A Plymouth Guide to Parents’ Night Out

For many Plymouth parents, a night out is a rare occurrence. So we set out to identify some of the easier ways moms and dads can step out on the town for interruption-free conversation at a sit-down restaurant. What we discovered is that there might even be time for a movie, a second glass of wine or a sunset walk around the lake. But the best part of the night might occur when the kids climb back in the car at the end of the evening, because not only did the grown-ups have a great time out—with these local options, the kids did, too. Pump It Up Time: 5:30–9 p.m.Ages: 3–10, Parents’ Night Out; 7–10, Jump ‘n’ Jam Cost: Parents’ Night Out is $25/child, +$20/sibling; Jump ’n’ Jam $9.95 (dinner not included)Drop the younger kids off at Plymouth’s Pump It Up for an evening of inflatable play. A pizza dinner is included in the evening, and kids also participate in a craft creation. Looking for something for an older child? Pump It Up also offers a tween/teen Jump ’n’ Jam that, in addition to the inflatables, offer karaoke and ultraviolent lights. Prizes are given for best “glow” attire, which appears brighter under Pump It Up’s special effect lighting. At either age group, make sure you reserve a spot early. “These nights do fill up fast,” manager Jeni Mand says. All participants will need socks for jumping, as well as a signed waiver. 3500 Holly Lane N. #65; 763.553.0340Life Time Fitness Time: 5–9 p.m. on scheduled Parents’ Night Out eveningsAges: 11 and youngerCost: $15/child; $25/child for kids younger than 2Each of Life Time Fitness’s parents’ nights out offers a different activity theme. “These nights are focused around fun activities for the kids to enjoy while their parents take a night out on the town,” says public relations coordinator Amy Henderson. Life Time’s childcare staff facilitates a variety of kid-friendly fitness activities, including basketball, floor hockey, kids yoga and karate. The bounce house and face painting are also available, and a pizza dinner is included in the evening as well. Available to Life Time members only. 3600 Plymouth Blvd.; 763.509.0909Super SaturdayTime: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.Date: October 5 and December 14Ages: 3–10/11 (fifth grade) Cost: One-hour classes $7–$8/each; two-hour classes $16/each or two for $28Not every night out needs to happen at night. Sometimes a parent needs a little downtime during the day. That’s where Robbinsdale Area Schools’ Super Saturdays come in. “The kids learn while the parents are having fun,” says Diane Dickmeyer, one of the organizers of Super Saturday. “Many parents go out for breakfast for the first time in a long time.” Super Saturdays are held a handful of times each school year in the Sandburg Learning Center. “We have three gyms, classrooms and all sorts of activities,” Dickmeyer says.For preschool-age children, the program offers four hour-long sessions (plus a snack time) covering topics like technology, art, fitness and science. Similar topics are covered with elementary-aged kids in two two-hour sessions, with a snack break in between. Limited financial assistance is available; all children must have a signed waiver/permission form. 2400 Sandburg Lane, Golden Valley; 763.504.6999