Just Opened: Kiddie City Play Space

A new year calls for a new play routine. Change things up by visiting LA’s newest indoor hot spot: Kiddie City Play Space in Leimert Park. Get the scoop on this indoor wonderland that features a fully-stocked art room, a baby-specific play area, tons of opportunity for imaginative play and even pot of freshly brewed coffee for you, Mom and Dad. If this new destination is any indication of what’s to come in the New Year, we can’t wait to get this party started.

photo: LeTania Kirkland

Home Away From Home
Though the options are endless in our vast city, they can also can pull you from one end of the city to the other. Some days it feels good to keep it close to home. That was part of Kerri Harper-Howie inspiration when she and her partners Veda Harper and Nicole Enearu decided to make Kiddie City a reality. Together they transformed a space in a local strip mall and created an adorable and roomy city for your littles to stretch out, run, climb, make art and imagine. The city is relaxed and complete with cozy chairs for parents to sit comfortably, pint sized tables for snack time and even a coffee maker where your hosts will brew a fresh pot when fatigue comes calling.

photo: LeTania Kirkland

Open Up To Imagination
What you might call downtown Kiddie City is a plethora of pretend. When kids enter, they discover a mini grocery store, a house complete with a fireplace painted on the wall and a beauty shop just across the way.  Every room is custom built into the space including a former bunk bed converted into a fire engine. And if that is not enough there is a wall stocked with dress up clothes, toddler cars and a road winding its way through the “city.” And if your busy body simply needs to climb and slide, a mini play structure sits in the center of it all. There is a little something for every little one.

photo: LeTania Kirkland

Something for the Babes
If the action in the main city hub is a little much for your tots, there is a room just across the way. This baby-friendly space is lined with colorful padded tiles and equipped with musical toys, a mini trampoline (with a safety net of course) and even a baby bouncer. Perfect for the babes and toddlers alike.

photo: Kiddie City

Beyond Free Play
We all know the value of letting the kids run free (priceless), but some days also call for a little structure. Kiddie City offers a variety of classes to keep its young citizens engaged. The city is equipped with a fully stocked art room and offers 45 minute “All About Art” classes. There is a “Miniature Melody Makers” class for your musicians in the making and story times for little literati. And the city isn’t all about its miniature citizens. Also offered are Mommy Support Groups and a Mommy and Me class series that brings new moms together to learn and discuss that oh-so-pivotal first year of life with a new babe. Check their website for schedules and information.

photo: LeTania Kirkland

Party Time
If birthday time brings on major anxiety, Kiddie City can ease some of that madness. The City offers a variety of party packages that range from the basic, offering free play and a city birthday parade, to more elaborate that  complete with pizza, cake and an art class. Check their website for more information.

When you need to get out of your own house, but feel the need to stay indoors, your kids will make themselves right at home in this perfect kid sized little city; a lovely respite from the big world.

Kiddie City
3818A Crenshaw Blvd.
Leimert Park
323-389-8248
Online: kiddiecityla.com

What’s your favorite local indoor play space?  Meet us in the comment section to talk about where to go when it rains…

—LeTania Kirkland