Who loves shopping with their kids? Me! Said no parent ever. Guess what? FUNDAY in the Old Orchard Mall has your solution!
FUNDAY is a boutique indoor play space and activity center for kids 3 - 12 years old, where parents can drop off their kids while they shop, work out, have lunch with a friend, get their hair cut or even catch a movie. At FUNDAY, kids will engage in a variety of activities targeting creative, cognitive and motor skills. The space is divided into stations including arts and crafts, Lego blocks, board games, a STEM magnet wall, make-believe pretend play, reading, basketball and interactive video games.
Kiki Silva, co-founder of FUNDAY says, "FUNDAY creates a win-win solution for parents and kids: parents can enjoy drama free shopping, while kids can have a blast in a fun and enriching play space."
"This concept is a tremendous success in many countries, and we are excited to be pioneers in bringing it to the United States," adds co-founder Bela Lopes.
In addition to regular open play activities, FUNDAY also hosts birthday parties and offers a calendar of special events including mini camps, movie nights, open play for parents and kids under 3 years old.
I recently got to chat with co-founder Kiki and learn a little more about her and Bela.
Macaroni Kid: What inspired you to start FUNDAY?
Kiki: Bela and I are truly believers of "Happy Parents - Happy Kids". Being moms of very energetic kids, we have always talked about how hard it is to drag the kids to run errands and "get stuff done" and how it becomes inevitably stressful for both parents and kids. Allowing time for yourself is needed and not selfish. And, the kids also need their "me time" of unstructured activities to boost their little brains.
With that in mind, we have striven to create a win-win concept for both parents and kids--a space designed for kids to have fun while parents have a joyful experience while accomplishing their tasks. FUNDAY was born.
MK: Do you have kids of your own?
Kiki: Yes, Bela has 3 kids and I have 2.
MK: What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?
Kiki: We both share a passion for travel. Exposing our kids to different cultures and experiences help us raise well rounded individuals. Both being from Brazil and each living in the US for over 20 years, we consider ourselves citizens of the World.
MK Jr Reporter: What's your favorite food?
Kiki: Our favorite food is Brazilian food.
MK Jr Reporter: What's your favorite color?
Our favorite color is rainbow - Copying our little customers who love FUNDAY colors.
FUNDAY opened at the Old Orchard Mall in December 2017 and is located in the alleyway across from Starbucks, between Banana Republic and Soul Cycle.
Want to try it out? Use discount code MACARONI30 for your first 30 minutes free (1 hour minimum).
