My Little Kangaroos Discover 'My Little Outback'

One of the things I’ve come to love about Pittsburgh is how great everyone networks. You need to find a place for a haircut—you’ve got plenty of people to point you in the right direction. 

Good doctors or pediatricians—I’ve got a list of three or four already. 

Another great resource I’ve found through networking with some of the other Carnegie Mellon University moms are places to take the kiddos, especially if it’s raining or snowing, which I’ve heard it does a lot around here.

I took advantage of this information and visited a great business in Squirrel Hill called My Little Outback Café and Indoor Play Center. The first time I went, I met some of the other CMU partners who are also moms. It was great to get to know them and their children alongside finding a great indoor play place for my girls. 

The other benefit to this place is the vast array of toys and inflatable objects! There’s a large climbing obstacle course with tunnels and slides, infant area for toddlers two-years-old and under, ropes and a climbing wall, basketball area, a small room with toddler safe legos, a book area and also a chalk board that takes up an entire wall. 

That seems like quite a bit of play area for just one business, but I’m not done yet! There’s also a bouncy house with mesh sides so parents can supervise their children and another section full of toys for both girls and boys. Not to mention the nice café area where you can order food and drinks for the kids and caffeinated beverages for the parents who are trying to keep up with their busy munchkins. 

And for those busy parents who have to bring their work with them—my husband for example—free wifi. On the way out, they have another large section full of age appropriate toys, including some household favorite brand names—Melissa and Dog, Creativity for Kids and Noodle Head. 

The first time I took Ava and Izzy to the outback, they ran around in a couple of circles trying to decide what to do first. Ava, of course, decided on the bouncy house. Izzy, being my little shy one, clung to my leg for a couple of minutes and then went straight for the toy area. It didn’t take either of them long to discover all of the areas to play in and all the different toys to play with. 

I think this is the first time I’ve actually seen Ava winded. She would run from the climbing apparatuses to the bouncy house to the slides and would finally settle in the toy area to play with horses—her favorite animal. I had one mom comment to me, “I’m just tired watching her! I can’t imagine how you keep up with her every day!”

I couldn’t resist—or more like I had to have—a cup of coffee to reenergize myself in order to keep up with the girls. Not bad at all and I was able to finish it before it was time to go. 

All in all, this is probably my favorite kid spot in Pittsburgh, so far!  The girls went down for a nap early the first day we went and every other time we’ve gone. Even if we only have time to stay for an hour, they’re satisfied and happy to burn off some energy and boy do they burn off some energy at My Little Outback. 

I can foresee this being a weekly visit once the snow starts falling here in Pittsburgh! It's a good thing I’m from northern Maine and can handle driving in the snow.