Wanting something to do with the kids in Calgary during bad weather days, to bust boredom, or just have some fun? ROAR Play Park has something for every toddler and big kid!
By Chani Palindat
By Chani Palindat
The ROAR Play Park is Southcentre's newest amenity that takes your shopping experience to the next level. Built in partnership with the Calgary Zoo, ROAR is located on the lower level of the centre by Crate & Barrel and ready for kids ages one to eleven to enjoy. Potty-trainers, never fear! Washrooms are available across the hall from the park with kid sized fixtures to reduce "I forgot to go" accidents, or help your tot stay on their training schedule. Free to use, it has ample Stroller Parking and is open during mall hours, making this the perfect pairing for when your family needs a break from shopping or bad weather.
Our kids went a little bonkers from excitement their first time at ROAR. Within moments they were jumping like monkeys at seeing all of the animals in the park entrance. After practically ripping their shoes off they bolted to the Penguin Slide, the most popular feature choice for kids that day given the line of tiny bodies at the entrance to the structure. When our five year old wasn't calling to us to watch him slide down, he was busy crawling through the "secret" tunnel underneath with the other kids. As all of this was happening, our toddler was busying herself with the spinning disk games on the wall. When she had tired of this she began to excitedly tear around the room testing every surface she could, from the climb-on animals, to the cushioned benches for parents and play-weary children. Even the walls are a source of fun, with an "I Spy" game encorporated into their brightly coloured murals.
While our own children are still at the younger end of the suggested age range for the park, ROAR still has activities for older children. In most play spaces, older siblings usually end up sitting bored or playing on their parent's phones. Here they can enjoy interactive iPads, test their knowledge with zoo themed trivia, or watch an all-ages movie in the theatre area on the 80 inch television. And for that, I'm giving the it bonus points for being age inclusive.
Southcentre really does go above and beyond in being family friendly. Bottle warmers and baby supplies in both themed nursing mother's rooms (located at each of the main washrooms), year round coat and bag check, their Lil Shoppers Kids Club, and child minding services offered by GreenDoor Stay & Play are just some of the many ways they cater to creating a memorable and enjoyable shopping experience for their guests and their families. Our kids cannot wait until our next visit there, so I guess you could say ROAR Play Park is 100% kid approved.
New to Calgary or visiting? You can find Southcentre shopping centre at 100 Anderson Road SE, right off MacLeod Trail.
