Hooray for Play Cafes!!

Here in Ohio, we're used to getting cold weather and lots of snow.  This winter however has been unusually cold.  This last week in particular, we've experienced frigid temperatures.  For about three or four days in a row the average temperature with the windchill was an incredible -6.  NEGATIVE 6 people!!!!!  Schools were cancelled and we were all forced to stay inside.  Typically,  I wouldn't mind it too much.  After all there's nothing I love more than curling up on the couch in my sweats, watching movies and spending some extra Q.T. with my boys but this winter is a little different.  This winter I have a toddler with an enormous amount of energy and staying in the house day after day isn't an option.  I didn't nickname him "Monkey" for nothing!  This kid isn't happy unless he's running, climbing, falling and making messes (what toddler isn't, right?)  So every now and then I take advantage of one of our local play cafes.  Over the last year or two, play cafes have been springing up all over the area.  Play cafes are indoor play areas for children usually up to the age of 6 that also offer healthy deli types of food and snacks along with coffee/tea/cappuccino and most offer wifi.  GENIUS idea!!  Now parents can take their little ones somewhere fun to get all their sillies out even when it's cold or rainy.  I used to take Eli to the play area at local malls which is still sometimes fun but after about 20 minutes he's more interested in darting out of the area into a sea of shoppers than he is of actually playing.  Not to mention these play areas are usually packed and keeping track of your little one can be more of a pain than anything.  So, today when we woke up I decided we should get out of the house and head to the play cafe he really enjoys called Eat Play Love (how cute is that!?).  We arrived around 10 and immediately I knew I made a good decision.  I couldn't get his coat off fast enough!  He was ready to play and I was ready to sit back and relax while he burned off some of that toddler energy.  This place is so bright and inviting.  It's clean and offers lots to do for small children.  From train tables to jungle gyms, play kitchens, puzzles and books, you name it.  And did I mention it only cost me $6?  Not too shabby.

There's definitely enough to keep the kids busy.  We stayed for a couple of hours then it was time to head home for lunch.  We had a wonderful morning and now my little monkey is sleeping soundly.  Oh how I love nap time!! Check out www.eatplayloveplaycafe.com if you need something fun to do with your little one!!