Kiddie Jungle in Mentor to host grand opening celebration

Hallice Herrick of Mentor was able to beat the heat this week when she took her two youngsters out to play.

The three visited Kiddie Jungle Mentor for the first time on May 30, and it was clear the place was a hit.

The indoor play place provides space specially designed for children ages 7 and under — or less than 70 pounds — to help ensure room to move in a safe environment.

Kiddie Jungle — opened recently in Mentor City Shopping Center, 7875 Mentor Ave. — features two play areas geared two different age groups with toys to climb on, “drive,” bounce and build, plus a jungle-style play structure with a ball pit, slides, tunnels, swings, trapezes and more.

In addition, some live critters are kept on site, including a tortoise, parakeet and — soon — aquarium life. A Disney soundtrack helps set the lively tone.

“I really like it,” said Herrick, whose 4-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son romped throughout. “It’s clean. There is a lot to do, and it’s contained. What I’m liking is they are safe and I can see them.”

She noted that the entrance fee ($11 for the first child and $9 for additional children) is a good value.

“It’s not by the hour; it’s for the whole day,” she said. “There’s a nice variety of toys for all ages.”

Kiddie Jungle was dreamed up by Joe and Lisa Scaminace of Highland Heights, who started out with a Lyndhurst location in March 2017. The couple has five children ages 1 to 8.

“There are not many places that are just for little ones, and they can run around,” Lisa said. “We were totally a team putting this together.”

They decided to expand into Mentor based on customer demand. A soft opening was held April 25, and a grand opening celebration is planned for June 8. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day with the celebration being held between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Activities will include free pizza, snacks and other special giveaways.

“The response has been so positive,” Lisa Scaminace said. “We are so excited to be in Mentor.”

Kiddie Jungle Details

Target Age Group: Children up to age 7 (or under 70 pounds)

Requirements: Socks must be worn by all visitors, including adults

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday; 10 .a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday (open play)/ 5 to 9 p.m., Parents Night Out (Currently only at Mentor location); 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday (open play)/2 to 8 p.m., reserved for private parties; closed to public Sundays/10 a.m. to 8 p.m., reserved for private parties. Additional open play hours on weekends will be posted on the Facebook page.

Admission: $11 per child over 12 months old; $9 for each additional child; children under 12 months, free. Monthly memberships are $40 per child or $70 per family, May through September; $59 per child/$89 per family, October through April; Parent Night Out — $5 per half hour, per child; $2 per additional child/family member (for children up to age 12 and potty trained)

For more information, email General@KiddieJungle.com, call 440-373-7765, or visit kiddiejungle.com or facebook.com/kiddiejungle.

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