Yes, you read that right. McDonald’s.
The Golden Arches, Mickey-Dee’s, The House that Ronald Built. It’s my new favorite place to hang out in the afternoons, and once I have a minute to explain, it will be yours, too.
1. The Play Place
Now, I love me a good indoor play space and McDonald’s has SERIOUSLY upped their game. Guys, it’s amazing. When you walk into one of the more newly-renovated McDonald’s in your area, the play place is to die for. It is, hands down, the best play space I have taken my kids to.
Everything is in one big room, so there is no in-and-out of a heavy finger-pinching door if your kids are like mine and like to take a bite, play, take a bite, play…
You can hear everything that is going on, and see everything that is going on.
They have touchscreen computers with different games kids can play if they want to sit down and take a breather from the climbing. There’s a family bathroom located in the playspace area, so no going to the opposite side of the restaurant to take the kids when they need to go. And then, let’s not forget about the number one most obvious reason: air conditioning in the summer, heat in the winter.
2. Free Wifi
This might not be a big huge deal to a lot of people, but it is for me! As a full-time work-from-home mom, there are days I just have a few more things I need to get done after I pick up my girls from school. I’ll toss my laptop in a bag, and we’ll swing by McDonald’s on our way home from school. The girls will play for a little while longer, and I’ll answer those last few emails.
This is another major nod to the actual play space area—we’re all in the same room; I’m right there if they need me, and I’m able to get a little extra work done while my kids do something other than watch another episode of Peppa Pig.
3. The Coffee
It’s no secret among my group of friends that I drink a lot of coffee. I would call myself a coffee snob, but I’d be lying. I’ll pretty much drink any coffee, no matter how bad it is. But luckily that’s not the case with McDonald’s coffee.
It’s good, y’all. Like, real good.
If you put a cup of black coffee from McDonald’s up next to a cup of black coffee from Starbucks…in my book, McDonald’s wins. Sorry, Bux…
I do love me some cold foam cascara cold brew and don’t even get me started on the PSL… but when it comes to a down and dirty regular cup of coffee, McDonald’s wins.
Plus, they do have a whole slew of specialty coffee drinks that are perfect when you’re wanting to indulge (helloooooo, Iced Turtle Coffee!!!)
4. The People
My favorite McDonald’s to go to is the one at Park and Plano Parkway, right next to Hobby Lobby. We usually walk in, order something small, and then go play. The employees have always been helpful and courteous…especially on the days where my 2-year-old and 3-year-old are being extra 2-year-old-ish and 3-year-old-ish. You know those days.
On the days where we meet friends to play and stay for dinner, the employees will bring the food over to our tables in the play space.
5. The Food
McDonald’s is known for being incredibly unhealthy, and I’m not even going to try to get around that. However, they have made some small steps in the past few years to offer healthier options for their guests. The Happy Meal options are pretty simple: hamburger (with or without cheese), or nuggets (4 or 6 pieces). They offer apple slices or low-fat yogurt, a really small side of fries, and a drink. The drinks are organic apple juice, or 1% white milk (Chocolate milk is available upon request only).
For me? Last week I ordered the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad, and it wasn’t bad. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that McDonald’s starts to up their salad game, but for the time being, it works!
