Visiting as a group · Seasonal
Visiting as a group in Concord Mills: what the school holidays is like
The season changes what a visit feels like more than you would expect.
Four machines and one big crate spread a group out. So does a rink - there is no single queue for the whole party to stand in.
Nothing about the visit assumes you know the area. The centre is inside Concord Mills, which is signposted from everywhere in Concord and impossible to miss once you are there.
Why this time of year
Split a group by what they want rather than by age. The child who wants to watch is having a good time too.
Any adult who has taken six children anywhere knows the failure mode: five occupied, one bored, and the bored one setting the tone.
What changes
Tell the centre the numbers in advance and the day runs better for everyone, staff included.
Warn a nervous child about the noise before you walk in. Knowing what to expect is most of the difference between anxious and curious.
What to wear
Four machines and one big crate spread a group out. So does a rink - there is no single queue for the whole party to stand in.
Split a group by what they want rather than by age. The child who wants to watch is having a good time too.
Planning around it
Any adult who has taken six children anywhere knows the failure mode: five occupied, one bored, and the bored one setting the tone.
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
How many children can come at once?
Call ahead with your numbers and arrange it: +1 (615) 968-4925.
Where is New Life Entertainment?
Two centres: 433 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville TN 37214, and 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord NC 28027.
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 Concord Mills
A Concord Mills school holiday runs out of ideas by about day three. This is a day-three answer rather than a day-one one.
Two shorter visits teach a child more than one long one. The second time they already know what they want to try, and that is when the good part starts.
Bring a snack for afterwards rather than during. Hungry children leave early and full children want to stay.
If you are coming from Concord Mills, treat it as a cross-town outing rather than a day trip. Go with a return time in mind and the day stays easy.
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.