Some days you just need to get out of the house. It's too hot to be outside for long, or it's raining, or the kids are bouncing off the walls and you need somewhere contained where they can burn energy without you tracking them across a giant open space. Tot Time is exactly that kind of option, and it's officially back at the Rollins Edwards Community Center starting tomorrow. In celebration there's a special Back to Tot Time Picnic happening (details below).

Tot Time is an indoor open play session for little ones ages 1-5. Tot Time is held at the Rollins Edwards Community Center (301 N. Hickory St., Summerville) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30am-12pm. It's $3 per child with no pre-registration required. It's a big, contained gym space set up for toddlers to run, climb, and play with inflatables, hula hoops, bean bags, sports equipment and more. It's simple, it's affordable, and it's one of the easiest ways to break up a long day at home. The kids get to move and socialize, and you get to chat with other parents who are in the exact same season of life. Some of the best mom friendships start standing around a community center gym watching your toddlers circle each other suspiciously before deciding to play.

What makes it especially great is how low-pressure it is. There's no big commitment, no fancy setup, no need to pack for a whole outing. You show up, the kids play, and when everyone's worn out you head home for what will hopefully be an epic nap. It's perfect for those days when you want to try something new but don't have the energy for a big production.

Back to Tot Time Picnic
Friday, August 28 | 10–10:45am | Rollins Edwards Community Center, 301 N Hickory St | $10

To celebrate weekly Tot Time coming back to the Rollins Edwards Community Center, Parks & Rec is hosting a special picnic this morning. The $10 covers a picnic bag with snacks and a drink for your little one, and it also covers Tot Time open play in the gym from 8:30am to 1pm. Bring a blanket or a towel to sit on. There's an iced coffee station for the grown-ups (the right choice for any morning event). They're taking registrations until it fills.

Right after it, at 11am, Dance Mode runs 11–11:45am for $5. It's a 45-minute parent-and-child dance class with Miss Laurel, who trained in dance at the College of Charleston and has taught locally at Barre Nation in Nexton and Magnolia Dance Academy on Old Trolley. The $5 covers one toddler plus the caregiver, at least one caregiver has to stay in the class, and that same caregiver can cover siblings. If you can't make it to today's Dance Mode but would like to join in the future, there's sessions on September 3rd, 11th, and 24th as well.