Elizabeth Schreckenberg

I'll never forget the day I was ejected from Chuck E. Cheese. About ten years ago, some friends and I were looking for something to do besides dinner, drinks, you know, the usual. I love ski-ball, so I had this idea that we'd go play at Chuck E. Cheese, just like when we were kids. But to my dismay, we were stopped at the entrance, and told that we weren't allowed to come in unless we had someone under 12 with us. Here we were, trying to do something safe and non-intoxicating, and instead we were driven to the bar next door, where we drank away the realization that we were getting too old for kid stuff.

Fast forward ten years: Now as a parent, I can't be turned away. But when I'm there, instead of taking in a good game of ski-ball, I'm usually racing around nervously trying to keep both of my kids in eyesight amongst the rest of the little critters. And all the while wondering: When is it MY TURN?

I doubt I'm the only selfish mom with the urge to feel like I'm 10 again. I found a few places that aim to satisfy the need to have silly, uninterrupted fun. Pick one, grab some friends, and go. Just don't throw yourself on the ground when you can't be first in line.

The word museum connotates a quiet, sophisticated place where you must keep hands to yourself, but this place is nothing but a perfect playground where climbing and touching exhibits is encouraged. Housed in an old shoe factory on N. 15th Street in downtown St. Louis, it offers something for kids of all ages. Wear tennis shoes and long pants, because you'll be exploring ten stories of caves, squirming through tunnels, jumping into a jumbo ball pit, and sliding down multiple tummy-tickling slides. A circus ring offers daily performances, and a display of carnival paraphernalia includes a working black and white photo booth, and the must-see world's largest pair of underpants.

MonstroCity, an enormous outdoor jungle gym made of recycled building and vehicle parts, offers more fun than you can imagine. You'll literally climb into the sky through four-foot wide wrought iron "slinkies," old airplanes and other interesting fixtures, then slide all the way back down via speedy aluminum slides. The museum is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, when most children should be in bed. After 11 p.m., the lights go down and you have to use a flashlight to maneuver around, which is why you may want to wait until after you've explored a bit to visit one of the two available bars.

Cost is $12, reduced to $10 after 10 p.m. on weekends. Visit citymuseum.org or call 314-231-CITY for more info.

When's the last time you played dodgeball or jumped on a trampoline? Okay, how about both at the same time? This incredible place in Chesterfield is made of wall-to-wall trampolines available for open jump sessions, corporate events, birthday parties and more.

In SkyRobics, in which an instructor leads low-impact cardio aerobics on a sea of trampolines, you'll bounce away 1,000 calories in an hour just by having fun.

The "courts" can be reserved for teambuilding events such as SkyLympics, which includes relay races and basketball-type games, and 3-D Dodgeball. It's a great way for employees to let go of their "all business" faces and let loose with each other, and can be especially therapeutic if they're hurling balls at the boss.

Jumpers of all ages are welcome at various times throughout the week, but on Saturday nights, Sky Zone offers Sky Jam from 10:30 p.m. to midnight for the 16 and up crowd. The $15 fee includes 90 minutes of jumping, pizza, soda and music. Visit skyzonesports.com or call 636-530-4550 for directions and schedules.

Remember when wearing neon everything was the coolest? And when sleepovers were totally awesome because the black light in your room made everyone's teeth glow as you chatted into the wee hours?

Well get out your whitest socks and most fluorescent shirt, and paint your nails hot pink, because Bowland Lanes in Granite City has an evening of nostalgia for all your girlfriends. Extreme Bowling will take you back with black lights, laser beams, bright colored bowling balls and pumped up dance music. On Fridays and Saturdays at 11 p.m., the lights go off and the party starts.

Karen Orr, Sales Representative for Bowland Lanes, said Extreme Bowling is the perfect atmosphere for a group outing.

"We've even had bachelorette and bachelor parties in here," said Orr. "Everyone has fun playing songs on the jukebox and bowling until 2 a.m."

Cost is $13, which includes shoes. Call Bowland Lanes at 618-931-0505 or visit amf.com for locations of other bowling alleys that offer Extreme Bowling.

Yes, there is a video game oasis just for grown-ups. Dave and Buster's in Earth City offers a slew of games from classic arcade hits (Pac-Man anyone?) to the newest, high-tech interactive offerings. They also have billiards and shuffleboards, with a full bar and restaurant available.

The best thing about this place? I get to play ski-ball to my heart's content, count the little tickets that come out, and pick out my own prize. And I don't have to share it with anyone.

Visit daveandbusters.com or call 314-209-8015 for hours and directions.