My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
Years
ago, when I was
a kid, playing with friends involved a lot of role-play. Of course, we didn’t call
it that. We called our games Ghar-Ghar or Teacher-Teacher, depending on what
roles we decided to take on. When I told Samhith about those days, he burst
into loud, raucous laughter, one that erupted, to my irritation, every time he
remembered that conversation over the next few days. That, however, didn’t stop
him wanting to go to KidZania, an indoor theme park, which uses the concept of role
play to keep kids engaged, occupied and happy, for several hours at a stretch.
Now,
it was me who
was not too enthusiastic about the idea. He would surely have fun. It was,
after all, meant for kids to have fun. But what about me? When we enjoyed
role-play we didn’t drag our parents into it! KidZania did mention a parents’ lounge,
a spa and other attractions for parents, but I am not really a mall person, or
one who can happily sit in a spa! And thus it stood, with Samhith regularly
reminding me that I had to take him there, and me assuring him that yes, I would,
someday.
And then,
last week, an
invite popped into my email, from Blogadda, inviting me to KidZania with my
son, and I jumped at the chance. Now, I could busy myself photographing and
thinking of things to write about, while Samhith amused himself doing whatever
he wanted to, and I signed up for the programme happily!
We arrived
at KidZania
well in time, and waited with a few other bloggers and their kids, none of whom
I knew. Eventually, the Blogadda Team arrived, and ushered us inside. Samhith
was so excited; we were the first inside, just in time to hear the KidZania
staff welcome the first visitors of the day with their anthem.
Once inside, it felt like it was another world altogether.
We were on the third floor of the R City Mall, but it felt like we were indeed
in another city – one with neat roads, lots of buildings, trees, and yes, even
a clear blue sky! It is amazing to think of something so beautiful being
created inside a mall!
While
I gaped around,
fascinated by how the place functioned, Samhith was off, a clear mandate in
mind (on the advice of his friends who have visited before), to make the most
of the day. It was just 10AM, and we had till 3 PM to explore KidZania to its
fullest extent.
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| Trinkets for sale... at a price, of course! |
I will
not write about
the many hats Samhith donned, over the course of those 5 hours. The KidZania
website has detailed write ups on all the activities and possible role-play
options there. Instead, I will just give you a glimpse through this collage...
Those
were just a few
of the activities he participated in, while I roamed around, trying to get a
feel of the experience second hand! While I was most impressed by the design
(as I have already said), I was also impressed with the staff. They have
obviously been trained well, but their enthusiasm and patience shines through,
and gets across to the kids. I saw them help out kids who were confused, I noticed
them interest a kid who was staring around, bored, and I also saw them placate
a toddler who was crying for his mom! Meanwhile, they also helped the kids with
the role play, offered advice to increase their earnings, and pointed out empty
or available slots to do things while others were occupied. Theirs is not an
easy job, and that they do it with a smile is what makes the experience special
for the children!
 |
| Kids queuing up |
For parents, it is the idea of children
spending hours in a safe, and positive environment, which is the biggest lure
of KidZania. This is a place where kids can learn to be on their own, without
fear of getting lost. The fact that they are given notes which resemble real
money makes them feel responsible, and earning the money only makes them more
aware of just how tough it is. In these days, this is something well worth
teaching kids. Besides, the advantages of role play are many, and I can’t reiterate
that enough.
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| A realistic window, curtains and all |
The 5
hours sped by,
faster than I imagined, and Samhith only agreed to leave when he was told that
the bank would close, and he had to add his earnings to a debit card, if he
wanted to save them for next time. So yes, he is now the proud owner of a KidZania
Debit Card, and can’t wait to go again!
 |
| Banners for the Painting School |
Will
I take him again?
I guess I will, because I saw just how happy he was, and how he hardly came
near me for those 5 long hours. Plus, they have wifi there, in the Parents
Lounge. Maybe that’s where I will go, the next time, now that I don’t have to
click photos or write about it!
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| A real gola shop... I am sure kids would have loved to operate this one too!! |
This
post is a part of the KidZania bloggers meet activity conducted by BlogAdda and
KidZania. The thoughts and views expressed are my own.
Information:
- Location: KidZania is located on the 3rd floor of RCity Mall, Ghatkopar (West), on L.B.S.Marg.
- Website : http://mumbai.kidzania.com/
- Timings:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11AM to 8PM
- Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays – 10AM to 3PM & 4PM to 9PM
- Mondays closed
- Tickets :
- Children aged between 4 and 16 years – Rs. 950
- Toddlers (2 to 4 years) : Rs. 500
- Adults: Rs. 500
- Senior Citizens : Rs. 400
- Note: Most of the activities are designed for kids between 4 and 14 years of age. There are a few activities for toddlers.
Interesting post, Anu! Though I've not been a fan of such entertainment oriented theme parks, this post seemed to alter my perceptions moderately. It seems like an exciting place to be in, specially for the kids considering the lack of open spaces and gardens. I'm a little surprised at their ticket prices though. Rs. 950 seems expensive for younger kids, no? I'm sure the experience covers it up for the high price.
ReplyDeleteThank you Akshay. It is certainly interesting for the kids, and also a good idea because roleplay not just keeps them busy and happy, but they actually learn the important things in life. It is not a place where you or I could go alone and enjoy. it is meant for the kids only.
DeleteUnfortunately, yes, it is expensive, which is why I hesitated so much before taking Samhith. of course, considering how they maintain it, and the number of staff and so on, they are i guess justified. besides, you just have to look at the crowd to see that the cost isnt really a factor for those who bring the kids here.
plus, schools seem to find it an interesting place instead of the usual picnic spots, and they can cope with the prices, as well as parents trying to throw a birthday party and wanting to have all the kids happy and occupied.
So well, there are only a few who are going to think twice about the cost.