New Northville Business Aims to Entertain Parents and Children

Jennifer Assaf hopes her business, opening April 21, will be regarded as an alternative to large play place chains for children 6 years old and younger.

"For the kids, it’s a mini town," she said. "They’ll grow their mind and their imagination."

When children walk into Tiny Town Play Lounge, they'll see a variety of stops. There will be a princess boutique, a pretend veterinarian's office, a make believe fix-it station, a Lego station, a pretend house and more.

An infant playground is also planned "so they can get in and crawl around and they don’t have to run," she said.

In the center of the 3,200-square-feet Tiny Town on Haggerty and Five Mile roads, there will be a bubble tree and courtyard.

While children indulge in the play area, parents can mingle with each other while keeping an eye on their kids. There will be an adult lounge, where parents can drink coffee and socialize.

"A lot of moms are looking forward to meeting new moms," she said. "The place really is for moms just as much as children."

There will also be a cafe area where parents and children can buy food. 

"It’s very kid-friendly and mommy-friendly," Assaf said.

Cost for children's admission will be $7.50. They can play as long as they want. Adults get in free.

Aside from the play area, there will be mommy-and-me yoga and music classes. A package of eight-week classes will cost $120 for yoga and $150 for music. There will also be a party room available for groups.

Assaf got the idea for the business from her own experiences as the mother of a 4-year-old.

"I feel Chuck E. Cheese's is too much for him," she said. Assaf said she worries that her son could be injured playing near older kids.

She said she hopes the social structure of Tiny Town will also be attractive to parents, especially those who, like her, opted not to enroll their children in daycare. Assaf said it will be a good way for children who never been in daycare to learn how to socialize with other children.

"I’m hoping it’s going to build their imaginations and social skills," she said.

Assaf, a graduate of Wayne State University, said she chose Northville for her business for a few reasons. She was raised in Northville and moved back to the area. She also said she felt that a place like this for younger children is lacking.

In the future she hopes to expand services to day camps for children. She also hopes to eventually offer classes or support groups for moms on topics like breastfeeding.

The April 21 grand opening will include a ribbon cutting, entertainers for kids, including balloon animals and puppets, and special raffles.

Assaf said the response from local moms has been great and several moms groups have already scheduled to meet there.

She added, "There isn’t anything like this in the area for moms."