New Indoor Children's Play Space Proposed In Bucks Co.

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — As we enter the end of winter, parents of young children may be pulling their hair out trying to figure out how to keep the kids busy in this harsh and snowy weather.

If all goes as planned, you may soon have a new option to keep you sane on those future cold and rainy days.

A proposal is in the works for an indoor play space in Bucks County. The facility would be called Playpad, and it's proposed to be located in Newtown Township.

The application for the proposal went before the Newtown Township Planning Commission on Feb. 19. The Zoning Hearing Board will now consider the proposal at its March 7 meeting.

According to information provided to Patch by Playpad owner Stephanie Rubin, the facility will be a 5,000-square-foot space designed for children up to 6 years old. If the necessary approvals are obtained, Playpad will open this summer on Friends Lane in the Newtown Business Commons., she said.

Playpad will offer a place where parents can come with their children to enjoy a variety of indoor play activities. Parental supervision will be required at all times; no drop off will be allowed.

The space will be a friendly and interactive environment that will provide a variety of options for children to develop their imagination and cognitive skills, according to Rubin.

Some features will include:

• Pretend play areas, including a barn, an ice cream parlor, a library, and an auto body shop
• A multi-level indoor playground gym
• Building opportunities, including toy trains and blocks
• Ride ons
• A baby/toddler area
• Special needs and sensory toys
• For the parents, there will be free WIFI, plus coffee available for purchase

"Playpad is an open concept building with 360 degree view of all play areas from within main playroom," a business overview provided by Rubin explains.

The baby/toddler area will be in the main playroom and separated by safety gates. Outside food and drinks will be allowed but keep in mind Playpad will be a nut-free facility. As an added bonus, the facility will have a refrigerator and microwave for customer use. Some healthy snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

"It is our mission to provide the community with an alternative option to playground play. We will also offer classes such as music, art, yoga, mommy and me, and themed craft days. We envision Playpad to be a location within the community for parents to share experiences," the business overview says.

The facility will be available to rent for birthday parties.

Playpad will be open to the public for open play Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. It will be open to the public weekend days from 9 to 11 a.m. Afternoon hours will be reserved for private birthday parties. You can follow developments by visiting the Playpad Facebook page here.