You don’t have to wait for kids to grow up to run a pizzeria or cash checks at the bank. At Detroit Kid City, little ones get to experience life at their size.
The franchise’s Clinton Township location closed during the pandemic but reopened its doors under new ownership last month. New owner Brianna Sienkiewicz says the response to the reopening has been enthusiastic.
“Everyone is so happy that we’re back open,” Sienkiewicz says. “I was super excited to bring that back into the community.”
The space hasn’t undergone any major changes – kids can still pretend to run the show at the mini pizzeria or post office. Sienkiewicz says returning patrons will notice there is no longer a cafe; parents can now bring in their own food and drinks as long as they are peanut free.
Detroit Kid City is known for its miniature structures based on famous Detroit locations, like Hitsville U.S.A., automotive factories, baseball stadiums, pizzerias and more. The space also has felt toys to promote imaginative play.
“There’s lots of cops and robbers and bank hostage situations – we even had to put a play phone in so the kids could call out of the bank,” she says. “Kids also love to go around putting mail in the mailboxes at the post office.”
Parents of little ones will be relieved to know that the space is still an electronics free zone.
“There’s no electronics, no overstimulating loud noises, so it’s really good for the younger age groups,” she says. “That’s our biggest thing, allowing younger ages to be comfortable and play and be themselves.”
The tactile play zones allow children to run through real life situations in spaces based on classic Detroit spots. It lets kids work out how to behave and respond in the real world, while also having a silly time dressing up or pretending to hit a homerun.
Research shows the importance of play for kids. It helps them develop mentally – socially and emotionally – and physically.
Sienkiewicz says the space is ideal for kids ages 1-8 years old. Younger and older siblings can enter free to play with their brother or sister.
Her own child, now 7 years old, is excited for the play space.
“While we were doing renovations, he was making the plumbing guy lunch at the ‘pizzeria,’” she says. “He pretty much grew up at Detroit Kid City and he absolutely loved it.”
The business updated its hours for open play. Families can bring in little ones on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. and noon-2 p.m, or on Sundays from 9-11 a.m. There is a break in between playtime blocks to allow the business to sanitize the spaces.
Guests who book open play reservations online receive $3 off admission. Sienkiewicz says booking ahead of time makes it easier to manage the foot traffic, so there will always be a discount offered.
Private party time slots are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Right now, the business is offering a $100 off coupon for parties. Guests who book private parties until September 31 will receive the discount, which is available to use any time of the year.
Unlike private parties under the previous owners, Sienkiewicz says there will no longer be pizza provided. Patrons can now bring in whatever party food they’d like, as long as it is peanut free.
Parents can decide the timeline for the party and how much open play they want.
“When you book the party, no one else will be in the place – we wanted to make sure they felt like they got a good deal and they had the whole place to themselves,” she says.
Make sure to enter our giveaway for free admission for five guests at Detroit Kid City, which will be choosing winners every couple of weeks until Oct. 3, 2023.
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