Caring For Our Kids
Kid’s night out
January 2012
Kid’s night out
January 2012
As we welcome in another new year, this can be a good time to reflect on the year past and set goals for the year ahead. There are always the ever-popular resolutions having to do with taking better care of ourselves by losing weight or exercising more. One goal that is often overlooked by parents is focusing on each other and making a “date” to spend quality time together. Between diaper changes, toilet training, school, and sports it can be hard to find time for your spouse, but I firmly believe that part of being a good parent means taking care of our relationships and ourselves. A great way to do that is to plan date nights – with just a little bit of advanced planning, you can look forward to some adult conversation and time alone. Sometimes finding a sitter can be challenging or your usual sitter is unavailable, but don’t let that stop you from a night out on the town. Here are some local places that provide a safe and fun environment for your children while you and your spouse enjoy a dinner out or catch a movie.
PRESIDIO YMCA: On the third Friday of every month, the fabulous staff of the YMCA’s ChildWatch open their doors to your children from 4:30–8:30 p.m. Children ages 2 to 8 years old can enjoy drawing, painting, listening to stories, and even some family-friendly movies. Parents are asked to pack their child’s dinner to avoid any risk of allergies. This is a great option for families with younger children. It is best to call ahead to reserve a spot because space is limited and spots for this fun night do go fast. The cost can’t be beat: $25 per child for facility members and $50 per child for program members. This is a great deal considering the going hourly rate for most babysitters. Call 415-447-9622 or e-mail [email protected].
PEEKADOODLE: This kids’ club is another great option that I know many people enjoy using. Located in Ghirardelli Square, this is perfect for parents heading downtown for dinner or those that want to partake in some touristy fun at Pier 39 or Fisherman’s Wharf. While you are gone, your children will work on an art project and then enjoy a pizza dinner. After dinner, they will get to decorate a special treat they can eat. After all that sugar, they wind down with story time and lullabies. Peekadoodle does this once a month from 5–9 p.m. – the next scheduled event is Friday, Jan. 13. The cost is a bit higher than the YMCA, but it does include dinner and dessert: $45 per child for Peekadoodle and Golden Gate Mothers Group members and $55 for nonmembers. Additional siblings are $20 per child. The only requirement as far as age is that your child needs to be walking. These spots also fill up fast, so it is best to call ahead (415-440-PEEK).
PLANET GRANITE: This is a perfect option for older children who might feel that staying with a sitter is a little babyish. Every second and fourth Friday night, this Presidio gem offers their popular “Climb ’n Dine” for children ages 6 to 13. Your children will love a fun night of climbing that also includes dinner. The cost is $40 per child, which includes the climbing, dinner and the harness and helmet rental. It runs from 6–8:30 p.m., giving you just enough time to grab dinner on Chestnut or Union Street or relax on-site by taking one of Planet Granite’s adult yoga classes. The kids are sure to be tired and ready for bed after this full night of physical activity. Reservations are required – call 415-692-3434.
To make this a night everyone in your house will look forward to, I suggest flipping it around and calling it “kids’ night out” instead of “parents’ night out.” This is a great way to plan a date night, especially with friends so you can all leave your children together. This is sure to be a fun night they will remember – and so will you. No matter how you spend your evening, remember that making the time on a regular basis to be alone together is good for everyone.
PRESIDIO YMCA: On the third Friday of every month, the fabulous staff of the YMCA’s ChildWatch open their doors to your children from 4:30–8:30 p.m. Children ages 2 to 8 years old can enjoy drawing, painting, listening to stories, and even some family-friendly movies. Parents are asked to pack their child’s dinner to avoid any risk of allergies. This is a great option for families with younger children. It is best to call ahead to reserve a spot because space is limited and spots for this fun night do go fast. The cost can’t be beat: $25 per child for facility members and $50 per child for program members. This is a great deal considering the going hourly rate for most babysitters. Call 415-447-9622 or e-mail [email protected].
PEEKADOODLE: This kids’ club is another great option that I know many people enjoy using. Located in Ghirardelli Square, this is perfect for parents heading downtown for dinner or those that want to partake in some touristy fun at Pier 39 or Fisherman’s Wharf. While you are gone, your children will work on an art project and then enjoy a pizza dinner. After dinner, they will get to decorate a special treat they can eat. After all that sugar, they wind down with story time and lullabies. Peekadoodle does this once a month from 5–9 p.m. – the next scheduled event is Friday, Jan. 13. The cost is a bit higher than the YMCA, but it does include dinner and dessert: $45 per child for Peekadoodle and Golden Gate Mothers Group members and $55 for nonmembers. Additional siblings are $20 per child. The only requirement as far as age is that your child needs to be walking. These spots also fill up fast, so it is best to call ahead (415-440-PEEK).
PLANET GRANITE: This is a perfect option for older children who might feel that staying with a sitter is a little babyish. Every second and fourth Friday night, this Presidio gem offers their popular “Climb ’n Dine” for children ages 6 to 13. Your children will love a fun night of climbing that also includes dinner. The cost is $40 per child, which includes the climbing, dinner and the harness and helmet rental. It runs from 6–8:30 p.m., giving you just enough time to grab dinner on Chestnut or Union Street or relax on-site by taking one of Planet Granite’s adult yoga classes. The kids are sure to be tired and ready for bed after this full night of physical activity. Reservations are required – call 415-692-3434.
To make this a night everyone in your house will look forward to, I suggest flipping it around and calling it “kids’ night out” instead of “parents’ night out.” This is a great way to plan a date night, especially with friends so you can all leave your children together. This is sure to be a fun night they will remember – and so will you. No matter how you spend your evening, remember that making the time on a regular basis to be alone together is good for everyone.
Liz Farrell is the mother of two young children. She was formerly a television producer in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. E-mail: [email protected]
