Looking back, I spent a lot of time in assorted play barns, soft play centres etc. None were especially naice, but at least it meant our DDs would leave me alone to finish a hot cup of coffee and read a few chapters in peace...before having to haul one of them out the ball pool, or take one to the loo.
It really helped, and though expensive was worth every penny.
From being newborn they were always bathed every night, and as they became toddlers I used to drag out bath time, and keep them in the bath for ages - because they enjoyed it, they were coralled in a small space, I could sit down next to the bath and flick through a magazine and have a cup of tea.
Sometimes, they would play in the bath so long I would need to add more hot water...
But, to add again it really does get infinitely better and easier.From being about 4/5, ours would wake up, trundle into the playroom, switch on the TV and occupy themselves for an hour or so, which meant DH and I could sleep in until 7.30am 
I would leave some biscuits and two cups of juice in there, for them to snack on, too - which stopped them demanding breakfast at 6am.
From them being 7/8 it just got hugely easier again. Much more self sufficient, showered themselves, washed themselves, dressed themselves, tidy their bedrooms themselves, made their own beds.
Now, in their early teens I genuinely enjoy their company, though they're usually closeted away in their bedrooms much of the time, and need coaxing out with bribes.