"Free babysitting! Get your free babysitting!" That's what waited for me on a voice mail from a dear friend on Saturday morning. She was stuck in the house for the day with her five-year-old daughter, who also happens to be a good friend of my little guy, Alex. The rain was getting to them, and she was desperate for a playmate for her daughter for the afternoon, that wasn't her.

I was more than happy to help a friend in need, and quickly offered up my child for the job. Score!

Babysitting solutions like that are pretty much perfect, if you ask me. The kids are pretty self-sufficient when playing together these days, so my friend was able to get stuff done around the house and really just needed to feed and water them once in a while. The kids had a fantastic time together. I had a great time with my afternoon off. And it was free! What more can you ask for?

Alas, these perfect scenarios don't always present themselves, which is why I was interested when Jen from Aplaydia told me about their Summer Night Out program. Basically, the deal is you drop your kid off at Aplaydia for a special mini-camp – crafts, playground fun, etc – and then you hightail it out of there to enjoy your night off! Nice, eh? Especially awesome if your child is used to Aplaydia and feels comfortable there – a great way for you both to have a fun Friday night!

They ask that you provide snacks for your children and also say that pyjamas are welcomed! The staff ratio is 1:8 and all staff are trained in CPR and First Aid. It's for kids age 4 to 9 and it's coming up on Friday, July 24 from 5:30-9pm. The evening costs $25 for your first child, $10 for the second, and $5 for the third and each additional child. Call 444-PLAY to book.

Aplaydia also has space left in their summer camps. Check their website for details.

(Disclaimer: Yes, Aplaydia is an advertiser but this is not a paid ad – I just really, really like Aplaydia! 🙂 )