Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Imajine that, Lawrence, MA (4.5 smiles)


We went to Imajine that in Lawrence today, October 21, 2008 and here is my review.....


Date:  10/21/2008

Parking:  Plenty.  It's located in a large mill building with a huge parking lot.

Gate/Admissions:  [$$]  The staff is friendly.  Coats are hung in the hallway which is outside of the play space.

Birthday Parties:  Yes

Bathrooms:  There are two located in the hallway outside of the place space (where you hang your coats).  Both rooms are equipped with changing tables!

Cleanliness:  Very clean.  The toys look well cared for also.

Store:  There is a food counter there with a dining area.  They have all sorts of things for kids.  The prices are great also.  I noticed grilled cheese, mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, french fries, yogurt, fruit, animal crackers, hot dogs, pizza to name a few.  They also sell juice, milk, water, soda and snacks.  The dining area has highchairs and is very clean.

Overall:  We really enjoyed Imajine that!  I had heard about it a while ago and wanted to check it out.  The location is great!  Once you get off of the highway it is right around the corner.  Easy to get on and off the highway.  My son loved the dinosaur climbing structure.  It is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!  Not too big, easy to maneuver and neat nooks to explore.  He spent most of his time in there.  The craft area is wonderful.  I have been to quite a few places and I think this place had the best craft area and here is why.  The tables and chairs are spread apart so each child has their own space.  The crafts that they have out on the tables are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers (ie. stamping, play-dough, painting and drawing).  There is a large chalk board with large chalk.  The craft supplies are lined up along a wall with counter space and a sink.  The lighting in there is cheerful and the space is roomy.  The large mill windows supply the space with wonderful natural light also.   When we arrived they had a woman with a guitar singing children's songs.  When she finished singing they had fun children's music playing.  I know that sounds like a given, but you would surprised how many places we go to and they don't have music playing in the background.  I love when they do because I enjoy watching the children get into the music!  It's so cute to watch them make up their own dance moves.  Back to the review...there is a bounce house, an area for younger children / babies, a reading area, a boat to climb around in, a play house with a kitchen, living area, a garden area outside the house and a large grocery store!  My son enjoyed pushing the cart around and choosing his own plastic food!  Great place.  Worth the drive.  Check it out!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

My 20 month old daughter and I went to check out this place about 2 weeks ago and had a blast. The place is huge and there is lots to do. My daughter loved the bouncy house and the ride on toys. She enjoyed some Sals Pizza and a hot dog. Decent snack type food and drinks. Very clean.

6Mcs said...

We visited Imajine that on Monday. Very easy to get to and a wonderful open concept to see what all 3 of my children were up to. We did go into the wrong area to get to the location and were not allowed in the back entrance. If visiting go to the Salvatores entrance. Great place!

Anonymous said...

My 23 month-old daughter and I have been here atleast 3 times and we've had a blast every time. Lots to do, and the climbing structure is fun (not as dangerous as some). We love the fact that we can eat there and it's SALS PIZZA!!! And my daughter loves the fact that she can go home with a balloon every time we go. Lots of fun and highly recommended!

Anonymous said...

Imajine that is very clean and well engaged. The staff interacts with our family and we feel safe and at home being there. It is very clean and well-kept, even on its busier days. I love the fact that they now offer workshops for free with regular admission on the daily!!!! It's awesome; the kids love it! I wish they would open another near the southshore, but it is definitely worth the trip from Stoughton!

tay G said...

Imajine that is very clean and well engaged. The staff interacts with our family and we feel safe and at home being there. It is very clean and well-kept, even on its busier days. I love the fact that they now offer workshops for free with regular admission on the daily!!!! It's awesome; the kids love it! I wish they would open another near the southshore, but it is definitely worth the trip from Stoughton!

Anonymous said...

I had my problems with Imajine That. It was much less clean than what other reviews had mentioned. Toys were dirty and sticky i.e. the play food, the puzzles, the bowling set, and used egg carton containers in the supermarket area? - please. It became extremely crowded by 10:45 (we arrived at 9:45 - it opens at 9:00). Sadly, alot of parents were NOT supervising their children and my daughter was bumped into ON PURPOSE in the bounce house several times by unsupervised children. When I took her out the 2nd time the children inside (brothers and sisters - one my daughter's age) were cheering. The parent was journaling in a notebook while this was occurring. There were only 2 staff members there. The dinosaur playground area was not suitable for all ages. The slides are way too big for my 25 month old to go down herself, so I had to take her, which is not a big deal -but as I was walking up the structure, I noticed if my daughter had taken a wrong turn or two before I could grab her, she could have become hurt by falling down/into the structure portions that were more suitable for an older toddler. Obviously, a parent can only redirect so much with so many exciting things to do and see. Everything is open which to me seems a little bit overstimulating. I also felt I was paying for a ton of stuff we have at home, daycare and the local playground - ride in cars, play lawn mowers, shopping carts, puzzles, blocks. It seemed the earlier crowd was looking for an interactive experience for their children while the later crowd was looking for something to occupy their children's time while they journaled, read, e-mailed, and texted. I don't think I will be back. Please know I called ahead of time to discuss which stations were appropriate for my daughter's age and I was told all of them.