Having a baby is a joyous experience but can also be a very isolating experience; spending hours and hours in your home with little to no adults and outside world interaction. It doesn't have to be that way! Check out these 10 fun ways that you and your child can get out of the house for a few hours.
- MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers is for children 0-5 years old and their caregiver. Happening once a week at many area churches, this program allows you to get out once a week, talk to some other caregivers, and get some valuable tips. To find a group near you click here.
- Jump, Rattle, and Roll - Not only do they have big bouncy areas (one is for ages 6 and under only,) but they also have a huge playset and play area that is perfect for the littles! With several open play times during the week you can chose to go when the stars align and everyone is in a great mood! Under 1 years old are free, ages 1&2 $4.00, 2-17 $8.00, and parents are always free!
- The Reptile Zoo - Who doesn't love a good reptile? It is a great way to get the kids out of the house, get some energy out of them, and learn a little bit about animals in the process! Open everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas this is another place that you can just fly by the seat of your pants. Under 2 years old free, ages 3-4 $6.50, 5-17 $7.95, and adults $9.95. There is a discount on all admission on Sundays.
- Northwest Art Center - The Northwest Art Center has just opened up a pottery painting studio and a splatter room (perfect for getting a little energy out). The pottery painting varies in price depending on the piece; ranging from $2.00-$50.00. The splatter room ranges from $15.00-$40.00 depending on the size canvas you want to splatter. Open Monday-Saturday 10:00-6:00.
- Your local library - Each library has something different to offer. They all have fantastic play areas for the littles and give you a nice place to relax and hang out with your kiddos. They all also have weekly story times for different ages groups and other fun events and activities. Check the Cherry Valley Macaroni Kid calendar for all the library offerings in your area.
- Explore a local park - Who doesn't love being outside! There are many parks in out area that have equipment for both the babies and toddlers in your life. Some even have open fields near by where those toddlers and can run and run and run and run. Check out our list of the local parks.
- Take a hike - Having a baby or toddler doesn't mean you have to stop exploring the great outdoors, if anything it is an even better excuse to get outdoors! There are many great hikes for little ones in this area and there is also Hike It Baby Snohomish that organizes hikes geared towards caregivers with children under 5 .
- Sky Valley Academy - Balance beams, foam pits, and gymnastics mats oh my! On Mondays and Fridays from 1:30-2:30, kids 1-12 years old and their caregivers can get the wiggles out at open gym! Sky Valley Academy also has a parent/toddler gymnastics class for ages 1-3 years old and have parents night outs from time to time during the year for ages 3-12 years old.
- Have a cup of coffee or a meal while your child plays - Sharinabean’s On Main in Monroe has a fun play area for the littles that they can enjoy while you enjoy your drink. Both McDonalds and Burger King in Monroe have indoor play areas that is fit for children from 1-12 years old. The Burger King play area is geared towards the younger aged child. Invite a friend and have some adult conversation and a treat!
- Take in a movie - Have a toddler that you think might enjoy a movie on the big screen? Have a baby that can sleep through anything? Head over to Galaxy Monroe every Tuesday for their discount Tuesdays. All movies are $6.50 all day, under 2 are free. Pick a movie early in the day to avoid the crowds.
