As a parent you likely have been faced with one of these dilemmas. You're getting ready to head out the door to work when your nanny calls to tell you she [insert excuse here] and can’t make it today; you snagged a coveted reservation for date night with no sitter; school is cancelled at the last minute; the list goes on….
Lakeview’s new Take a Break Playcare aims to mitigate these childcare woes. The combination play space–daycare is designed specifically for those random hours or last-minute moments where you need a helping hand. Just call before you go to make sure there's space available (capacity is 75), and if there is, you can drop off your child for whatever amount of time you desire (though there's a two-hour minimum).
Kids ages 0–13 are welcome, and there are tailored activities for each age group. For the biggest kids, there's a video game lounge and air hockey table, as well as brand new iMac computers and iPads in a computer room. The multi-purpose sports room that can be converted for older or younger kid, and toddlers spend their time in a large play space complete with a slide, dress-up station, dollhouses and an array of toys. Infants have their own spaces—one room filled with portable cribs for napping, and another with soft toys and a swing. Take a Break may offer a few classes down the road, like arts and crafts or music.
A staff member will be keeping a watchful eye on the infant and toddler rooms at all times, and someone periodically checks in on the oldest kids. All of the staff has been background-checked, fingerprinted, and are certified in first aid and CPR.
The space also features a kitchenette and a small dining area, and although meals won’t be served regularly (snacks will be available), parents are welcome to pack a meal for their kids. On Friday and Saturday nights, kids can enjoy a movie night with pizza for a small additional cost. The space can also be used for birthday parties.
The pricing structure is $12/hour ($13.50/hour for kids 0–18 months), and weekly, monthly and bulk hour packages are available. Siblings get a discount, and if you have four kids that lucky fourth one is free.
Take a Break Playcare is open Monday–Thursday 8:30am–9pm, Friday 8:30am–midnight, Saturday 9am–midnight and Sunday noon–6pm.