Business of the Month What is your name and the name of your business? How long have you been in business?
My name is Chris Downs and my business is The Kids Play Co. It was formerly known as The Playdate Co and I am the new owner as of December 2018. Tell us about your business (what do you do, where do you do it, etc).
The Kids Play Co is an indoor playground that specializes in engaging and exciting your kid’s imagination with our custom designed playhouses. Since taking over, we’ve added weekly classes including music, art, yoga, fitness, and story times. We also have really cool events like a visit from dentists, The Gentle Zoo on April 15 at 12 p.m., movie nights, and indoor Easter egg hunts on Friday, April 19 & Saturday, April 20. What inspired you to do what you do?
I have a 4-year-old Lily that fell in love with this place when we first came out as customers. I think we visited 8 times in the first two weeks. My background before this was in social media marketing and I am currently the youth director at United Christian Church in Garland, TX. At the heart of it, I guess I’m still a big kid and finding imaginative ways for kids to learn and to have fun has always been important to me.
The Kids Play Co. Address: 2701 Custer Parkway Ste 718 Richardson, TX 75080 Number: 469-778-0300 Email: info@thekidsplayco.com
I love being able to introduce new toys or redecorating a bit and seeing kids and parents faces light up as they get to play. We focus on not having any electronics for the kids to sit and zone out to. We want them to always have fun while they are in a learning environment. Being able to see kids interact and pretend play while their little minds absorb and grow, is a blessing every day. How long have you lived in Canyon Creek?
We do not currently live in Canyon Creek, but I love the atmosphere. There are a few customers that walk over and have a membership that allows their kids to have access to play and classes every day. This shopping center is certainly a hidden gem. What brought you to Canyon Creek?
At first, the opportunity for my daughter to play. Now I’m often at Pearl Cup, Shaddys, Frankies, and probably a little too much at Sweet Firefly. What do you love most about living in Canyon Creek?
The real sense of community. Regardless of your income or what street you live on, everyone is a part of Canyon Creek. Tell us about your family (names, ages, schools, work, etc).
Tells us a favorite story or two about your business.
When I first came out, I wasn’t looking for a business to take over. The previous owner’s spouse was relocating. Fast forward a few months, I have absolutely fell in love with the business, the community, and the families visiting us.
My daughter Lily turns 4 on April 14th. She is celebrating her birthday here at The Kids Play Co, as she will for many more birthdays to come. My wife, Mona is a psychopharmacologist at Parkland hospital in Dallas. We have been married since 2005, are high-school sweethearts, and are expecting a boy, Luke, in September. Share with us a funny or awesome story of living in Canyon Creek.
We are not current residents, but have loved being a part of II Creeks Plaza.
Photo Courtesy of Chris Downs
Anything else you’d love for your neighbors to know about your business or you?
Please check out our website at thekidsplayco. com or follow us @thekidsplayco on social media. I am constantly updating events, party packages, classes and more for you to check out. We also allow outside food and have many grab lunch from the great options within walking distance. 8
www.CanyonCreekLifeMedia.com
