: 336. You can enjoy your meal while the tiny tot is engrossed in the play area.
Oasis Center: 100 Feet Road, Koramangala. Ph: 40276400
Forum Mall: 21, Hosur Road, Koramangala. Ph: 42404240
Mantri Square mall: 1, Sampige Road, Malleshwaram. Ph: 30160001⊕