Parenting is hard these days. With so many types of entertainment centers, like malls, museums, arcades, and dinner theatres, it can be hard to find one that is kid-friendly. No parent wants to worry about their child being exposed to adult themes and humor. They also want a safe environment, where their children can be entertained, educated, and have their attention kept. Before you head out as a family for an evening out or for a day of fun, do your due diligence and find options that you know have passed the parent and kid-approval test.Peruse a city to-do listLarge metropolitan markets will create lists of kid-friendly entertainment centers as a go-to option for people visiting their area. They want families to enjoy their stay and provide a wealth of information about things to do to help them while in town. Everything from touring attractions available for a limited time to local mainstays that are always part of the city landscape are on the list. Tourism is big business, so cities pay staff to keep thorough, up-to-date lists to promote their area.Take a tip from the visitor’s handbook and use that tool for yourself. When we live in a community, sometimes we forget about all of the rich options available. In many cases, out of town guests have been to more local attractions than the locals have. When the kids begin getting restless, find a list of kid-friendly entertainment center options by the local visitors bureau.Ask friends and familyAnother great resource for entertainment center options for children is to simply refer to the wisdom of family and friends. There may be hidden gems that you don’t know about, like a small neighborhood park with a splash pool. Often, friends with children can help you remember community favorites, new and old. Local parks and attractions are always popping up in large cities. Some options could be things you did as a child, but just haven’t done with your children yet, like go to a dinner theatre or to the zoo. Help yourself remember these ideas by keeping a list in your purse or wallet, or downloading a list app on your phone. This will ensure than when the time comes that you want something to do with the kids, the options are at hand.Think education + funIt is important to keep the activity lineup fresh, so little ones stay engaged. Children like a multifaceted experiences. They want to be involved and stimulated, both physically and mentally. Anything that helps them learn and engages them in a positive way is a great bet. Get online and do individual searches for entertainment centers in your community that help promote education, the arts, sports, and history. Some options are all-inclusive, with shows, meals, and extras included, which means they are better for a long period of time, while others are best for a short window.Hearing your children say they are bored is never an option. It is important to keep children stimulated, learning, and entertained. Many times, teaching them to use their own imaginations and enjoy down time is good. However, when it is time to go out of the house for entertainment centers, then it is important to find a good resource to find and vet your options. Other parents that you trust, family friends that have gone before you on the parenting path, and online tools to find educational options could all be great resources.