Cold or rainy weather often means less to do when you're a toddler. This can be lame both for the kiddos and parents. We were recently downtown at the Slover Library for Toddler time, (if you have not checked out this library- do it NOW!) and decided to go over to the MacArthur Center play area.
Of the mall play areas around, I think that this one is the best. It is the largest and it has a closed perimeter fence with a security guard. I've heard lots of people complain about kids larger than the rules allow at other malls, but here it doesn't happen. It also has a cute Looney Tunes theme. There are many things to climb onto, over, down and through. Most important, it's a padded floor so tumblers are a little protected. The play area is all the way upstairs on the third floor next to the food court. A reminder-kids have to take their shoes off here, so you may want to bring socks.
If you decide to have lunch while you're here, there are several sit down restaurants throughout the mall including Johnny Rockets, California Pizza Kitchen, Chili's, and Texas De Brazil. ( I don't see you playing much after eating there. I get the vegetarian offerings from their salad bar for a discounted price and I'm still so full I feel like rolling out of there!) Be aware- if you eat from the food court, the high chairs can be hard to locate. We found them under a counter up by the Burger King. You can find a list of all of the stores here.
If you decide to have lunch while you're here, there are several sit down restaurants throughout the mall including Johnny Rockets, California Pizza Kitchen, Chili's, and Texas De Brazil. ( I don't see you playing much after eating there. I get the vegetarian offerings from their salad bar for a discounted price and I'm still so full I feel like rolling out of there!) Be aware- if you eat from the food court, the high chairs can be hard to locate. We found them under a counter up by the Burger King. You can find a list of all of the stores here.
While you're at the mall be sure to check out:
01. Barns and Noble- On Tuesdays and Wednesdays they have a FREE story time with a craft. (Check my B&N post here for more information.)
02. Friday Food Truck Rodeo- as good as it sounds! On some Fridays the mall has food trucks outside.
03. Sunday Farmers Markets- outside on the green lawn.
04. Ice skating in the winter! Check out our contest going on for a family four pack of tickets!
05. Junior Cooking Series- On the second Saturday of the month California Pizza Kitchen has a class for juniors who are looking to learn how to cook.
06. Pop up yoga for adults, chalk art displays, terrarium workshops, the list goes on. Be sure to check with their website to see the full descriptions of upcoming events.
07. Check out the Live 360 studio. Post here. It's got books, arts and crafts, and different activities for children.
08. While at MacArthur you do have to pay for parking, but the fee is normally $1.00-$2.00. The library, Nauticus, Waterside, and the MacArthur Memorial are all in close walking distance to the mall, so if you pay to park, there is lots to do! They now take cards too.
Upcoming events:
Breakfast with Santa and MacArthur Mall. Pancakes, Pizza, and Santa! Sunday, December 2nd and 9th, 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Children are $7.00, adults are $8.00. Takes place inside of CPK. Register online.Pet photos with Santa, the purr-fect photo op. Sunday, December 3rd, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Photo packages range from $24.99-$49.00. Located inside center court.
Contest time! Comment below with your favorite holiday tradition to be entered to win a family four pack of tickets to MacArthur on Ice! Tag your friends on Facebook and instagram- we have two sets! Don't forget to LIKE Toddlin' Around Tidewater on Facebook, and FOLLOW on Instagram to get all of our updates!
*This song is for you if you plan on staying warm this winter!
*This song is for you if you plan on staying warm this winter!
