Wooster's Kidz Towne provides a one-stop place for fun
Kidz Towne, open since February in Wooster, is well-stocked with an array of colorful playthings. It's a place for children to safely play while their parents or guardians read, work on their laptop with unlimited Wi-Fi or simply relax.
Parents can now take their children to a diner, the grocery store, the veterinary office, the post office and a food court — all under one roof.
Kidz Towne, located at 2918 Cleveland Road in Wooster, is a place for children to safely play while their parents or guardians read, work on their laptop with unlimited Wi-Fi or simply relax with a complimentary cup of coffee.
Owner Penny Navarro of Millersburg opened the business in February. “I’d been to a similar place with my grandchildren,” she said, “but it was a larger space, and you had to chase your children around to keep track of them.”
Believing Wayne County needed such a facility, Navarro set about establishing her venue, housed in the same building as Sheer Professionals. Kidz Towne is fairly compact, so adults are able to keep an eye on their little ones as they play in the 10 play areas that mimic a town — all visible from the adult area. A puppet theater and a chalkboard complete the space. Children even have access to costumes, allowing them to dress up as doctors, police and firefighters. They even receive a free toy upon departure.
Navarro considers her business a tribute to her mother, now deceased, who loved children. “She would love to see the happy children and their contented parents at Kidz Towne, and I do too,” she said.
Appointments are required, and Navarro encourages patrons to check the website for days and hours of operation, as they vary with the season. “The colder months seem to bring more visitors,” she said. “When school is out, children are involved in more activities and want to be outside.”
Still, Navarro is hoping people will see the merits of Kidz Towne all year long, especially on particularly hot summer days or in rainy weather. She also has planned some special events including art and play nights with an art teacher and a carnival on June 25. Patrons may sign up for the mailing list to keep informed about activities and updates, and the entire facility may be booked for birthday parties.
“Kidz Towne also is the perfect setting for grandparents to bring their grandchildren,” according to Navarro. “Grandparents may not have a kid-friendly home and all the toys, but we do. Also, we do the cleaning up.”
Another initiative of the establishment is bringing joy to senior citizens. Artwork that the children create is donated to a different area nursing home each month so the residents may enjoy the pieces in their rooms.
Kidz Towne can be called at 330-988-9025. For more information visit the website at www.kidztowne.com or the Kidz Towne Facebook page.