open play

Credit: Robert O’Connor

Keeping kiddos busy during the summer can be hard. Our dad blogger Robert, shares a great idea when you’re looking for something to do to chase summer boredom away.

Sometimes it can be a challenge to get our kids away from the tv or any electronic device for even a couple hours. I believe that if we offer our kids an environment that has some exercise opportunities in a fun setting then they will put down the iPhones, computers, etc etc, even if it’s for just a little while.

Credit: Robert O’Connor

As parents of young children we have all spent many hours at the various indoor party places (pump it up, bounce u, seascape, scooter’s jungle, etc..) celebrating various young friends and relatives birthdays. What you may not know, is that most of these places have “open play” times where you can bring the kids in to play when there is not a party in progress.

My daughters favorite indoor play area for “open play” is Hullabaloos in Orange. On Monday and Tuesday nights from 5 to 8 pm your kids can enjoy the facilities for only $6. As an adult, if you just want to relax and supervise your child then you only have to pay the $6 for your child for up to 3 hours of play. Some of the activities at Hullabaloos are: inflatable jumper, air hockey, foosball, rock climbing wall, and more.

Hullabaloos is located at 1201 W. Katella Ave in Orange a couple of blocks from the Honda Center. For more info call 714 997-2789.

Credit: Robert O’Connor

I know many other places offer open play throughout Southern California. There are also bouncy castle meath that you can rent if you want to entertain your children at home. Check out your favorite place. I took the kiddos to Seascape in Anaheim hills earlier this week to combat some of the summer boredom and had a blast. Also keep an eye out on the deal sites such as groupon or plum district because you can usually buy a multi visit card for a great discount.

: Swinging Around

While we were out last week on our play it by ear day, we stopped at Aliso Park and the kiddos played till it was dark. They had a great time and honestly couldn’t stop talking about it for days. They played in the sand, they swung as high as they could(“push me to the sky Mom”) and pretended they were pirates on a ship. I remembered once again the importance of free/open play and making sure the kiddos have the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild and of course get the wiggles all out of the way.

: Making Sand Angels

It was a great reminder to not forget to take the time to go out and play!

If you’re looking for park ideas or other ideas for open and outdoor play, checkout these two fun blogs, funorangecountyparks.com and goexplorenature.com.