The easiest way to be right is to argue with someone too tired to protest.
The easiest way to put a crazy toddler in a bath or a bed is to wear them out first.
While Atlanta has parks galore, all the rain we have been getting makes visiting them unenjoyable/impossible. Being cooped up in a house with a bouncing off the furniture (if not the walls) two-year old would drive anyone insane. I was on my way to the looney bin, without passing go or stopping to collect $200.
Then, I discovered INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS!!! That is correct; you read that right, indoor playgrounds. They exist and they are wonderful.
Think of a very large room with everything a child could dream and a parent could wish. These people are brilliant.
Did I mention that it is affordable as well? For a two-year old it is roughly $5 to play for as long as that baby can make it, or until they close. If your toddler has older siblings it costs about $8-11, and parents get in free.
Here are a few around Atlanta:
1936 Briarwood Ct NE, Atlanta 30329
404-634-4964
Open: Mon-Thurs 9:30-6, Fri-Sat 9:30-7, and Sun 10-6
This is a personal favorite. Everything is located in one room so it is easy to keep track of your little one while you sit back with a latte. Yes, they make all sorts of coffees and healthy (many organic) snacks. They also claim to be eco-friendly and non-toxic.
185 Sams Street, Decatur 30030
404-537-3030
Open: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri-Sat 10-7, and Sun 10-6
This is the happening spot in Decatur. It can get a little busy on school holidays and weekends, but is large enough to accommodate. It is two large rooms with bouncy houses galore. You can bring your own snacks, which is a big plus in my opinion.
560 Amsterdam Ave Ne, Atlanta 30306
678-256-3941
Open: Mon-Thu 10-6, Fri-Sat 10-7, and Sun 11-6
This one is a little more expensive than the others, with two and under at $6-7, and 3-10 year olds at $10-11. So, we have yet to go (I am cheap, or as I would rather say, economical). The photos look awesome though and it will be visited soon, especially if it keeps raining.
Well, I am sure you can find indoor playgrounds anywhere you are, but thankfully we have them here in Atlanta.
Knowing you are going creates good behavior, because you get to hold it over them to behave if they want to go,
“If you want to go to Hippo Hopp you need to stop jumping on the couch.”
“Ok!”
Then, having gone creates good behavior, because they are so tired they will do whatever you ask them too,
“It’s time for a bath.”
“Ok.”
Ah! An easy day battling a toddler. Sanity? Check! Thank you indoor playground people.
Thanks to Photopin, Flickr, and Janice Cullivan for the great photo.
Toddler vs. Parent 