apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Maybe it's the name. In the Bay Area we have lots of drop-off play centers like Kids Park and "parents night out" programs for parents who need a sanity break. When you don't have your village, you turn to other resources for help.

Not sure I would ever use something like this for overnights but I have many friends with jobs that require odd hours (like 2 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and I could see them relying on something like this if an emergency popped up since they don't have family around. I think it's a great idea. Too many things are made for a 9 - 5 world and many people's lives just aren't 9-5 lives.

I've used something like this before in Vegas so my husband and I could go see a show. It was very secure and my daughter (18 months at the time) LOVED it. They have a maximum stay allowed of 5 hours and they provide you with a menu so you can choose which meals and snacks your child will have. I'm not sure if they have an overnight option, but it was wonderful to have access to something like this. There were play areas designed with all different ages in mind. You had to have health records to admit your child the first time and the staff really engaged with the children. In case anyone is curious, this one is located in the Palms and I highly recommend it if you're in Vegas with the family and want a little adult time (they take children up to 12 or 14 I think with their own separate play area with video games, etc.)

I wish there were more in Colorado! I'm home during the day with my daughter and I can see using something like this at least once a month to run errands or have lunch witha girlfriend.