As if taking a page from the Larkinville handbook, Canalside is figuring out new and different ways to entertain families. From free-to-play pool and foosball tables on the lawn next to the Central Wharf, to really cool kiddie cars that parents can rent to put a smile on their kids’ faces ($10 a half hour and $15 an hour), there is no shortage of fun to be had at the Inner Harbor.
The tiny cars are new this season and have apparently been a big hit so far. Also new this year are a ton of new toys and games* that can be borrowed by simply leaving an ID with the operator of the [very attractive] cart. Toys and games include Kanoodle, Beamo, Spot It, Frisbee, chess, chalk sticks, Bananagrams, Word-A-Round, Pick-Up-Sticks, ANOMIA, Pizza Party, Quiddler, Tenzi, Cat’s Cradle, marble games, board games and dice games. It’s like game paradise for just about any age child.
The nice thing is that the parents can hang out in the Sunset Chairs while the boys and girls preoccupy themselves for free. There are even some larger games that are set up throughout the Central Wharf, which are always put to good use – Ladderball, bean bag toss, and lawn darts. When you stop to think about it, this is the true meaning of the concept “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper”. After all, there’s nothing worse than bored kids that are away from home and looking for something to do. And when the kids are happy, the parents are happy, plain and simple.
*Toys and games were donated by TreeHouse Toy Store on Elmwood Avenue – in return for the games, visitors are handed flyers with the TreeHouse info and a 20% off coupon.