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So I've sort of been in withdrawal since Tumble Tots in Stratham closed earlier this year. It was a great place to let Willie run around for a hour or so on the weekend, or a rainy day, which didn't require driving too far.

When the place closed up shop, a sign soon went up advertising a place called Sproutabout NH. I've been in touch with the owner, Nikki, who tells me they are ready to open this weekend, on Saturday Oct. 4. They'll be open from 9 to 3 with a cost of $4 per child.

This place sounds like it's going to be a suped up version of the Tumble Tots complete with a sitting area for parents to hang out and visit over a coffee while the children play. There's also wi-fi access, though I'm not sure how much work I would be able to get done while keeping an eye on Willie boy. (In addition to the fact that Willie is crazed over my laptop and tries to grab it, push buttons and generally touch it every time I bring it out).

As I was sitting by the fire with a friend the other day, my son was quietly sliding down the hall, back to the wall, stopping slowly before every doorway, jabbing a cardboard knife out into the air, hoping to get the bad guy lurking around the corner.

He was imagining himself walking down a dark alley, he said, saving many people from dangerous men. I sat there smiling and glad for how far I’ve come when it comes to this developmentally appropriate play.

So, I’ve always had a real aversion to those battery operated cars, trucks, four wheelers and so on for toddlers and young children. I have to confess I’ve always found them, well, somewhat over the top, excessive, and really unnecessary. I mean really why does a two or three year old need a car they can really drive?