PLAYSEUM?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Several of you have asked about special needs. Based on my experience I would say-- do not even try it. My 5 year old son has hypotonia (this is a disorder that causes low muscle tone) in his hands. He struggles with holding a pencil, zipping his coat, holding a fork, etc- basically seemingly simple tasks for most people. He does PT. That said, we thought a hands on experience would be great for him.
He had fun in the activity rooms and we were loving it until we got to the craft area. I encouraged my son to try to the project. He was visibly nervous. After a few moments of gentle cajoling I kindly asked if we could take the project "to go." (this was a project that involved glueing a few pompons on paper) I said, we of course have the glue at home (and would not have asked of course if there was paint, or glitter or sand being used). I really asked as a courtesy so I would not get odd stares as I put some pompoms in my purse. I was shocked and disgusted when the woman in that station told me in a haughty way "we do not do- "to go?"
How disgusting. Had she been paying any modicum of attention to my child versus the piece of cut out paper and pompoms she would have seen he was struggling. In a space where there are kids and parents everywhere I was in no position to start explaining my childs needs to her-- nor did I feel I should have too. A few pompoms was not worth my sons dignity.
Maybe they need to add this to their little list of policies on their website. They clearly have their way of doing things and if you do not fit the mold-- you do not fit in.
we are disheartened and will never go back. Guess $5.00 does not really give you full access to the facility.

I'm so sorry that happened to you.

This place doesn't seem like my kind of place anyway, but after reading all this, there is no way I would go. The stealing really bothers me - I'm sure this happens everywhere, but it is a sign to me that it is really chaotic and disorganized.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your kind words. Given our visit, it means a lot.
It is very chaotic and really has the every person for themselves feeling.
Several other people have mentioned in the posts and it is true, you walk into a small entrance way and have to walk down a flight of stairs. You come to a small window where you pay. There is a mess of coats and bags and stuff everywhere. Anyone with a stroller leaves it unattended at the top of the stairs. Any passerby or patron could swipe it.
We have tolerance for many things, but stealing is just not one of them.
It is disorganized and the saddest part is that the people within just do not seem to care. I guess they figure they will find enough people who are ok with this chaos to be their repeat visitors. We will surely go elsewhere. we just do not know of other places like this in the vicinity that offer this "hands on " experience. And for my son it is so important to his development.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for your kind words. Given our visit, it means a lot.
It is very chaotic and really has the every person for themselves feeling.
Several other people have mentioned in the posts and it is true, you walk into a small entrance way and have to walk down a flight of stairs. You come to a small window where you pay. There is a mess of coats and bags and stuff everywhere. Anyone with a stroller leaves it unattended at the top of the stairs. Any passerby or patron could swipe it.
We have tolerance for many things, but stealing is just not one of them.
It is disorganized and the saddest part is that the people within just do not seem to care. I guess they figure they will find enough people who are ok with this chaos to be their repeat visitors. We will surely go elsewhere. we just do not know of other places like this in the vicinity that offer this "hands on " experience. And for my son it is so important to his development.

I'm sorry for your experience. I haven't been to the Playseum and likely won't go, but I did want to let you know of a possible alternative - Funfit in Derwood. We went there for an open gym once, and they have an arts and crafts room that was very laid-back (when we were there, they brought out some supplies and let the kids do whatever, stickers and crayons and glue stuff). They also have a toy area and a soft exercise area with mats and balls and hoops and big blocks. It sounds like the sort of place that would appeal to your son, in that it has hands-on activities combined with more "play/exercise" type stuff. Plus the woman running it was very nice.

[Anonymous]

Several of the Smithsonian museums have play areas that are "hands on", the Museum of American History and Natural History Museum are favorites of my kids. The Rock Creek Nature Center and other nature centers in the area often have puppets, natural objects to touch, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone taken any students with special needs to the Playseum? My place of employment is considering an outing and has asked me to look into the Playseum. We are planning a small field trip with a few kids. The young children have various needs on the spectrum. Some speak loudly in an effort to communicate, can get very excited etc. We noticed on the Playseum site, there is special mention to parents regarding visitors:

"If your child becomes upset or throws a loud fit, which all of us mom’s are used to, feel free to step outside for a moment until your child responds to your direction."

"The Playseum is meant to be a fun-filled place with laughter, singing, dance and movement, but if your child’s actions become so disruptive to others you will be asked to leave."

We have never seen this type of mention at other facilities. Out of respect for everyone's comfort level, we certainly do not wish to bring the children if their disabilties could be misconstrued as disruptive and this could result in their being asked to leave.

The site does not indicate if there is an alternative entrance or has a ramp or if they make special arrangements with people with needs. If anyone has any info. on this-- please feel free to post.. many thanks you's. The children are in the age 4 and 5 age range.

The Playseum is owned by a mom who is a fundamentalist Christian. There are many copies of Babywise for sale. To quote from their site:

Where it Began!

It was about four years ago, my fourth child had just turned nine months old when I came to the decision to stop working and be home full time. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I can’t say it has been easy though. Without family nearby to help us mixed with the crazy fast paced DC life; my husband and I knew that we needed to stop and reevaluate our lives before we dangerously crashed. We dropped much from our schedules and said “no” to things that we had commonly said “yes” to without thought. We needed a change as a family. We came to the conclusion and agreement together that we had been given but a few years to raise-up, train, discipline and educate our children.

I'm sure she loves her kids, but the first words are "raise-up, train, discipline" which is really their orientation toward kids, so they want them to be under control so to speak. I'm guessing as Christians they might want to accomodate your group, not sure how comfortable it would be.

[Anonymous]

People in the DC Metro area-take advantage of the free museums. Buy a zoo membership, the cost will be covered by the free parking in three visits. At all of the museums, including the zoo, volunteers who love what they do are all over the place to answer questions and teach those who wish to learn (this is especially true at the zoo). Get on library websites and find out where the nearest children's storytime is taking place. When the weather is agreeable (I know, that seems like such a long time ago), there are so many outdoor parks in this area to take advantage of-some with train rides and carousels. This area has more playgrounds then Las Vegas. Some of the Whole Foods in the area offer kids activities during the week. Cultural fairs take place all during the year in this area. Do a little research and you will find plenty of things to do with small children around here-not counting all the classes available for a fee.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone for your helpful suggestions and insights into the experience. We will greatfully take your suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if they have fixed the "ball-room" entrance? When our family went it was partially enclosed with a broken pressure fit baby gate that was down on the floor most of the time we were there. Kids were tripping over it. Seemed dangerous.

[Anonymous]

My advice- having been there 3 times--
Find another place to go. Not worth it.

[Anonymous]

Was recently asked if this place is like a Gymboree, My Gym, Little Gym- etc. Our family have done the circuit. If you are looking for organized classes with circle time or scheduled freeplay in a safe and organized environment gymborees, little gyms and my gyms are tried and true well oiled machines. Playseum is a kids dream come true. But a nightmare for parents. Parking is tricky. No place for strollers. Narrow crowded hallways. Personal items left in the coatrack area are known to go missing. Staff can be shockingly abrasive and have odd rules. The hands-on activities make it exciting for kids.

[Anonymous]

For those who had a negative or blah experience, did you find the concept appealing and just the execution bad? Or is the concept of a "play musuem" something that doesn't appeal to you?

Just wondering bc I have always thought of opening a similar type of place for kids and wondering if there is as large a market for it as I thought.

[Anonymous]

It is a wonderful idea! Kids love hands on rooms of fun.
People would be willing to pay a reasonable admission fee for a great product. Those of us with kids would love a place like that in the area and would support such an endeavor. Classes are classes but there really is no kids meseum in this area. Important suggestions might be that there needs to be room for parents and kids to move around freely, no weird rules (like it appears many have had with the art projects, and certain activities). The playseum would be a great place if it was excecuted in a much larger space and it's proprietors were more understanding of their patron's needs. It seems (by reading people's comments) like the parking is hard to maneuver, there is no special needs access and a place to safely put stuff down. Those are important things when opening a place. Good luck and we hope to go there soon!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is a wonderful idea! Kids love hands on rooms of fun.
People would be willing to pay a reasonable admission fee for a great product. Those of us with kids would love a place like that in the area and would support such an endeavor. Classes are classes but there really is no kids meseum in this area. Important suggestions might be that there needs to be room for parents and kids to move around freely, no weird rules (like it appears many have had with the art projects, and certain activities). The playseum would be a great place if it was excecuted in a much larger space and it's proprietors were more understanding of their patron's needs. It seems (by reading people's comments) like the parking is hard to maneuver, there is no special needs access and a place to safely put stuff down. Those are important things when opening a place. Good luck and we hope to go there soon!!!

thanks! I I missed both of thoes issues - parking and special needs access - when i skimmed the posts so now I am going to have read more closely. I have to admit that I have not even checked out the Playmuseum myself yet but will do so in person.

[Anonymous]

Would you believe that I had a nightmare last night that my lively child was asked to leave the Playseum by a stern staffer?? Didn't happen in real life, but, geez, I need some better dreams!

[Anonymous]

RE:

"Would you believe that I had a nightmare last night that my lively child was asked to leave the Playseum by a stern staffer?? Didn't happen in real life, but, geez, I need some better dreams! "

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That is actually really funny. I wonder what "it would take" for someone to be asked to leave. My 2 year old occasionally has crying fits and it is very hard for him to stop once he gets going. Makes you think about kids who have varying needs and may not be able to stop on a dime. I think a place that feels it has to make that statement tells you a lot about itself. (and yes, I understand why they write it) but most considerate parents would remove their child for their own wellbeing. Then again, if the space were not the size of a shoebox it would not be as much a nuisance to them.
I wish someone would open another place!