We hear a lot about the fact that many parents today are raising a generation of “iPad kids.” Instead of spending their days outside exploring the world, kids opt for more and more screen time. Technology is certainly more prevalent than it was for most parents of younger kids, but that’s not necessarily bad. Being able to share news and information quickly is certainly helpful. Giving a kid a phone or tablet to shut them up, not so much. New technology replaces much of what our kids consider archaic, but does that mean we have to eliminate all the good stuff? Apparently so.
A mom visited a McDonald’s in Tennessee, and to her dismay, the restaurant opted for screens instead of a more nostalgic play area. Nancy French wrote on X, “This is so heartbreaking. I’m at a new McDonald’s in Franklin, TN, and look at their “play place” for children. Two screens/two chairs.”
I went back in to make sure I didn’t miss something. There was this column thing that might be for getting kids to exercise. But I don’t think this is temporary. I think this is it. pic.twitter.com/NkpTvACJ2J
— Nancy French (@NancyAFrench) March 5, 2025
After more than 16.5 million views, it’s fair to say French started quite a conversation. And people don’t like what they see.
“I hope that’s only temporary!” one person wrote. “We still have the play equipment at my local McD’s.”
“This is more of a punishment place,” someone else joked.
Many commenters shared images of play areas of the past, and it’s truly remarkable how stark the differences are. What was once brightly colored and filled with fun structures that promoted physical activity is now boring and electronic.
The post went viral quickly, and many shared French’s dismay. The mom shared a second video of an interactive machine kids could step on, but it still wasn’t enough for her. She wrote, “I went back in to make sure I didn’t miss something. There was this column thing that might be for getting kids to exercise. But I don’t think this is temporary. I think this is it.”
The New York Post reached out to McDonald’s about the restaurant and its play area. A spokesperson replied with a statement, “McDonald’s and our franchisees are proud to provide family-friendly spaces across many of our US restaurants. While this restaurant has a few interactive features for younger guests, it does not represent the full PlayPlace design and experience.”
Another comment on French’s original post sure does bring back memories. “Our youngest boy had his 5th birthday at a McDonalds with a play area that had ball pit, the vertical maze you crawl around in etc.,” the person shared. “For years after, he would mark time from that. ‘Do you remember, back in the past, when I was 5 years old, and we had my birthday at McDonalds?'”
Take us back. Please.
