Visiting as a group · First time
Visiting as a group in Pineville: what happens the first time
Nobody arrives knowing how it works. That is fine - here is how the first half hour tends to go.
Any adult who has taken six children anywhere knows the failure mode: five occupied, one bored, and the bored one setting the tone.
Parents from Pineville 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.
The first ten minutes
Tell the centre the numbers in advance and the day runs better for everyone, staff included.
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.
What children do first
Split a group by what they want rather than by age. The child who wants to watch is having a good time too.
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.
What usually goes wrong
Any adult who has taken six children anywhere knows the failure mode: five occupied, one bored, and the bored one setting the tone.
Warn a nervous child about the noise before you walk in. Knowing what to expect is most of the difference between anxious and curious.
Making the second visit better
Tell the centre the numbers in advance and the day runs better for everyone, staff included.
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.
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.
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 Pineville
If Pineville is home, this is the sort of place you end up returning to rather than ticking off. That changes what a first visit is worth planning around.
If one child is nervous, let them watch for the first ten minutes without being asked to join in. Almost all of them join in.
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.
Coming in from Pineville with more than one child, the useful thing to know is that the room does not need to be rationed - there is more than one thing to do at the same time.
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
The two centres are at 433 Opry Mills Drive in Nashville and 8111 Concord Mills Blvd in Concord, open 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM most days and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday.