First of all, when did they move my childhood and why wasn’t
I consulted? Am I the only one that was
unaware that Johnny’s Toys had moved down the street and that the HUGE castle
was now in an entirely different location?
Apparently this happened like a decade ago, which goes to show you how
often we buy Knox toys (and yet, his toy box overfloweth, thanks Fam).
Additionally, since the move, they added Totter Otterville,
a pretty incredible playland for infants through elementary aged kids. As you may imagine, they have a three level
water table from which one would assume the name was derived. This is a neat attraction but far from the
only one. When you first walk in, there
is a ball pit and a number of rooms devoted to different play and learning
activities. There is a Lego room, an art
studio, a train room, a ballet studio, a puppet show room, a mailroom, a
grocery store, and a live performance room, to name only a few of the options.
But wait, there’s more!
There is also an outdoor area with a fishing bridge (magnetic poles and
rubber duckies and fish to catch). Or,
if you have a little archaeologist, you can dig for dinosaurs in the sand
pit. There is an outdoor park and a
climber or your toddler can catch a ride on the outdoor train. Or, if you really want some peace and quiet,
send your toddler into their outdoor maze and sit back and relax.
After your hour of relaxing while Knox, I mean your child,
is lost and crying in the maze (don’t judge), you can grab a bite to eat in the
nut-free cafeteria.
All of that (and truthfully, quite a bit more) for only $8
per child (parents are free).
This really was a great way for Knox to burn off a lot of
energy, have an outlet for creative play in a safe and inviting environment, and
get to play with a variety of toys.
Their website is http://www.johnnystoys.com/
and it provides information on their private parties and more detail on the
activities available.
Also, for Fort Thomas Matters readers, they have agreed to
give away one free 3-month family membership (valued at $29.95 and good for 2
children). Leave a comment on our
Facebook page explaining why you desperately need 3 months of “maze-time” or
why you looove FTM (and “Mama on a Budget”) and we’ll select the best story by
June 9. Good luck!