First visit · Occasion
First visit in La Vergne — a weekend afternoon, sorted
The occasion changes the planning more than the activity does, so this is mostly about the planning.
A first visit works best with no schedule attached to it. Come, see what the child gravitates to, and let that decide the hour.
The drive back to La Vergne is where you find out what they actually thought. Children review an outing about twenty minutes after leaving it, never during.
Why it fits the occasion
Watch what they choose before suggesting anything. Children pick the machine that matches their temperament with no help at all.
Leave a little early. A visit that ends while it is still fun is the one they ask to repeat.
How the day runs
Arrive with time in hand. The first ten minutes are always coats, looking around and deciding, and rushing them costs more than they take.
Go early if the choice is available. The first hour after opening is quieter than any hour that follows it, and quieter is easier for everybody.
What to arrange first
A first visit works best with no schedule attached to it. Come, see what the child gravitates to, and let that decide the hour.
Watch what they choose before suggesting anything. Children pick the machine that matches their temperament with no help at all.
Small things that help
Leave a little early. A visit that ends while it is still fun is the one they ask to repeat.
If two adults are coming, split up rather than shadowing the same child. One at the rail, one free, and everybody has a better hour.
Questions parents ask
What should we bring?
Warm layers for the rink, and the usual drink and snack for afterwards.
How long should we allow?
An hour is a comfortable first visit for most families.
How do I get in touch?
By phone on +1 (424) 387-6232 or +1 (615) 968-4925, or by e-mail at info@newlife-entertainment.com.
What are the opening hours?
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday.
Planning your visit in La Vergne
Nothing about the visit assumes you know the area. The centre is inside Opry Mills, which is signposted from everywhere in Nashville and impossible to miss once you are there.
The quietest hour of the week is the first one on a weekday morning in term time. The busiest is Saturday around midday.
Count on the drive home being the conversation. Children tell you what they actually thought about twenty minutes after leaving.
For a La Vergne family the trip works best folded into something else - the shopping that was happening anyway, a birthday that needed a venue, a Saturday that needed a plan.
The practical details
- XCAV ZONE — 433 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville TN 37214: four child-operated machines over a ball pit.
- ICE PARK — 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord NC 28027: a real rink with bumper cars on the ice.
- Opening hours — 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday.
- Phone — +1 (424) 387-6232 · +1 (615) 968-4925
- E-mail — info@newlife-entertainment.com
Anything time critical is worth a phone call first: hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday to Saturday and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday.