Like many of you, I work from home, without childcare for my school age kiddos. During the school year, it’s a blessing and a privilege, but during the summers, it’s a challenge. I am thankful to spend time with them and save on daycare costs, but it’s hard to get work done with kids at home (obviously you know this is an understatement if you’ve ever tried to complete a task with your children at home!).
Beyond creating a schedule that includes quiet time and non-parent led activities, I’ve found that going to places where my kids can play while I work is a huge game changer. My children are 7 and 10, so as you read through this list, be sure that these venues will work for your family. Of course, younger children need more supervision, so you’ll need to factor that into where you go. Another suggestion is to call on your village. If you have friends who are in the same boat – working with kids at home – try trading off who takes the kids to these places.
A few places to take your kids to play while you work – that also have WiFi and seating – are listed below. Please note, this list includes venues that are for staying with your child and working, not for dropping the kids off.
Art Factory and Play Place
If you have creative kiddos age 8 or older, Art Factory’s café with ready-to-paint projects is a great option, so they’ll have something fun and creative to do while you work. Simply have your child choose what they want to paint – a blank canvas, or a shape, like a unicorn, gnome, music note, first letter of their name, and more. Of course, use your best parenting judgement to decide if your child can handle painting alone while you’re at a nearby table working. If your kids are pre-tweens or tweens, this could be a fun activity with a friend. The café sells pastries and coffees to sweeten the outing!
For younger kids, there is an indoor playground, The Play Space, where they can slide, climb, run around, and play. Tables are directly in front of the play area, so you can have a close eye on your little ones while they play. This area is also gated for an added safety feature. Admission is $8/child, and open play is Sunday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM.
Launch Trampoline Park
This summer, a friend and I have alternated weeks taking our boys to Launch Trampoline Park. Our boys are 7 and 8 and jump the entire time while Mom works. I like that Launch only has one exit, and the seating is located directly in the center of the trampoline park. It can get a bit noisy, so I would not recommend Launch if you have an online meeting. Admission costs apply, but check for passes if you plan to visit multiple times. Another small savings is to hold on to those grippy socks ($3.25), so you don’t have to purchase them for each visit.
Coal Mine Coffee
Located in Midlothian, Coal Mine Coffee recently expanded to have an open space with toys and board games. If you can count on your kids to keep their voices at a normal (non-yelling) voice while they play board games or toys together, this is an option. My kids play games here while I work. It’s a nice way for them to try games we don’t have at home, work together, and (hopefully) learn to lose with grace.
Public Libraries
Many public libraries have features that make them family-friendly, but Fairfield in Henrico has computer work-and-play stations designed for caregivers with very young children. They have a computer attached to a small play station for a child age 2 or under. This is ideal for caregivers who need to avoid little ones crawling around and putting things in their mouths, fingers in outlets, etc. It can give such peace of mind to you while you work to be able to see your baby!
If your kids can be responsible, consider bringing books, notebooks, and writing utensils, and have them work quietly at a library work station while you work. You could also reserve a library study room and be in the same space. Alternatively, if there is a computer program you’ve vetted, your child could use that while you work. Again, this would require responsibility and trust.
For more tips on working from home, read this article by Kevin Keogh, Navigating the Hybrid Existence.
Do you have a go-to RVA spot for work/play you didn’t see here? Let us know here!
