An indoor playground helps to keep your toddler learning by exploring new environments. Toddler’s need diverse experiences in order to grow. Outdoor playgrounds are obviously free and if you have one you can walk to, even better. My daughter and I have visited numerous playgrounds in the South Bay. We’ve enjoyed them all and are lucky to live in Southern California, where the weather is fantastic year round.
Like A Muscle, A Toddler’s Brain Needs New Stimuli
Bad weather isn’t the only reason people take their kids to indoor playgrounds. Indoor playgrounds can actually offer different experiences for kids that outdoor playgrounds can’t. And vice versa.
Like muscles, children need variance in both their physical and mental health, so continually introducing new stimuli assists in the formation of their imaginations. Playtime plays a big role in how children experience the world, develop social skills and learn how to make decisions. It is important, therefore to mix things up for them.
Toddlers are learning at a rapid rate from the age of 0-3 years old, which according to experts is the most crucial time:
“For the parents of toddlers, it is important to understand that brain growth depends on more than just the nutrients the brain receives in the blood stream. Countless studies show that actual physical brain development is enhanced by the child living in an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally nourishing.”
Basically, we all need to change up our routines so that we can realize different results. A toddler’s brain works in the same way. An indoor playground offers a change in environment, one that usually has soft cushy floor mats. This is new for a toddler that’s used to hard dirt and rocks found on outdoor playgrounds. A great indoor playground will likely have diverse obstacle courses and stimulating play areas. It could also allow children to take more chances that might not be as safe outside.
Ariabella and I have personally explored at least three different fun indoor playground facilities.
My Gym
1836 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
We were invited to a birthday party at an indoor playground at My Gym in Manhattan Beach. My Gym is one indoor playground facility ranked number one. The staff there offers scheduled activities not to mention toddler-safe obstacle courses.
But I found My Gym to have a strict activity schedule. So, it’s a little tougher for toddlers under 2 years. But they do have classes specifically for younger age groups.
Toddler Town At Adventureplex
1701 Marine Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
We really enjoyed Toddler Town at Adventureplex. It is more geared towards toddlers under 2. There’s a play grocery story with plastic food and groceries along with a cash register. There’s also a large foam box that toddler’s can jump in that is full of different soft shapes. They also have another room where toddlers can crawl through obstacle courses and other such things.
Twinkle Twinkle Kids Café
2065 Palos Verdes Dr North, Lomita, CA 90717
Kids Café is one of my favorites. You can buy food there, eat, and let your kid run around. There’s a huge indoor obstacle course mostly for kids a bit older. But, there are all sorts of things for toddlers under 2 to climb on and ride. Ariabella really enjoys the freedom of taking a bite of food and then running off to go play. Parents, just be cautious of any choking hazards.
An indoor playground like Twinkle Twinkle allows for parents to accompany their child for free. Just remember to bring socks for both the adults and children. If you forget, they will make you buy a pair for a dollar each. Which isn’t that expensive. But, every dollar in our wallet matters, right? As far as the prices are concerned, I believe it usually ranges around $10 for 2 hours. Most toddler’s merely require 2 hours max, if they can last that long.
Every place is different and it’s definitely worth the price.
Indoor play places are fun!
They are, I had no idea it would provide her a different experience. But, it does and it’s nice for them to have diverse play environments. They’re also not that expensive.
I had no idea that indoor playgrounds offered different benefits from outdoor playgrounds. I love that just a small change in the area can make all the difference to a toddler’s imagination. I’ll be watching my little cousins next week, so this a very helpful article.