One of the things I loved most about living in Vancouver with a toddler was how much there was to do. During our 2 years there, I never felt like I was grasping for things to do and see – not even during the dreary winters… On beautiful days we’d visit parks, hang out at the beach, and go for walks, and on rainy days we’d hang out at our favourite indoor spots (community centre play gyms, pools, libraries, and skating rinks, the conservatory, the airport observation area, 6 Pack Beach, Pottery Barn Kids, the Play Palace, UBC, Kokopeli, or Sweet Salt to name a few). On top of all of that, kids’ programs were plentiful and inexpensive, so we enjoyed many rounds of parent and tot swimming and ballet, and we were members at both the Vancouver Aquarium and Science World.
Having had it so good for so long, I was a teensy bit worried that our days in Kuwait would be dull in comparison. The truth is, parks and play areas and kids programs do exist here… it’s just that without talking to the right person, you may never find out about them {and once you do, they can be terribly expensive}. So, I decided to start my research early. We were actually still living in Vancouver when I first learned about Bright Minds Creative Learning Centre. It looked and sounded like the perfect place for us online, so I was excited for our first visit.
This morning, Grae and I made our way down the 30 to the Sabah Al Salam area, and found Bright Minds tucked in a big white villa in a residential area. We visited with the centre’s administrator and signed Miss G up for a tots ballet class, and spent most of our time downstairs in the Creative Play Area. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the moment we walked through the gate, I was very pleasantly surprised. Despite being in the basement of the villa, the Creative Play Area was bright, warm, and welcoming {you should have seen Gracen’s eyes light up!} There was so much to choose from that she did a thorough survey of the room, excitedly pointing out each toy and apparatus. The play things were clean and great condition and right away you could see that whomever designed the space really focused on creating a space that was inviting, organized, and safe for kids.
The space includes a climbing apparatus complete with a slide a swings, soft gymnastics equipment, several ride on toys with a track that goes around the outer edge of the space, a play kitchen, a tent, a workbench and several smaller toys.
Grae absolutely loved everything, but when it comes down to it, her favourite thing – no matter where we go – is the play kitchen, and today was no exception. {I think we know what we’ll be getting the little miss for Christmas this year…}
On the outer edges, the space is equipped with a nice big sandbox and a bouncy castle that is always up and running – how much fun is that? Though Grae is much too old for it now, there was also an enclosed baby play area filled with seats and toys geared to younger ones, which would be perfect for mamas with two little ones.
I have to say, we were thoroughly impressed with Bright Minds’ Creative Play Area. It’s the perfect escape from the desert heat and we will most definitely be back very soon.
Bright Minds Kuwait is located in the Sabah Al Salam area at block 4, street 22, house 12. The Creative Play Area is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and the drop-in fee is KD 3 {or you can buy an unlimited month-long pass for KD 12 or year-long pass for KD 85}.
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That looks like a great indoor play space. I especially like all the soft gym equipment. My son would love it if we happened to be in Kuwait!