In a light-hearted approach to family outings, Leah Glouberman recently shared her creative parenting strategy involving her two young children. The 31-year-old podcast producer, based in Los Angeles, managed to give her son Louie, aged 2, a memorable experience without the hefty price tag usually associated with a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.
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Earlier this year, Glouberman originally had plans to take Louie to a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game. When the opportunity for much-anticipated tickets fell through, she decided to improvise. Taking Louie to a minor league baseball game instead, she cleverly created the illusion that they were indeed at the Dodgers’ event. “We ended up going to a minor league game and dressed up like the Dodgers, gaslighting Louie into thinking we were at the Dodgers game,” she explained. The family enjoyed a front-row seat close to the action and immersed themselves in the experience, cheering enthusiastically for the team all night long.
As summer approached, Glouberman welcomed her second child, Freddie, into the world. With maternity leave aligned with a break from Louie’s daycare, she contemplated another exciting outing. The initial desire was to visit Universal Studios; however, she quickly realised the costs would be prohibitive, amounting to roughly £300 for just entry and needing to factor in parking and in-park purchases. This prompted a change of plans.
With Louie receiving free entry as a child under three, Glouberman decided that Universal CityWalk, the adjacent entertainment district that does not charge for entry, might be a better option. “We were looking at a £500 day, and I thought, ‘He’s not going to know the difference,’” she said. Embracing this idea, she envisioned a day filled with fun involving water features and escalators, which Louie particularly enjoys.
On what turned out to be a delightful two-hour visit, the family explored various shops, including the NBA Store and the Dodgers Clubhouse, and indulged in sweet treats from IT’SUGAR. They made the most of the outdoor splash pad and had plenty of fun riding the escalators. Glouberman calculated that the day’s expenses totalled about £180, a significant saving compared to the anticipated cost of a proper visit to the theme park.
Reflecting on the experience, she commented, “I saw so many families there, all having a good time, taking photos. My son is two, so he likely won’t remember any of this, but he had fun in the moment, and I have pictures to show him when he’s older.” Looking ahead, Glouberman expressed her enthusiasm for taking her children to Universal Studios when they are older, especially to see attractions related to Harry Potter, which is a favourite among Louie.
Documenting her visit on social media, Glouberman found herself faced with mixed reactions. Although some viewers shared criticism regarding her technique, a number of users resonated with her playful approach and shared stories of their childhood experiences. “Kids are easy to please,” she observed, adding that the key is spending quality time together. “If you’re enjoying yourself, they’ll enjoy themselves.”
Leah Glouberman’s narrative underscores the creative lengths some parents go to ensure joyous moments for their children without overspending. It highlights an aspect of family life where the value of experience surpasses monetary considerations, fostering a sense of adventure and togetherness during the formative years of childhood. Whether through orchestrated ‘gaslighting’ or simply a well-planned day out, her story adds a humorous twist to the common challenges faced by parents while seeking affordable fun.