Visiting with a toddler · Story
Visiting with a toddler in Hendersonville: a visit described
Not a review - a description. Here is roughly how an hour goes.
Go at the quietest hour you can manage. A toddler reads a busy room as a loud room and gets tired twice as fast.
If Hendersonville 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.
Walking in
Toddlers rarely want the machine. They want the balls, the colours and the noise, and that is a complete visit at that age.
With a toddler the plan is short and simple. One thing, done properly, beats three things rushed.
The middle of the visit
Bring the things that end visits early if they are missing: a drink, a snack for afterwards and a spare layer.
Let the child choose what to do first even when it is the thing you would have chosen last. The order matters less than the choosing.
The last ten minutes
Go at the quietest hour you can manage. A toddler reads a busy room as a loud room and gets tired twice as fast.
Toddlers rarely want the machine. They want the balls, the colours and the noise, and that is a complete visit at that age.
What sticks
With a toddler the plan is short and simple. One thing, done properly, beats three things rushed.
Bring a spare layer even in summer. Malls are air conditioned, rinks are colder than that, and a cold child is a child who wants to go home.
Questions parents ask
Is there anything for very young children?
The ball pit holds their attention on its own, and on the ice side the cars need no skating.
How long will a toddler last?
Plan for less than you think and leave while they still want more.
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 Hendersonville
Coming in from Hendersonville 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.
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.
Bring a snack for afterwards rather than during. Hungry children leave early and full children want to stay.
If you are coming from Hendersonville, 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
If a visit needs planning around a date, a group or a long drive, the centre is easiest to reach by phone: +1 (424) 387-6232 or +1 (615) 968-4925.