A mum-of-two who had nowhere to take her toddlers to let off steam has opened a play centre that fills that gap.
Former hairdresser Ania Kanafek has moved into the old fishing tackle shop, and converted it into a safe play area for infants and toddlers, with a small cafe for mums and dads.
My Little Play World will open to the public on Monday (17 July), and features a huge soft play area, some electronic games, jigsaws, puzzles and of course, that all-important kids menu for playtime fuel.
It’s down the close at 97D High Street, but more easily accessed from Leask Road.
Ania said: “There are places for adults that are child-friendly, but I wanted to focus on the children, so I’ve turned it around, and made a place for children that is adult-friendly!
“I’ve gutted the shop and added a kitchen, and there’s a dedicated, gated playzone with a ball pit, giant caterpillar tunnel, building blocks and much more.
“My menu is reasonably priced, and I’ll be offering hot drinks, sandwiches, toasties, paninis, waffles and a children’s menu with picky plates and kids’ favourites like beans on toast.”
Ania was a hair stylist for several years at S Barbers on Tolbooth Street, and she has two children, an 18-month-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, Chanelle, who has been helping get the place ready for opening.
My Little Play World will host a storytelling session on the first Monday of every month, and will be available for exclusive use as a venue for birthday parties, baby showers, etc. Kids can play for 90 minutes for £4.99, and each child gets a balloon and a lollipop when they leave.
Ania added: “I wanted to keep the upper age limit down, so the little ones can play without the older kids. I didn’t like playgroups, and I think people will enjoy this as an alternative. Mums and dads, grandparents and babysitters, can all keep an eye on the children and have a drink or a bite to eat while they’re here.
“I will have times for older kids like Halloween and glow-in-the-dark parties, where I’ll black out the windows and remove the soft play area, but these will be exclusive events in addition to the regular play sessions.
“I’m very flexible about hosting parties. I can decorate the place entirely or parents can come in and do it themselves. I can provide the food, the cake and the venue, but I want to make fun possible for all budgets, so I encourage anyone to get in touch to discuss their options.”
My Little Play World will open on Monday 17 July, initially from 9:30am to 5pm, and Saturday till 2pm.
