Visiting as a group · Tips
Visiting as a group in Nashville: what experienced parents do
None of this is complicated. All of it is the difference between a good hour and a difficult one.
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.
Parents from Nashville tend to ask the same first question: how long will this hold their attention. Long enough to be worth the drive, and short enough to leave while they still want more.
Before you leave the house
Any adult who has taken six children anywhere knows the failure mode: five occupied, one bored, and the bored one setting the tone.
Decide how long you are staying before you walk in. A visit with an end time attached to it finishes on a good note rather than a tired one.
When you arrive
Split a group by what they want rather than by age. The child who wants to watch is having a good time too.
Tell the centre the numbers in advance and the day runs better for everyone, staff included.
While you are there
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.
Check the day of the week against the closing time before you leave. Sunday finishes earlier than the rest of the week and catches people out.
On the way home
Any adult who has taken six children anywhere knows the failure mode: five occupied, one bored, and the bored one setting the tone.
Split a group by what they want rather than by age. The child who wants to watch is having a good time too.
Questions parents ask
How many children can come at once?
Call ahead with your numbers and arrange it: +1 (615) 968-4925.
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.
Where is New Life Entertainment?
Two centres: 433 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville TN 37214, and 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord NC 28027.
Planning your visit in Nashville
A Nashville school holiday runs out of ideas by about day three. This is a day-three answer rather than a day-one one.
Warn a nervous child about the noise before you walk in. Knowing what to expect is most of the difference between anxious and curious.
Photograph the machine as well as the child. In two years you will have forgotten what the room looked like.
If you are coming from Nashville, 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
Questions about a specific day, a group or a party are best asked directly - info@newlife-entertainment.com, or either of the numbers on the contacts page.