We are excited to feature Extravagant
Realty's "Meet our Neighbor" series. Each month, we spotlight one of
our fabulous North Shore business neighbors. This month, we play around with
Kiddie City USA.
The biggest
compliment Kiddie City USA has received was, not from a parent, but from a
child who asked if they could "move in and live at Kiddie City USA."
Talk about a happy customer testimonial-it doesn't get much better than that!
Kiddie City
USA doesn't kid around when it comes to pleasing children-not to mention
parents. The Glen Head-based party place offers a kid-friendly lineup of
exciting classes, hosts the coolest birthday parties, offers everyday Open Play
and, is even a drop-off (three hour max) center.
The popular
play place is actually the brainchild of a bunch of parents who felt the need
for a facility in Glen Head. They were
tired of travelling to Great Neck, Plainview, Syosset and Melville to entertain
their children. They felt the need was
strong enough in Glen Head to serve the North Shore area and found their space
at 262 Glen Head Road in Glen Head after the former Russian Community Center
vacated their space in May. The partners are from all different backgrounds and
all hail from the North Shore. They include
an investment manager, an educator, an event producer and business owners. They
all bring a special element to the table.
The
inspiration for Kiddie City USA began in a basement. Grandparents of one of the
owners transformed their basement into a huge playroom for their grandchildren.
Kiddie City USA came to life in that basement.
The Glen Head facility is set up to reflect a mini-Manhattan. There are five out coves: a gourmet
market/restaurant, a construction zone filled with cars, trains, work tables
and benches; a brownstone built to reflect a home with a slide that drops you
off in the school (equipped with a chalk board and chalk spinner); and a
boutique filled with tons of dress-up items. There is a stage set with a TV and
camera to broadcast the children much like the Megatron in Times Square, and a
park type-setting in the middle of the room. You'll also find a lunchroom for
snacks and food with a vending machine, an arcade and a retail store.
Kiddie City
USA also offers a babysitting/drop-off service. They simply ask that parents
call ahead of time to make a reservation (516-399-2525). The babysitters are
actually part of their staff and are a local group of girls who come highly
recommended. There is a maximum of 3
hours for this type of service; still plenty of time to run some errands, enjoy
a meal and movie, or just relax! It
beats a trip to the grocery store with meltdowns for sure.
Open Play time is a Godsend for
parents who have active kids! "Come play in our city where it's safe to
cross the street!" is their motto.
They host children from six months to five years-old during school hours
and have after school hours for kids up to 10 years old. Hours of operation are Monday through
Saturday from 10am to 4pm. These hours
are subject to change so they ask that you check the website daily for hours.
Kiddie City USA has hosted milestone
parties for kids celebrating their first birthday up to the big 13. They have
quite a number of different themes, including arts and crafts parties, dance
parties and, for the girls, spa and dress-up parties, and fairy and princess
parties. The boys love pirate and Superhero-themed parties, and Angry Birds and
Legos are also a big hit! The zaniest birthday party request was for a
sleepover party.
Kiddie City USA is also a cool place
to shop for kid's gifts. They have a great retail store filled with toys and
clothes, jewelry and hair accessories and much more. Featured brands include
Melissa and Doug, Zadeh Toy Imports, Bling it on Baby, Fish Face, Fiore
Collections, Jamm Couture and Melina's Bowtique. They are constantly looking
for fun, new items. The biggest seller? Piggy banks that are shaped like cars,
cupcakes, and other fun designs. The retail store offers Open Play Passes (10
Open Plays plus one free for $100 as opposed to the $12 visit price) and gift
certificates of any denomination.
Kiddie City USA is always on the
hunt for new, exciting shop items and is also constantly adding new classes,
hours and party themes. They are currently accepting enrollments for Spring
2013 classes (check the website for details.) They are open to ideas and new
options that parents would like to help make their lives easier and welcome
ideas, suggestions and criticism.
Kiddie
City is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm (open on Sundays only for
private parties and events.) Kiddie City USA is located at 262 Glen Head Road;
516-399-2525, www.kiddiecityusa.com.
*
Prices subject to change
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