Head to Chuck E. Cheese’s and Let the Good Times Rip! {#RipItSipItWinIt}

Last year I mentioned that the first time I brought my kids to Chuck E. Cheese's, I was expecting something reminiscent of the 80's. A zoo of screaming children, frightening animatronics, Out of Order signs on at least 50% of the games, and a headache that I was sure to have in under 20 minutes.

But then we arrived... and my feelings toward this friendly mouse and his house of fun have been forever changed.

If you haven't visited your local Chuck E. Cheese's lately, you've got to see for yourself just what a long way it has come in the past few decades. Whether we are visiting for a birthday party or simply just to have a fun afternoon, I find myself having just as much fun as my kids!

Add to that the enjoyment on their faces and the excited sound of their laughter, and I really don't need all that much convincing to go (even though I may lead my children to believe it's only for very special occasions).

On our recent visit (which was the perfect way to break up the monotony of having multiple days off of school due to the freezing temperatures), we all cheerfully headed inside to have some fun with the games, rides, climbing tunnels and Chuck E. himself.

Once we had our Kid Check stamps (a great program utilizing invisible ink to ensure that the correct parents and kids leave the building together) and our coats stashed at a table, it was time to play!

When it was time to take a break from playing, I was happy knowing that another aspect that Chuck E. Cheese's has changed since my childhood is the food.

Instead of the tasteless options of years ago, there are now pizza, sandwiches, a salad bar, gluten free foods and more... no more parents cringing at the idea of actually eating here when there is something yummy for everyone!

But there's more!

Chuck E. Cheese's is currently running their innovative "Let the Good Times Rip!" in-store game where every guest can win a prize. Now through March 31, or while supplies last, visit a participating store and find a peel-off game piece on every 18-ounce adult-size cup. To play, just peel off the game piece to reveal a prize.

It's that easy!

Prizes include a $5,000 Disney Cruise Line Vacation, XBox One Console, Razor Crazy Cart, PlayStation 4 Console, Chuck E. Cheese's gift cards, board games, tickets and more (grand prize winners redeem their prizes online while tickets are redeemable at the merchandise counter).

While we didn't win a family vacation, all four of us were excited to peel off our game pieces – and we ended up with 25 extra tickets to add to our collection, which no one was turning down!

By the time we were heading home, all four of us were full and happy after an afternoon of togetherness and fun. After all, Chuck E. Cheese's aims to promote positive, lifelong memories and I have no doubt that my girls will look back and remember days like this with a smile.

Side note: My husband complains at times that he gets left out of family photos. So here in the CEC drawing/photo booth, what does he do? Positions himself so that only his one eye makes it into the picture (upper right). Sigh.

If you haven't visited your nearest Chuck E. Cheese's location in a while, you're in for unbelievable value and unbeatable fun that your child won't soon forget. The staff members are friendly (we even saw one employee testing games and then giving the tickets to guests, dropping coins into others so that kids would discover a "free" game, and more), the food is tasty, and everyone leaves tired and content.

Also, be sure to head over by March 31st so that you don't miss out on the chance to take part in the "Let the Good Times Rip!" in-store game (and share your fun using the #RipItSipItWinIt hashtag) – you never know when your next soda will end up winning you so much more!

Be sure to find out more about all that Chuck E. Cheese's has to offer by visiting ChuckECheese.com (you can play games online, print out coupons and more) and by connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

I was provided a guest pass from Chuck E. Cheese's in exchange for my time writing this post, however, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own. I truly love Chuck. E. Cheese's!