AIBU to think IKEA is a top parenting hack?

[Wallasey123]

DS2 is 3 and we went to IKEA yesterday not because we needed anything but just to get out of the house (and tbh I couldn’t face soft play).

He ran around loads, looked at all the rooms, climbed on the sofas and beds and I didn’t need to be on red alert every second like I am at the park.

I don’t know why I’d never considered it as a day out before! I think when it’s too busy it’s prob not great but we went at opening time and it was great. Also obvs helps that there’s something in it for me - I get to mooch, get ideas and pretend I’m being productive.

Ofc ended up buying a few bits and pieces and hotdogs in the end but I feel like I’ve provided an enriching outing, even though I mostly just walked in circles looking at storage 😅

Any other unexpected places that are actually fun for kids AND adults (and don’t cost the earth) that I might not have considered?

Back in the 80s my parents would often take us to exhibition shows in Brum, Olympia and (RIP) Earl’s Court. Holiday shows, camping & caravanning, food & drink shows…best time had always. I’ve taken my daughter to various ComicCons etc, and she’s loved it. IKEA, department stores, Pets at Home, Gardening Centres, all great ways to pass the time.

You haven't lived until you've played hide and seek with a 4 year old in the wardrobe section...

I did this with mine. And toys R us so much to look at could spend loads of time there and they had a toilet.

No IKEA in near me. But I did used to love visiting MFI. One of DS carers took him to look at wardrobes a few months back. Was a local independent furniture store so don’t want to name. But ds had lots of fun exploring. He was looking in all the wardrobes and hiding inside them. 🥰

I love waking around our large B&M homestore. Can easily spend 1-1/2 hours in there. Find all sorts I didn’t know I need. As well as picking up bargains we would pay more for in Tesco. The Range is good as well. They both do some good Halloween and Christmas displays. Garden centres are good as well for Christmas displays.

Well why else would you start a post telling everyone about how you let them run around in ikea paissing off all the other customers? It's a shop, not a playground. You're teaching them no social awareness/values

We used to take ours to the crèche bit, get what we needed then have a big breakfast together afterwards. Worked perfectly.

Hiding in furniture could be dangerous. They're probably secured in the store, but not in all homes.

focus-on-unsecure-furniture.pdf

My son is 28 and I did this with him

I don't like IKEA either, perhaps this explains why!
Why don't parents actually teach their children how to behave in shared spaces?

She didn’t say they were trashing the place. Jeez.

During half term some pets at home do petting experiences too. You book it online

Once DD1 was old enough to sit in the trolley seats, I always used to take her to ikea on mat leave when it was cold and raining and we just needed to get out. I’m talking old enough to sit up and want entertaining, too young to crawl round the baby part of a soft play. I’d just push the trolley slowly round Ikea while she stared at all the people and the different rooms etc.

Years ago I went with my then teenage daughter, we had breakfast then a walk round. They used to do afternoon tea we had that then another walk round. We finished off with meatballs paid for our stuff, walked outside and it was dark we had been there for hours. I couldn’t do that now but it really was a great day.

Mine spent a lot of time in hospital and did love it! They had a huge play area and lots of play therapists. I couldn't say the same!

My 6 year old DGD likes giving her opinion on the room displays in IKEA. Also, the creche is handy for a playdate.

Not quite free, but cheap, if you have a Hobbycraft near you check out their workshops.

Libraries near us have Bookbug sessions for toddlers and lego after school clubs.

Museums are great for school age kids. You can often find an area they are really interested in. Even drawing the stuffed animals.

Edinburgh in August - couple of street performances and a picnic lunch (bus in as driving and parking is a nightmare).

I live in Germany. When we used to drive to Austria, or anywhere else for that matter, on holiday, we would always plan our breaks at an IKEA. They are always located close to an Autobahn, there is usually a petrol station close by. Food is cheap, the loos are clean and we could bung the DCs in the crèche while we had a cup of coffee in peace.

Yes it’s a shop but it’s set out in a way that encourages playing/testing things out. Do you think they set up full bedroom displays and expect people not to lay on the bed? It’s a family focused place with kids toys, setups, menus and play areas. You sound very joyless.

No DC here but I remember bumping into my friend with her wee boy when he was about 3. He was clearly raring to go, and when I asked him where they were going he said "ASDAAAAAAAAAA!"

Apparently standing looking at the fish counter there was the epitome of an excellent day out, and he was easily 'bribed' while she did her shopping by being told to be very quiet and hold mummy's hand all the way round so that he didn't "frighten the fishes"!

Ikea is great but a parent letting a child run around any shop is just poor parenting. I watched a kid about 8 running up and down aldi aisles. The mum ignored him and other shoppers had to jump out of the way. Take your child shopping but don't let them treat the shop like soft play.

My 3 (8 12 13) love a trip to ikea, something to do on a rainy day and a cheap hotdogs at the end. Winner here 😁

almost 3 year old here - all fun and games until there’s a mad panic for the toilet or they just refuse to leave a particular section!

Ah, that’s really sad! Drives it home that teenagers are kids too.

When I was growing up there was a place called Texas Homecare or Homestore (I can’t remember) and when me and my sister used to get taken there it was the best day out! My Mum and Dad used to wander while me and my sister played house! So yadnbu!

PS loved an ikea trip when my kids were small! They still enjoy it now, some more than others, but they all love the meatball reward at the end! 😁

I remember my colleague telling me that her children's favourite day out with a picnic was to theif local airport.
They would watch the planes landing and taking off and loved it.