Lots of Giggles & Hugs

I'm not going to lie, when I lived in LA, pre-mommy days, I never saw any kids. I didn't know people actually raised families in LA and when I was considering moving back to LA after I had Kortney, I was worried about finding enough kid-friendly activities for us to do. I'm discovering that there are more than enough things to do! Now I'm the recreations and park expert. So, where can you take the kids on a Friday night and get a real meal that doesn't consist of pizza yet the kids can run around and play? Three weeks after opening, Giggles and Hugs on Wilshire and Barrington is turning out to be quite the hot spot. It was packed, loud, well, plenty of giggles and raucous laughter filled the air when we came in on the tail end of disco Friday. The dj was spinning his last song when we walked through the door. Didn't matter because Kort and her friends kicked off their shoes and made a bee-line for the play area. Of course, the immediate comparison is Chuck E. Cheese but it's more intimate, it's a smaller place and the decor is adorable. Murals are painted on the walls, the ceiling is sky blue with a variety of clouds in the shapes of airplanes and such. It's the little touches that set it apart, real table cloths and and the choice between silverware and kid friendly flatware and dishes. The menu offers a variety of healthy options and of course, tried and true kid faves like mac and cheese...and pizza. Prices are comparable to other restaurants, ranging between $6.95 for kid's dishes to $10-$12 for adult entrees. It's $9 for the play area but Go City Kids has a coupon for free open play. TreeHouse Social Club in Beverly Hills is a similar type venue, except they also offer classes and manicures, etc. I haven't been lately, but the last time I was there, they did not have an extensive menu. Both places are worth checking out.