Two Eastbourne mums, inspired by their children, set up a play centre with a difference.
The new mini role-play experience for young children is the brainchild of Anna Anderson and Fay Hepburn both from Meads. With seven children between them, the mums spotted a gap in the local market for imaginative play experiences, rather than the traditional soft play offering.
Former nanny and mum of three, Anna said: “The ‘mini city’ concept is not an entirely new one. A large one opened in London in 2015 but what makes us very different is our pop-up ability. We aim to travel to venues across Eastbourne as well as nursery schools, festivals and events.”
The scaled down version of a typical town provides role-play adventure and imaginative play sessions for children aged up to 7 years old. KiddiCity, run by kids, comprises 11 play zones, each was designed in Eastbourne and made in East Sussex. These include an ice cream parlour, theatre, supermarket, park equipped for picnics and barbeques, a bistro, medi-centre, and a farm with tractor and ride-on horse.
Fay said; “Role play is credited with helping small children develop communication and problem-solving skills - many of whom will have missed out on imaginative play opportunities with peers over the last year. By encouraging children to develop their own storylines, we empower them and help build their confidence.”
Having weathered the lockdowns and achieved Covid-19 ‘Good to Go’ certification, Kiddicity is able to welcome little visitors to the mini town in Eastbourne and other towns throughout the summer.
Find KiddiCity on Facebook, Instagram and www.kiddicity.co.uk
