School may be out for summer but your work as master-of-all-things-fun has just begun. No need to panic! We know that sometimes you need a break; both to work and to relax. Go ahead and schedule that important meeting or much needed “me” time—we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of LA’s best indoor play places that offer drop-off sitter services for a little fun out of the sun for them, and a break for you.
photo: Shahrzad Warkentin
WeVillage: ‘Cuz it Takes a Village
Direct from Portland, this new Sherman Oaks child care center gets that parenting isn’t easy and that it takes —well, you know—to help your kids thrive. Catering to children from 6 weeks to 14 years old, WeVillage has what it takes to keep your mini-socialites and wallflowers alike entertained on an as-needed basis. Unlike other child care centers, WeVillage is flexible and works with your schedule. They’re open 6 days a week, with hours ranging from as early as 7:30 a.m. to as late as 11:30 p.m. on weekends, leaving you with no more missing-date-night excuses. Whether you just need a sitter for a morning, full day or unexpected week, they’ll be able to accommodate your needs and even keep your hungry villagers fed so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Reservations are required and can be made online. Prices vary based on age and can range anywhere from $14-$22/hour with discounts available for longer blocks. A monthly ($25/month) or annual ($175) membership fee is required, but you can try your first hourly visit before making a commitment.
13335 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
818-233-8218
Online: wevillage.com/centers/los-angeles
photo: Pamper & Play
Pamper & Play: Sounds More Fun than “Work & Play”
Enjoy some oh-so-deserved R&R while your tykes run others ragged at this West LA work and play space. For $12-$15/hour you can sign your little buddy up for a group supervised play session while you take a break in the comfy parent lounge. No time for breaks? No problem. Use this tranquil adults only space to catch up on your email and enjoy the free WiFi and complimentary coffee while the experienced staff entertains your brood. Services are offered to tots as young as 8 months and up to 8 years old. If your kiddo needs a little extra TLC, consider the personal concierge playtime option that offers one-on-one supervision for $25/hour. Walk-Ins are welcomed during the week and on some weekends, but check their calendar to ensure you won’t be turned away due to a special event. Caregivers must remain on the premises while children play so make the most out of your designated time-out and recharge.
2279 Westwood Blvd.
Westwood
310-441-0797
Online: pamperplay.com
photo: Snooknuk via Facebook
Snooknuk: You Found Your Nook
Get creative with your childcare needs this summer and book your little performers a colorful play experience at Snooknuk Arts & Indoor Play Cafe. Whether a singer, a dancer or just a mess-maker, any kid can have a blast at this Larchmont local spot for creative cuties. Little Stars as young as 17 months can enjoy a variety of arts classes offered at this magical locale, but anyone from as young as crawlers to 10 years old is welcomed to enjoy the play area. Supervised play is available every weekday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for $15/hour per child (toddlers & up). Parents are allowed to leave the premises during the supervised play visit, but they ask that you leave a deposit upfront of half of the cost of your booked session.
506 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Mid-City
323-498-5258
Online: snooknuk.com
photo: Kidspark Northridge via Facebook
Kidspark: All Day Help is Here
If your little movers and shakers need a wide open space to roam free, look no further than Kidspark Northridge. This 4,000 square foot facility is well staffed with experienced care givers that are guaranteed to show your rambunctious rugrats from 2-12 years old a good time. Kidspark offers hourly and daily rates and you can use them as a go-to kid-free option for as little or as much as you need, up to 20 hours per week and 10 hours a day. They have plenty of staff on hand to accommodate those last minute emergencies but it is a first come first serve facility, so best to call ahead or get an early start to ensure they’re not at capacity. $8/hour for the first sibling, add $5 for the second and an additional $3/hr for the third. Or go the daily rate at $48/day for one child and $78 for two siblings. A $25 annual family membership is required. Find them on Facebook or Yelp for a discounted membership rate.
9056 Tampa Ave.
Northridge
Online: kidspark.com
photo: Pint Size kids via Facebook
Pint Size Kids: Anyone Potty Trained Can Stay and Play
Your mini noise makers may be tiny in stature but there’s no mistaking that when it comes to energy they have some mighty big needs. Give yourself a break from all things mom and bring your little divas to Pint Size Kids for an hour or three while you take in some shopping, sipping or just enjoying of the peace and quiet. With one weeks notice via email or phone call, you can reserve a spot for your kiddo to make-believe their little hearts out at this cute and interactive play space where children are encouraged to use their imagination. Whether your playtime expert gravitates towards the grocery store, medical center, house or workshop, your imagineers are expected to work hard at playing. Drop off services are best for potty trained children ages 2 years old & up. The rates are $20 for the first hour and $12 for each additional hour per child up to 3 hours. Remember, this one isn’t a spur of the moment drop by, and prior notice of one week is required for drop off services.
13323 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
310-339-7452
Online: pintsizekids.com
photo: We Rock the Spectrum
We Rock the Spectrum: This Spot Rocks For Everyone
If there’s one things kids of all shapes, sizes and needs know how to do it’s to have fun! The kind and caring staff at We Rock the Spectrum are there to make sure that when mom and dad need some time away, all the littles get to play. Open to kids with all abilities, this is a play place that even your most sensitive of rock stars won’t want to leave. Drop off child care is available starting at $12/hour and arrangements can be made for One-to-One Attendant care as well, based on individual needs. Some locations also limit the amount of time families without special-needs children are allowed to use their drop-off care services so check your location’s website before visiting.
We Rock the Spectrum has multiple locations throughout the LA area; check the website for locations and hours.
Online: werockthespectrumkidsgym.com/We Rock the Spectrum
What do you do when you need some alone time, and your kids just wanna have fun?
—Andrea Conway Kagey
