Looking for an indoor destination in Prince William County? The Ikea store in Woodbridge (near Potomac Mills Mall) will suck you in for hours. Just as you enter the store from the street entrance, there is a play place called Smaland. There is no fee to play, although parents must remain on site and there is a time limit. (The day we were there they asked us to pick up the kids after 30 minutes.) Children must be potty trained and between 37″ and 54″ in height.
Since I had the little guy with me I wasn’t able to go inside even for a quick look around, but peeking through the windows I saw a ball pit, a quiet play area with table and chairs, a giant shoe the kids could climb on and hide in, wooden trains to play with, and glimpses of other play areas I couldn’t see well. I also saw my kid grinning his head off, which was all I really needed to know. There is a bathroom for the children inside the play area so there is no need for them to leave the self-contained area when nature calls.
In the kids department there is another small play area set up that is available to all ages. The kids can try out the kid-size furniture and some of the toys, explore some of the display rooms that are definitely appealing, and try to convince you to upgrade their bed so it, too, has a hidey cave with pillows and a bookshelf underneath.
Stay for lunch in the Ikea cafe (Kids eat free on Tuesdays, and there are other cafe specials depending on the day of the week.) and you may find, as we did, that the TV in the kiddie area is playing School House Rock- a refreshing change from some of the things I’ve seen on kid-directed screens in other locations. There are kid size tables right next to full size ones, so you can let your kids eat in the kiddie area but still keep an eye on them.
And don’t forget to look around for bargains- after all, it’s never too early to stash a great find for the holidays.
Address:
2901 Potomac Mills Circle
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone Number:
(703) 494-4532
