Kidtopia is a supervised children's club for youngsters ages 6 months to 12 years. Here, kids can crawl on a seven-foot tree house or observe exotic fish in a 600-gallon saltwater aquarium -- under adult supervision, of course. Certified childcare staff engages children with group activities such as games, crafts, dancing and outdoor play. Rates start at $16 per hour, $50 per half day (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) or $80 per full day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Half- and full-day rates include lunch, and there is a 10 percent discount for siblings on half- and full-day sessions. Children under 2 years of age may stay in Kidtopia for a maximum of two hours. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Kidtopia Night Camp offers evening group childcare for potty-trained 3 to 12 -year-olds during the hours of 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from $55, including dinner.
Vibz Teenspace is a club that caters to a slightly more mature gang -- tweens and teens ages 10 and up can play computers, videogames, foosball, ping pong and other games in the 6,000-square-foot lounge. There is no entrance fee at this club, but some games require payment from a Vibz card, which can be purchased at the front desk in $5, $10 and $20 amounts. Staff does not provide supervision at Vibz Teenspace -- so stick around and play some games if you don't feel comfortable leaving your child alone. During summer months, golf and tennis camps offer lessons in a group setting (rates are hourly and vary by season), and half-day surf camps are on hand for kids ages 6 to 12 at nearby Carlsbad Beach.
Other kid-friendly amenities include seven outdoor heated swimming pools with three waterslides and a water play area; a goody bag for the kids upon arrival; and a babysitting referral service. The concierge will provide information for a local childcare service, Marian Childcare, upon request (rates run about $20 per hour).
