ParentPoints : New Spot For Kids To Play

ParentPoints

This blog is for all parents; those in the traditional workforce, those who work from home, and those who work at home. Join our conversations about balancing the needs of family with the demands of work, discovering resources and activities around Alaska, and opening a dialogue about the perks and challenges of parenthood. One of our three contributors emphasizes teen and family issues. We welcome your comments but please keep them on point and civil. Avoid personal attacks and the use of profanity.

Contributors

Erin Kirkland

Erin Kirkland writes freelance and lives in Anchorage with her husband and two boys, 14 and 3. She has covered family-related topics for newspapers, parenting magazines and the Web. Erin and her family moved to Anchorage in 2005. She'll post on Wednesdays about great activities the entire family can participate in, and enjoy, together.

Gina Romero

Gina Romero is a lifelong Alaskan who is passionate about parenting. She left Alaska for a short time to earn a degree in journalism and returned for a job at Channel 2 News. Gina produced the Channel 2 Newshour for the better part of a decade and more recently served as communications specialist at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Career perspectives changed when her daughter was born in 2007, and Gina is now a mother by day and freelance writer by night. Her Monday blog posts will focus on striking a healthy balance between work and family.

Heather Lende

Writer Heather Lende has 5 children, biological and adopted, aged 17-25 and has been married to their dad for 26 years. She also coaches high school runners. She'll try to help you with teenage, young adult, and family matters. Expect her posts on Fridays.

New Spot For Kids To Play

Posted by Gina Romero

Posted: May 5, 2009 - 1:41 pm

Summer has finally arrived. For parents, that means the kiddos can go outside to play, get some fresh air and most importantly, run some energy out before nap or bedtime. However, Alaska summers bring the inevitable rain and cooler temperatures from time to time. That’s where Arctic Playgroundz comes in. It is a new indoor play area and coffee shop that just opened on Monday.

Shyla Dema and Jackie Shepherd are the owners and proud mothers. They did a great job because this is a nice space for kids of all ages. There is an enclosed soft play area for babies. There are playhouses with low benches and dress up clothes for toddlers. The older kids get free reign of a playset with two slides and a climbing wall. Couches are available on the perimeter for parents to drink coffee, chat and keep and eye on the kids. They serve healthy, kid friendly snacks as well. Cost is $6 for one child and $2 for each additional child. It is located at 2807 Arctic Blvd. in the old Bailey’s building at the corner of Arctic and Northern Lights, right across the street from McDonalds. Phone number is 563-PLAY (7529).