Help!! My 2 year old son is driving me crazy ! :) It may just be our first look at the terrible 2's, but it seems like he is not getting enough activity and may be bored. He goes to daycare 3 days a week, so he is great on interacting with other children. I am looking for a place to take him that he can run around and blow off some excess energy. We live in Farmington Hills, but I am willing to drive for excitement. I am off Mondays and Tuesdays. Does anyone know of places that allow for some active play this time of year?
Thanks everyone! You all gave great suggestions. We already checked out the Southfield library and plan to hit up a lot more of the places soon. I didn't even know the mall opened before the stores opened. Thanks!!
We love the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum www.aahom.org - as well as Macy's second Mondays at the Henry Ford Museum http://www.thehenryford.org/macys/default.asp
There is a place called Jungle Java, its in Farminton Hills, 12 Mile & Middlebelt. Its a savior for winter time blues. Also I have heard of a place call the Franklin Athletic Club, I personally have never been but I have heard great things. And the mall has a play area for children. Hope this helps.
Hi J.,
I have a 22 month old daughter and also work 3 days a week. They are very busy at this age! I tried out the Southfield Library today for the 10:00 story time. It was great! There is so much room for the kids to run around, puzzles, a sleeping dragon, a tree house to play hide and seek, a huge "Cat in the Hat".
You might also try Gymboree, I think there is one in Novi.
Good Luck,
Kristine
J.,
Have you tried Jungle Java? Best times are during the week before the older kids get there they tend to run over the smaller kids. It is an inside playground...they have a website (google it...don't know it off hand)
R.
twelve oaks mall has a play area.there is usually quite a few kids there.
I an not sure what malls still have these, but some malls have play centers in them that do not cost anything to play in. Another thing is check your local library sometimes they have events for young children year round. Best of luck I have a 5 month old so those times are coming I am sure.
Ferndale Parks and Rec has "Romp and Stomp" on Tuesdays and Thursdays $2.00 per child. It is a gym with mats, balls and other play stuff - they also have a bouncer so they can jump til their heart is content.
Look it up on the Fernale parks and rec site.
My advice is Jungle Java as well. I have taken my 4year old there several times and it really is a lot of fun for the kids. I think it is on Middlebelt and 12mi. (not sure) Good Luck and give it a try!!!
Jungle Java on 12 mile and Middlebelt is great. Also, the Farmington library on 12 mile has a fabulous kid's floor and they don't expect the kids to be quiet. They have a music area, a play stage, books of course, an activity room, it's great. So is the West Bloomfield library on Walnut Lake Rd. The best thing about the libraries is that they're free. You can take food to both libraries also if you want to spend the whole morning and have lunch or snacks. You have to buy food at Jungle Java if you want to eat there. Hope this is helpful.
The mall opens its doors (about 8 a.m.) two hours before the stores open, and the play area is there (forget if it's near Sears or L&T?). He'll like to run down the open hallway to get there.
There's a Jungle Java in Farmington Hills (Middlebelt/12 Mile). It's like a McDonald's playland on major steriods. There's also a gated area just for toddlers so they don't get lost in the maze of slides and ropes, etc. And there's a lounge just next to it where parents can hang out, have coffee or food, etc. During the week is great because they also host b'day parties there, which makes it CRAZY on the weekends. I think kid's admission is around $6.00, but may be less for toddlers. Have fun!
I am in the same boat. What about the mall at Great Lakes Crossing. My kids love the Food Court climbing thing. It is a little busy, but if you go early it is not too bad. Now that it is cold, we do more computer time than I like. At www.orisinal.com, they have some games that are really easy for toddlers and the music is not too annoying. The science center downtown is nice. The DIA has some child friendly things, like an Eye Spy game. My son (3) really liked it when we went and it helped him stay focused as we moved from room to room. Good Luck until the thaw!
Hello,
I believe the Farmington Hills YMCA has a toddler tumbeling/gym class. That would allow him to burn off lots of energy. They also have parent and child swim classes for kids up to 36 months. After 36 months there is the lessons for preschoolers. I have been thinking about getting my 3 year old and 19 month old signed up for the swim lessons.
Jeepers
Chuck E Cheese
Fast Food Restaraunts with indoor play grounds
Twelve Oaks Mall has a play ground inside
The Rainbow Swing Set Showroom in South Lyon
Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
The mall play area
Hi, I am the mother of a 2 year old boy myself. We live in Auburn Hills but there are Gymboree places everywhere. In case you haven't tried that yet, look it up on line and you will be able to find a place near you. It has sessions for all ages and basically offers a huge room filled with balls and slides and fun toys that the kids go crazy for. There is a structured part to the class with music and activities as well. My son loved it!
Hope this helps.
