Four Things to Know About IKEA for Families

Parents love IKEA Atlantic Station for the functional, affordable furniture, and kids love IKEA for the play area (Småland) and yummy snacks. Either way, the Swedish home store is a popular destination for families. See how to make the most of your IKEA Atlantic Station adventure with kids.

Get the Family Membership

To really enjoy all IKEA has to offer, join IKEA FAMILY. Shoppers provide an email address (either online or at a kiosk in the store), a few demographic details and style preferences in exchange for product discounts, deals on food at the restaurant, free coffee or tea with every visit and an extra 30 minutes of play time for children in Småland.

Let the Kids Play

Parents have the option to drop-off children (who are between 37 inches and 54 inches and potty trained) at IKEA’s play area called Småland while they shop. Built to look like a magical Swedish forest, Småland has a giant ball pit and places to climb. Kids can also read, watch movies and color during the half hour time slot. Need more time to shop? See Family Membership above to double your time. For smaller kids (or those who don’t want to leave mom and dad), IKEA offers shopping strollers.

Visit the Children’s Section

From unique beds to fun toys to whimsical bedding, IKEA Atlantic Station has a giant area devoted to kids. Parents appreciate the reasonable prices, of course, but also that the furniture is designed with growing kids in mind. The reversible bed, for instance, goes from a low bed to a high bed just by turning it upside down. IKEA’s loft-style bunks have ample storage for kids’ stuff plus a play or desk area underneath. And speaking of storage, parents will find tons of ideas for where to hide kids’ toys. IKEA even sells toys cash registers, wooden trains, tea sets and stuffed animals.

Chow Down

When the shopping and playing makes stomachs growl, families have two options: the IKEA restaurant and cafe or the snack area. Customers will find cheap and hearty American-style food at the snack area near the entrance. Think cinnamon rolls, pizza and hot dogs. The cafeteria-style cafe has more Swedish-inspired food. A typical kids’ meal includes Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, lingonberries (similar to blackberries) and seasonal veggies. For less-adventurous kids, the cafe also has the option of chicken tenders and fries.