March 2, 2005
Took the kids to COSI (the Center of Science and Industry) this morning. We were there a few weeks ago with my brother-in-law in tow, and we decided to buy an annual membership, primarily to support COSI, which has been having some funding problems, but also because it has a cool indoor play area for preschoolers, and I thought it would be a nice alternative to just staying home on rainy/snowy days.
Boy. I had no idea. We didn't actually go in the play area last time we were there, so it was a surprise to me this time around just how big it is. This thing is gigantic. They have a pretend ambulance, a play doctor's clinic, a play restaurant, and some other pretend stuff we didn't even get to. They have a "living room" complete with easy chairs and reading material for parents, and a few computers that only connect to parent-related websites (e.g. Mothering.com). We spent a fair amount of time in that room as it is also where the Thomas the Tank Engine train set is located. They also have a giant water play area that has a huge tank with stuff floating in it that the kids can play with. There are also raincoats on pegs on the walls so your kids don't get completely soaked while playing. There is a baby-sized ball pit, some climbing equipment... they have everything, man! Everything! We spent an hour there and it felt like no time passed at all. Those of you who have spent an hour at the playground of your choice may know that this is significant. Usually ten minutes at the playground -- for me, anyway -- feels like an eternity. But I could have stayed at the COSI play area all day long. The best part was that it was very Stazi-safe. I was able to put her down and let her crawl around and explore for most of the time we were there. This does not happen at the regular playground, because 1) it's often too rainy or muddy to crawl around in the dirt, 2) I don't want her eating the dirt, and 3) there are older kids running around that could stomp her. So this was a very nice change.
Attention Columbus-area stay at home parents! If you do not take advantage of this place, you are insane. We are going there every week from now on. Maybe twice a week. Maybe every day. I love it there. I want to move in there. (OK, I exaggerate. But only a little.)
Still waiting to hear back from the Montessori people about when we can set up an assessment for Zeke, by the way. There was a phone snafu yesterday, so presumably we'll get in touch this afternoon.
Posted by Jan at March 2, 2005 1:41 PM