It’s been a very trying few weeks for me, with the kids taking turns to fall sick, a lack of additional help with my Mum being away/unwell, and DD being completely swamped in the office and coming home late everyday.
I can barely keep up with essential tasks, much less blog. But I keep returning, because this is my happy space. Which is also why I get very annoyed when someone messes with my blog or with me here. Just DON’T. This is my blog and I will say what I like. If you don’t like it, just stop reading and GO AWAY.
Anyway!
This is a bit of an old one which has been sitting in my drafts folder for quite a while.
I am always on the lookout for kid-friendly places to visit. Even better when the have food. Totally a win when the food is good.
Some weeks back, a couple of old friends and I decided to meet on a weekday afternoon at Rochester House. With 6 kids between us, the main draw was The Playhouse. I’ve been meaning to check it out for quite a while now, but just never got round to it. Unlike an indoor gym, The Playhouse is more like… a big toy room I guess, with different activity centres in different parts of the room. It isn’t free, but the good thing about going on a weekday is that there was a “$10 for 2 hours of play” promo.
The boys made a beeline for the train table. Always a hit with Noey.
There were also bouncy animals, a dress-up corner, a single small ball pit and slide, a toy piano, a swing set, and quite a big kitchen area, complete with lots of fake food, utensils and equipment.
(See, DD, boys like cooking toys too what…)
The real food was almost as good. As long as they have fish & chips, Noey is happy! The food was mostly French, though they did have pastas too, to keep everyone happy.
It was a lovely morning that overran, as usual. Would I go back on my own? Maybe, if I was in the area. It probably isn’t somewhere I would make the extra effort to go to. Noey did have fun, as evidenced by the fact that he kept asking to go back in while we were eating. However, like I said, it felt like a big toy house, and I think my over-active boy would probably have preferred the rough and tumble of an indoor gym better. If it was free I probably would be going all the time! But since you have to pay to play, I would think twice. It might have been better if the outdoor play area — with sand, which Noey loves — was open, but it was barricaded on the day we were there.
At least the Mummies certainly had a great time.
lilsnooze says
We headed there last year, for Nat's birthday, as a treat. I totally agree with you that it's more like a big playroom! <br /><br />It would have been more perfect (and a dream) if the kids are able to play in the room, on their own, without needing us inside. HAHA.
BeanBean says
@<a href="#c8334890835716499303" rel="nofollow">lilsnooze</a> oh, Noey was happy to play on his own, but I couldn't leave him alone cos every once in a while I had to make sure he wasn't fighting with anor kid for toys or snatching them. Oops!
San says
Yet another place I keep thinking of bringing my kid to as well! LOL! He loves indoor gyms, but I think the train set will be a hit too!
BeanBean says
@<a href="#c5201917174205106109" rel="nofollow">San</a> Boys just love trains I think!
Anonymous says
Especially appealing for the good food, I say. Play area was alright. Still a great outing though!<br /><br />Nish
FY says
yeah! it was just a huge huge toyroom, really. But still! I think the kids had fun! 🙂