Arctic Playgrounds

It's no secret that the winters are cold, dark, snowy and long here in Alaska (at least that is what I have been told).  Although we have enjoyed many afternoons on the playgrounds, going on runs & bike rides, the winter weather is officially here and I'm quite certain we will not be seeing any grass or bare sidewalks for many months to come.  With that said, you can only bundle up your 2-year old & almost 6-month old girls so many times to go out play with your 4-year old son in the snow & to sled down the hills around our neighborhood.

Introduce the Arctic Playgrounds that seem to be a popular choice all around Anchorage (including a FREE, yes FREE one here on base).  They range in size, price, the kind of play equipment and toys they offer.  However, there are a few things that all of these indoor playgrounds have in common.

1. kids have a great time on them & expend some built up energy playing.
2. moms & dads alike get a small break while they enjoy watching their little kiddos run around like crazies.
3. the playgrounds have some kind of coffee shop, snack bar, sandwich place all located either inside or adjacent to the playground.  This of course makes it even more inviting.
4. If you are like the Hecks, who like to bring their snacks with them to the playground... all of the playgrounds welcome that.
5. There is always free Wi-Fi (although I'm on my iPhone)
6. Everyone stays warm & dry while they are playing & having a good time.

With the snow falling once again this morning, I knew we needed to get out and blow off some energy.  So we checked out a different indoor playground not too far from base.  It wasn't too bad given that we almost had the place to ourselves for the first hour.  There wasn't as much climbing equipment as I would have liked, but the kids LOVED all the toys and were busy the entire time were there (2 hours).  Matter of fact, they even passed up on snack time just to keep playing.

 Isn't the license plate quite fitting for Abbigail?

As I said before, arctic playgrounds come in all shapes & sizes.  Here is the one we are lucky enough to have on base & the one we visit at least weekly for FREE.  As you can see, lots of things to climb, slide down, swing from & crawl through.  Usually Thomas is off running & playing with other kids his age as Abby usually plays by herself or trys to keep up with her brother and all he is doing.

 Adjacent to the big playground is this toddler-size one which Abby really enjoys.

 A rock wall for the little kids (and they have a full scale rock wall for the big kiddos)

 Let's just call this the Mommy Side. 

Lots of mommy's can be found here (me included) with their strollers, snack bags, playmates & workout shoes all while watching over their own kiddos while they get their sweat on.