When I first moved to the Triangle in April 2012, I had no idea what to expect in terms of childcare. I was moving from Charlotte, where I had several great babysitters and close friends who I could call on for a date night or in a pinch when a doctors appointment fell on a non-preschool day or I needed a nap. Then I moved to Cary, and found myself dragging my son, who was not in preschool from April-August, along to boring obstetrician and other adult appointments every few weeks or trying to arrange them around my husband’s work schedule.
When I was first introduced to the idea of a dedicated drop-in daycare, I was reluctant to check it out, though upon reflection, that was really quite silly. After some friends of ours waxed poetic about theirs, we decided to make a Target run and have a lunch date without dragging a preschooler along. It was great. The Boy got to play hard, while we got to have a leisurely lunch without the aid of plastic dinosaurs or iPhone apps. This may have been the most life-changing epiphany of my last year. So, to save you some trouble, I’m gathering some drop-in daycare sources here:
Kool Kidz – With locations in Morrisville and in Apex, Kool Kidz (Apex location) has been my convenient go-to. I love the staff (who always seem стоимость пластиковых окон to remember me, and we aren’t there THAT often), they are clean, and they have a great play area. My son always has a great time, and comes back ready for a nap. They take babies from 6 months up, so my daughter hasn’t been yet (and casino online probably won’t until after flu season passes). They begin at $9/hour, but if you get a package, you can reduce that rate up to $5.75/hour or even less per child if you have multiple children. Additionally, they have some great coupons for new and existing customers on their website. My favorite part? Date nights every first and third Friday and Saturday are available for $20 for 4 hours ($10 for the second child) including dinner.
PB&Js – I have not yet taken my son to PB&Js, but I am very curious about it because I have it on good authority that they are a lovely drop in. The owners own MyGym, and when there is no class in session, rumor has it that the drop in kids are able to play on the gym equipment.
Green Kids – Another drop-in that I have yet to visit, Green Kids is considered the Rolls Royce of Triangle area drop in daycares. As its online pokies name suggests, it emphasizes an eco-friendly facility. But that’s not the coolest part. Not only is it conveniently located at Southpoint Mall in Durham; but also it is next to The Melting Pot and owned by the same family. Diners at The Melting Pot can get a couple of hours of free child care AND people registering for the first time at Green Kids can get a $25 coupon to the Melting Pot! You can’t beat that! It is $11/hour, but you can purchase packages which reduce the cost to $6.49/hour, drop in starts at 12 months.
Magic Kids – Green Kids may be the Rolls Royce, but Magic Kids is the Kia. Its serviceable, and my son had an ok time, but it’s a small, no frills play area. However, it is located in Crabtree Mall, so if you need to go shopping for the holidays or just need a bit of retail therapy, Magic Kids is the place for you. The first hour is $10 and every hour after that is $5.
There are several other drop-in facilities in the Triangle, depending on the area where you want to spend your evening date, afternoon appointments, or if you just want to take a mid-day nap (not that I would ever do that). No more excuses! Go forth, child free, and enjoy a few hours alone! Happy Valentine”s Day!
If you love (or hate) your drop-in daycare, please let us and your fellow readers know in the comments below!
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