Babies on Board: Where to Play with Toddlers and Baby in Tow

When you add a newborn to the already hectic mix of life with littles, planning for play dates can be a conundrum. Go ahead and rest that weary baby brain, as we’ve gathered a list of tot spots perfect for managing your multiples.

Bowling
While the older kids happily lug and roll bowling balls around your lane, you can count on your baby to sleep soundly with air conditioning, music, and the constant roar of pins being racked. And, bowling alleys aim to please the parents too, with their snack bar and draft beers. Check out our review of swanky spot, The Painted Pin—or head to one of these solid classics: Midtown Bowl, 1936 Piedmont Circle, Atlanta, 404-874-5703, or Suburban Lanes, 2619 N Decatur Road, Decatur, 404-373-2514.

Parks and Playgrounds
The name of the game here? Wear. Them. Out. That’s right. As hard as it is to get everyone out of the house in the mornings now that sweet baby has arrived, you’ve just got to pour yourself a thermos of coffee, grab the baby carrier, and load up. Check out our favorite parks and playgrounds here. Be sure to avoid any place that involves a long walk, because you’re inevitably going to need to make a run to your car to grab some more wipes.

Rock Climbing Gyms
As an alternative to the bounce house, with its roaming hordes of germy older kids and impossible-to-climb-with-an-infant mazes (when you have to extract one of your older kiddos from a tight fit), plan your playdate at a local rock climbing gym. The big kids will love the challenge and you’ll be able to sit still and watch them climb someone else’s walls. Check out our favorite rock climbing gyms here.

Roadtrip
Sometimes, you just need a change of scenery. If your baby sleeps well in the car, nothing beats a short trip to make the older kids feel like they’ve had an adventure and you feel like you’ve gotten away. Luckily for us, Atlanta has a multitude of day trip options. Check out our guides to Serenbe if you’re seeking a little serenity (and in-ground trampolines), or Dahlonega to pan for gold, or Callaway Gardens for some high-flying fun in the tree tops. When you’ve had enough excitement, load the kiddos back in the car and enjoy a quiet car ride home. Entertainment and tandem naps? Yes, please.

Roller Skating
Similar to the bowling alley, roller skating rinks allow you the chance to sit still and enjoy a little Beyonce while the older ones cruise blissfully around the rink. The baby will most likely sleep soundly to the background noise, and if not, will love watching the constant activity on the rink. Check out Atlanta’s best rinks here.

Where do you take your kids when you have the babe in tow? Share your secret spots with us in the comments section below.

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of the author, and Play Atlanta, Callaway Gardens via Facebook and kellyv on Creative Commons via Flickr