Getting out of the house during the winter months is the saving grace for our sanity. It gives the kids a change of scenery and I get to work while they play with new kids, and old friends. Here are some indoor play options in Sherwood Park:
Millennium Place
Our top choice because the admission gets you skating/swimming and indoor playground access, admission for the family is around $20. Children 2 and under are free (making it free to visit the indoor playground as there is no charge for parents. Children over two come with a $4 admission cost. There are drop-in programs for preschool kids for a parents’ time out.
Tip: Bring your own lunch and snacks
Cafe O Play
Great for toddlers, Cafe O Play is open until 8pm on Thursday and Friday. Admission costs are $6, second child is half price but you can get 50% off of admission during happy hour.
Playradise
Free indoor Playground at the Park Church, Playradise is offered Wednesday mornings from 9:30 until noon. It’s a great (free) way to get out of the house during the week and runs September - April, starting this week. It’s an easy way to connect with other moms and play for free.
McDonalds Play Place
I know what you’re thinking - a lot of the Moms I know are all “Mcdonalds playgrounds, how grimy” but really? It’s favored by the kids around here over places like Cafe O Play and recently renovated in Sherwood Park, while offering wi-fi and touch screen computers for the kids, we’re going to check it out regularly this winter. (Photo above)
Tip: refillable drinks + wifi? That’s two hours of easy work time
Kinsmen Playground
Kinsmen preschool playground is open Tues/Weds/Fri/Sun from 9:30 to 11:30. Best for young children, there is a cool pirate ship to climb on. It’s $3 for admission and kids under 2 are free. You can get a 10 visit pass for $27. Parents aren’t charged for admission to the playground.
Strathcona County Library
A tree covered place to read, puppet theatre, fun computer games and an activity table give you a fun place to play during the winter months. Plus, there are programs for infants, preschoolers and the entire family that you can take advantage of while you’re there. Then, you can stop over at the Education station, or have lunch - all without going outside.
Tip: If you’re registering for programs, you’re going to want to do that the day that they open (first thing) those fill up quickly.