KIDDING AROUND
By Judith Vigna
When weather or time requires you to find a fun way to entertain your children
inside, I suggest a visit to Scalliwags – an adventure for kids! If you
haven’t heard of Scalliwags, which is conveniently located off of Exit
12 in Pembroke, you might be happy to learn that it is a place most children
crave. It combines play structures that allow your child to climb through tunnels
and tubes. There is a "magic bus bounce-o-line" that is great for
jumping and sliding down. The best part is that all the structures are enclosed
and highly visible. It is a great place for children to channel all of their
pent up energy. Since kids use their gross motor skills to go up and down over
and over again in such a safe and fun environment then parents and children
all win.
If climbing, jumping and tumbling are not enough to
stimulate, then there is a video game room attached. Now don’t panic.
I know my first instinct was to run the other way, but I must admit my kids
like the excitement of video arcades.
Scalliwags is the perfect solution! They have numerous
games – all age appropriate and most importantly – all non-violent.
Can you imagine the pleasure of being able to say yes to video games without
needing to screen them? In addition, they give you $3.00 in tokens when you
arrive. They come in a little bag. My kids think that this is all there is,
so they do not ask for more. In addition, they can win tickets. Oh, think of
the joy of being able to pick out that prize!
Scalliwags is unique in many ways. They have put a great
deal of effort in thinking from a parent’s perspective; namely, from the
important areas of safety, design, cleanliness and affordability. When you arrive
at Scalliwags, a happy member of the staff greets you at the counter. At this
point you pay and are given a wristband for yourself as well as for each child
you are escorting. They request that you take your shoes off which they then
place in a bin with a matching number. They use the wristband system to make
sure each family goes home together. I think this is helpful, but common sense
tells us to keep an eye on our children at all times.
This brings me to my point of the well-planned layout
of the establishment. There is a wide-open space that has many small tables
and chairs for parents to sit and visit with other parents while viewing their
children having lots of fun. There is also a snack bar where pizza, chicken
nuggets and children-friendly fare is available for a nominal price. The food
is good and again, can be ordered and eaten while still being able to observe
the children. For infants and very young toddlers, there is a separate space
that provides more appropriately sized climbing and tumbling soft structures.
All the birthday party rooms are located upstairs. This is also convenient for
keeping the needed organization of these groups.
I have visited Scalliwags on numerous occasions. Each
time I have been impressed by the cleanliness of the building. They follow strict
procedures for cleaning and disinfecting all the equipment and space each evening.
The bathrooms have always been cleaned. This is a major undertaking when you
consider the huge number of visitors each day. Important reminder: Socks must
be worn at all times.
On Mondays through Thursdays, the price of admission
is $7.95 per child age three and up (including $3 in tokens) and $4.95 for children
under two. On Fridays through Sundays, holidays and school vacations, admission
is $9.95 per child age three and over (including $3 in tokens) and $6.95 for
children under two.
Since I would estimate that the average visit is about 2 hours, this is a good
value. You are getting both entertainment and physical activity for a good price.
If you haven’t visited before, I would recommend
that you call to see when the least busy time might be on the day on which you
are interested in going. Scalliwags has earned a great reputation and therefore
it is often very crowded. They can accommodate up to 6 birthday parties at one
time. The weather can also determine a large number of visitors. If you have
a child who prefers less rather than more people, then plan accordingly. Scalliwags
can be very hectic and fast paced — not really for the faint of heart.
Speaking of heart, I recently learned that Scalliwags
has a wonderful heart. They provide part of their proceeds to charities that
work with children. They have had Cradles to Crayons, a special charity that
provides toys and clothes to needy children; use a van to pick up donations
at Scalliwags. Also, they have organized a large team to walk to raise money
for The Floating Hospital for Children. They raised $1,000! In addition, they
have tips on their website about how to increase a love of reading in children.
What a wonderful example of a company that provides entertainment and fun for
children while simultaneously showing social responsibility through their charitable
works. This is a fine combination indeed!
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