The Clubhouse: Park City’s Answer to Childcare Bliss

I will admit it: I was a wee bit nervous when I dropped my 2-year-old son Bode off at The Clubhouse last season.  After all, it was the first time I had left my self-professed Mama's Boy in unfamiliar surroundings.

My apprehension lasted exactly 20 seconds when the doting staff offered to change his noxious diaper prior to my departure. I then watched as my Mama's-Boy-no-more joyfully delved into the onslaught of toys and activities that included arts and crafts, reading time, games, and song and dance activities.

Park City Mountain Resort does not offer on-site childcare so The Clubhouse is the next best thing. Conveniently located at 780 Main Street, this hourly facility accommodates children ages 2 months - 12 years.

The Clubhouse is licensed by the State of Utah’s Childcare Licensing Bureau and staff members are thorough. They kept a log of when my son ate, what he ate, when he napped and even had a private darkened room with cribs, Pack ‘N Plays and soft music.

The kid doesn’t have it that good at home.

Another important consideration for parents when choosing childcare is cleanliness. I was pleased to see that staff members wore disposable gloves when changing diapers. All toys and surfaces are routinely disinfected and frequent hand washing is promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread of infection.

The price is pretty standard for resort childcare: $14 per hour for one child. Add a sibling and you’ll only pay an additional $5 per hour. In-home childcare is also offered and reservations are strongly recommended to guarantee a place.

The center’s hours gave us plenty of time to drop off our son in the morning and still make it in time to our daughter’s ski lessons. They conveniently stay open Fridays and Saturday evenings to accommodate parents who want a night out. Check their Web site for updated times and blackout dates.

My shy little guy was excited to spend two days there while the rest of our family hit the slopes. He had snacks, a healthy lunch he actually ate and would not stop talking about the train set he monopolized all day.

After his revelries at The Clubhouse, this Mama’s Boy was asking, "Mommy? Mommy who?"