Nothing beats a place where you can leave the kids for an awesome fun time while you and your spouse get a night out alone.
When my family first moved to the Annapolis area, we were at a loss for babysitters, but then we discovered a cool little secret: the gymnastics center where our daughters took classes had a Parent’s Night Out program every week.
For a reasonable fee, our girls could play with friends and have a ton of fun while my husband and I went out for a nice dinner and a movie or a walk around downtown Annapolis.
Parents’ Night Out at My Gym in AnnapolisIf you are itching for a little adult time but don’t know what to do with the kids, you are in luck. There are a number of places in the Baltimore/Annapolis area that offer engaging programs for kids, and most cost even less than hiring a babysitter. Here are a few to try.
Fun places with Parents’ Night Out
Westfield Annapolis
Grab some dinner, catch a movie or just stroll through the mall window shopping together while your little one spends time at KidCare, located near Pottery Barn in the mall. From iPads and a Wii to crafts and games, your kids won’t get bored.
KidCare is a state-licensed childcare facility, so all staff hold current First Aid/CPR certification. Only 15 kids can attend at one time, and it’s first come first serve. If it is full, you can add your name to a waiting list and get called when a spot opens up. Keep in mind, weekends are especially popular.
Hours: Seven days a week during mall hours, Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Rate: $7 per child for up to two hours and $7 for the third hour. Three hour maximum. $50 monthly membership with unlimited use for up to four children (two hours per visit).
Ages: 3-9, must be potty-trained.
2002 Annapolis Mall Rd., Annapolis
410-266-1699, westfield.com/annapolis/services/kidcare
My Gym, Various locations
Take advantage of the opportunity to leave the kids for a night of games, crafts, hands-on activities and more at Parent’s Night Out at a My Gym. Kids get to spend time in the gym, which includes climbing equipment, slides, swings, floor mats and blocks. Each session has a theme with special activities. Reservations are highly encouraged as there is a limit for the evening, and some locations may offer a discount for early registration.
Hours: Monthly, contact the specific location
Rate: Varies, with discounts for siblings
Ages: 2½-8, must be potty-trained
Annapolis, 410-573-9899; Crofton, 410-774-5424; Columbia, 410-290-7008; Waldorf, 301-932-8000
mygym.com
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1st Class Gymnastics, Annapolis
With rope swings, foam block pits, trampolines and plenty of space to run, climb and bounce, your kids might not even realize you’re gone when they attend 1st Class Gymnastics Date Night for Parents. There are plenty of staff members to make sure kids are safe and having fun. Snacks are available to purchase or kids can bring their own. Reservations are not required because of the volume of kids that can be accommodated. Registration drop-off begins 15 minutes prior to the event.
Hours: Every Friday and Saturday, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Rate: $20, 1st Class members; $24, non-members. Fees are prorated at pickup if you use less than 4 hours.
Ages: 4 and up.
451 Defense Hwy.
410-224-0721, 1stclassgym.com
Silver Stars Gymnastics, Bowie
Kids can climb on monkey bars and ropes, play organized games, jump on trampolines and run around in Silver Stars’ 18,000-square-foot facility during Kids’ Night Out. A moon bounce adds to the fun, and pizza can be added for an additional fee. Reservations are available by phone or on the website.
Hours: First and third Saturdays, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Rate: $20 with advanced registration; $25 at the door.
Ages: 3 1/2-12; children must be potty-trained.
14201 Woodcliff Court
301-352-5777, gosilverstars.com
The Clay Bakers, Annapolis and EastonThe Clay Bakers, Annapolis and Easton
Kids can hang out with friends, paint to their hearts’ content and eat plenty of pizza at Clay Bakers’ Kid’s Night Out. Projects vary from painting pottery or canvas to working with glass. For older kids, Clay Bakers offers a Tween Night with unlimited pizza and soda while painting. Reservations are suggested because space is limited.
Kid’s Night Out Hours: Annapolis, third Friday of the month; Easton, first Friday of the month; 6-8 p.m.
Tween Night Hours: Annapolis, second Friday of the month; Easton, second Saturday of the month; 6-9 p.m.
Rate: $20 for the project and pizza; Tween Night has no cover charge.
Ages: Kid’s Night Out, 6 and older; Tween Night, 10-14.
1 S. Washington St., Easton; 410-770-9091
151 Main St., Annapolis; 410-990-0244
theclaybakers.com
Rolly Pollies, Crofton and Severna Park
With a moon bounce, rock wall, zip line and swing to play on, your kids will be worn out after Parent’s Night Out and supervised free play in the gym. An age-appropriate movie is an option, and snacks are provided. Call ahead for reservation and check the website for specific dates and times at each location.
Hours: Fridays, 7-9:30 p.m.
Rate: $25/one child, $15/each additional child
Ages: 3-8, must be potty-trained
476 D Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park; 410-544-9002
1612 Professional Blvd., Unit C, Crofton; 410-721-3780
rollypolliesmaryland.com
The Brick House, Annapolis
If your kids love building with Legos, they will have access to thousands at The Brick House — along with costumes, slot cars, a tree house play area, games and movies. And you won’t have to worry about stepping on Legos at home. Pizza and cupcakes are included in the Parent’s Night Out. Reservations are required since space is limited. Drop-off slots are also available other times.
Hours: Parent’s Night Out – Fridays, 6:30-9 p.m.; call for drop-off availability
Rate: Parent’s Night Out – $30/one child, $15/additional for siblings only; drop-off is $10/child per hour.
Ages: 4 and up, must be potty trained
129 Lubrano Drive, Suite L103, Annapolis; 410-571-3089, naptownbricks.com/parents-night-out.html
After School Karate Academy, Bowie
Kids enjoy free time playing in the studio, and they may also go off-site for bowling, go-karting or to a movie. Dinner is included and reservations are encouraged.
Hours: One Friday a month, 7-10 p.m.
Rate: $25/child
Ages: 5 and up
6950 Laurel Bowie Rd., Bowie; 301-805-8721, thekarateacademybowie.com
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