Whether you have a special date night, routine dentist appointment, last-minute work meeting, or just a long overdue pedicure – sometimes every parent needs a little extra help.
Lucky for Frisco parents, the new Play-la-Palooza Play Studio is a perfect solution for drop-in child-care needs. They recently opened in West Frisco, off Legacy Drive between Main Street and Eldorado Parkway. The studio provides hourly, drop-in childcare in a safe, fun environment designed to ensure each child has a playful learning experience.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting owner Monica Brooks and touring the bright, engaging play space. I loved hearing Monica’s philosophy of interactive play, meeting her friendly staff, and exploring the fun play area. The very best part of the visit was watching two kids literally run through the doors eager to start playing. Monica said that parents tell her their “kids beg them to bring them back.” After visiting Play-la-Palooza, I can certainly see why!
Play-la-Palooza offers great benefits for parents and kids. Here are five reasons why it’s sure to be a huge hit with Frisco families!
Flexible, Dependable Hours
No more worries about the babysitter canceling last minute! Play-la-Palooza is open six days a week with extended hours to meet almost every scheduling need. No reservations are required! With such dependable child care, making appointments and social plans just got a lot easier. And the drop-in, no reservation policy is great for a spur-of-the-moment date night (or a much-needed afternoon nap for mom!)
Reasonable Rates
Play-la-Palooza’s rates are another major plus. After an annual fee of $39, the hourly fee of $10 is a very reasonable ($5 for each additional sibling). (Bonus Perk for LsF readers: During the month of April, when you mention this article, enjoy 50% off your first Play-la-Palooza visit!)
Snacks are provided and kids are welcome to bring meals or purchase catered meals from Jason’s deli. The best part? For just $10/hour you not only get quality childcare but also a creative play experience for your child! Speaking of which. . .
Snug Play®
The play studio is engaging and intentional in its design, encouraging creativity and collaborative play. The centerpiece is an awesome “Snug Play” interactive area that is great for climbing, entirely moveable, and totally fun.
Encouraged by the staff facilitators, kids rearrange the snug play pieces to create everything from obstacle courses to pirate ships sailing over shark-infested waters. Monica says Snug Play “fosters imaginative play and requires kids to think outside the box.”
The Snug Play area is bright, bold and unique. It immediately grabs kids’ attention when they enter the studio and jumpstarts a great play experience.
Imaginative Play Centers
In addition to Snug Play, the studio offers a variety of thoughtfully planned play centers. Kids can burn off energy in the “ball room,” which includes a variety of sports toys and old-school favorites like foursquare and hopscotch. Or they can relax and enjoy a quiet moment in the Book Nook, which also features blocks and manipulatives. The Art Room is stocked with supplies for crafting and design – and includes themed crafts and special weekend projects (like making glow-in-the-dark slime!)
Kids can also enjoy an imaginative play corner with costumes and a play kitchen. Rounding out the options are a video game nook and a movie room, complete with comfy bean bags for lounging late at night. On weekend nights the staff often provides popcorn snacks for movie nights – or set up the Xbox Kinect on the big screen to get everyone moving and dancing.
Monica says she wants kids to “come in [to Play-la-palooza] and turn it into what they want it to be.” She notes that the studio is “free play but there is a method to foster abilities to create, collaborate, and learn.”
This philosophy is evident in every detail of the studio and is sure to keep kids engaged and coming back. It was so fun to hear stories of how the kids engaged in the space and created new ways of playing. And the staff is as excited about playing as the kids!
Engaged, Trained Staff
Members of the Play-la-Palooza team receive the same type of training as daycare workers. Staff members are first aid and CPR certified, with early childhood training and experience working with kids. Team members undergo state-mandated criminal background checks to ensure a safe environment. As trained professionals, these staff members give you peace of mind and as certified “play specialists” they give your kids a meaningful play experience.
Play-la-Palooza is open to kids aged 18 months to 12 years. In addition to the hourly free play, the studio offers special events (like yoga for kids) and birthday parties (recent party themes include Batman and unicorns).
Monica Brooks and her staff clearly understand the needs of busy Frisco families and provide a valuable and much-needed service.
My goal is to be here for the community,” said Monica. “To be involved, and let you know you have a safe place.”
Monica believes that “playing is the best way to learn and grow” and has designed a studio dedicated to encouraging creative play at its best. Next time you need childcare, consider Play-la-Palooza. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your kids are safe and engaged in fun activities. Your kids will have so much fun they’ll be planning your next date night for you!
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