Indoor playground and kids classes...need input! (Ogden, Layton: houses, college)

[maryscottpt]

Hello all,
I am thinking of opening an indoor playground for ages 0-5. There will be classes for art, cooking, music, etc. I believe there is a need for this type of service for stay at home moms and kids. It creates an environment for moms and dads to socialize as well as the kids. This would be a perfect place for playgroups to meet and have fun! There will also be monthly special events and a small cafe with kid treats.
I am a physical therapist and have many years of developmental experience. I would also have an expert on early childhood education on staff. There will be play equipment focusing on physical development of children and to improve cognition during growth. This type of environment would give young kids a head start in regards to development both physically and mentally, thereby, increasing the likelihood of succeeding in life. All kids need every "edge" they can get in this very competitive world.
I would appreciate any input or suggestions to bringing this type of kid, mom and dad friendly fun place. Please email me with your thoughts.
Regards,
Mary Scott PT
maryscottpt@yahoo.com

[goldenmom7500]

Hi,

Sure, I think these places are very popular. (I grew up in UT, but have since been on the east coast).

In the DC suburbs of Northern Virginia, these "house of bounce" places are extremely popular - some are mainly oriented around huge moon bounces and slides; others are just large play areas with various activities (open play, etc.). All probably make the big money on the birthday parties, I think.

Of course, there is Gymboree and then there are places that offer the same thing with different names. They are very popular. We also have county-owned community centers that have cooking classes for children, and other good programs.

That said, I stop short of agreeing that this helps kids in getting an edge, etc. It's all good stuff, it's popular, you will do well as a business, etc., but will they attend a better college or ultimately live in a nicer house, or anything? The benefit is that they have parents who are attentive enough to take them to these places, enroll them in special classes, and care about their physical and emotional well-being. That means that they have parents who think that spending time and resources on their children is meaningful. That's ultimately the advantage. It's all self-fulfilling. (And sometimes it's the parents who are taking their children to parks, or playing with them on the floor at home, who are doing the best job).

[twinboysmomma]

Hey, you stole my idea.

We have lots of places like that here in the Bay Area and they are quite popular. There are places that just have huge indoor playgrounds, others have big bounce houses and slides, and others have classes.

We are moving to Utah in January and I am hoping to find places like that and thought of starting my own if there wasn't anything. I currently own a custom child photography business but don't know if I will continue that in Utah.

[monochromewillow]

Please, please do this! I've actually had the same idea about opening a place like that in Utah. Especially one that is affordable. And especially if you are in Utah county, there is stuff for toddlers to do in SLC, but there is almost nowhere to take my kid down here in Utah county. I've found one Kindermusik class, and dang are they expensive.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Well, since that post was 2 yrss ago, I don't think the OP is going to do it.

[monochromewillow]

Go me, not looking at the dates. I'm bad at forums. I still wish someone would do something like that.

[osugirl2]

Originally Posted by monochromewillow

Go me, not looking at the dates. I'm bad at forums. I still wish someone would do something like that.

It would be nice to have a place like that, especially around Ogden. I can only take so much playing in the snow, and then we opt for McDonalds because of the indoor playground, but then we have to eat there too, and that isn't always the healthiest option. There is a gym in Layton that requires a membership and has classes, but the problem is that everything is offered during the day, during the week. They had one class on the weekend for my son's age group, but the monthly cost was the same, and I'm not about to pay 60 bucks a month for one day a week, and only a few hours worth of play. Those of us who work during the day need some options for our kiddos in the evenings and weekends. This is especially true on the truly cold and snowy days and when the inversions are bad.