There’s a new “wonderland” in town where kids can let their creativity and energy run wild.
Play Palooza invites everyone to bring their children to explore Bradford’s new indoor play centre and enjoy face painting, cotton candy, treats, balloons and more during their grand opening this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 105 Holland St. E.
“It’s a place for kids to come and explore and have a good time in a very safe and temperature-controlled environment,” owner Lubna Sharma said.
The facility is designed for kids ages 10 and younger and includes a double-level play set with slides and ladders, a balance beam, a seesaw, a ball pit with about 7,000 balls, kitchen and shopping play sets, ride-on cars, soft blocks and other toys — even a motorized carousel.
“Kids can really do anything. We don’t restrict anything going from one place to another,” Sharma said, explaining much of the equipment features soft foam surfaces.
Unless booked for a party, Play Palooza is all drop-in and the open-concept design means parents can keep an eye on their kids without chasing them from one section to another.
“This is an opportunity for parents to come in whenever they like and stay as long as they like while kids make friends, play, explore and develop their abilities,” Sharma said.
The facility is a screen-free environment designed to encourage children to use their imaginations while growing their social, cognitive and motor skills.
“As a mom, I needed that when I was raising my children in this community and it’s just me bringing that life,” Sharma said.
She explained she’s lived in Bradford since 2019, currently has two children younger than six and was expecting during the COVID-19 pandemic when another play centre in town shut down. That left her few options but to drive to other towns once her children were old enough.
Seeing a need within the community, Sharma decided to use her decade of experience dealing with health and safety while working in corporate human resources, and also her roughly seven years of experience working in children’s camps, to offer kids adventure in a space that is welcoming, clean and cozy for parents.
She also made a point of ensuring everyone who works at Play Palooza has experience working with children, whether in daycare or other kid-based environments.
While building her own independent local business has been challenging, Sharma also called it “rewarding” and “fulfilling.”
“It’s nice to see that the community is taking advantage of it and they’re having a good time and they’re appreciating it — that’s really all you can ask for,” she said.
Since first opening on Jan. 23, Sharma said they’ve had plenty of repeat customers, with some even braving the weather during last weekend’s heavy snowfall to visit.
“It’s amazing to have that response,” she said. “It’s been going good.”
Some days also feature organized events for kids, including a recent Valentine’s craft day, and a screening of a Charlie Brown special — all included in the regular admission, and listed on their website.
While Play Palooza welcomes all parents and guardians, Sharma emphasized that “being a mom is hard,” and she strives to cater to the needs of parents in the community.
Children must be accompanied by an adult and the play centre is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, with extended hours Friday to Sunday.
Admission is free for kids younger than three months, $15 for kids up to age four and $20 for kids four and older, and Sharma is working toward offering a membership system as well.
For more information, call 365-250-1188 or visit the Play Palooza website.