We recently made a visit to the IKEA and did something we’ve never – ever - ever - ever done before: We left our kids in the store provided play area. Wowza!
Ok. Maybe this isn’t groundbreaking news for you, but for us it was an occasion to remember. I’m a keep-em close kind of Momma. I just plain don’t leave my kid with strangers. But... this was a marathon IKEA trip. I wasn’t sure my husband would survive - let alone two active boys. So… my boys entered the Magic Forest.
Ok. Maybe this isn’t groundbreaking news for you, but for us it was an occasion to remember. I’m a keep-em close kind of Momma. I just plain don’t leave my kid with strangers. But... this was a marathon IKEA trip. I wasn’t sure my husband would survive - let alone two active boys. So… my boys entered the Magic Forest.
Here are the facts: Kids can stay for up to one hour. No parents are allowed. Glass windows allow folks to see in and kids to see out. Simple play area provides a handful of options. Kids wear nametags, wrist bracelets, and no shoes. Parents carry a IKEA provided beeper, to allow immediate contact.
Here is the confession: Yes, I circled back several times to peer in the windows and covertly survey the scene. My kiddos were having fun launching balls from the ball pit into the provided overhead bins. Attendants were calm and professional. Number of entries was limited - so overcrowding was not an issue. I'm not a huge fan of the TV showing (what someone else has deemed as) "kid friendly shows" - but my own babes weren't much interested in just sitting, so it wasn't much of a concern. If you have a "watcher" - I'd recommend investigating the programming.
Here is the verdict: While not loads of fun, my boys felt safe and preferred 45 minutes in Magic Land over 45 minutes of torturous furniture shopping. Their favorite part of the overall IKEA trip was the visit to the cafeteria with purchase of apple cake, and I can’t argue with that.
Here is the confession: Yes, I circled back several times to peer in the windows and covertly survey the scene. My kiddos were having fun launching balls from the ball pit into the provided overhead bins. Attendants were calm and professional. Number of entries was limited - so overcrowding was not an issue. I'm not a huge fan of the TV showing (what someone else has deemed as) "kid friendly shows" - but my own babes weren't much interested in just sitting, so it wasn't much of a concern. If you have a "watcher" - I'd recommend investigating the programming.
Here is the verdict: While not loads of fun, my boys felt safe and preferred 45 minutes in Magic Land over 45 minutes of torturous furniture shopping. Their favorite part of the overall IKEA trip was the visit to the cafeteria with purchase of apple cake, and I can’t argue with that.
Scandinavian design and food
are two of my favorite indulgences.
are two of my favorite indulgences.