BONAIRE, Ga. — The lack of childcare options continues to impact hundreds of Central Georgia families, but in Houston County, one couple is addressing the challenge with a new option for parents.
"Drop 'N Play Kids" Owners Gary and Sumaiya Stillman are parents themselves.
Sunaiya explained she met her husband in Dubai after she moved from Canada, and he moved from Warner Robins.
They lived there for 12 years and had their daughter, Sunaiya, who turned six this month.
When the family moved back to the States in April, they said they wanted to bring a piece of the Middle East home to Central Georgia.
The business officially opened on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Family, friends, community members and the Robins Regional Chamber celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Sept. 20 and a party palooza on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The Stillmans said they want to help parents because they know date nights and errands aren't easy to schedule or run when you have little ones running around.
"We needed a place where we needed some us time, be able to go to the movies out to eat, or whatever, and at the same time, be able to give our daughter somewhere that she can go socialize, and play, and meet other kids her age," Gary said.
Dad explained he's a government contractor; he and his wife were inspired by spaces offered in Dubai when they lived overseas.
"There were these play areas, and uh, we used to go all the time, and there wasn't really that concept back here," he said.
The parents agree "Dubai is a very, very safe place," which is why they wanted to "bring a little bit of that back with us."
The owners explained they have a strict pick-up policy, and you can also see your kids on a live feed while you're away.
"With a QR code, and an app that you can download, the parents that want they drop their kids off while they're away can access the cameras and be able to check in on the kids from time to time, so they don't have to worry about the safety," Gary explained.
At their indoor playground, you can drop your child off for up to four hours if they're any age between 3 and 9 years old.
Parents of kids under three must stay to supervise their children in the play areas.
"We have a soft toddler area which is catered more to the younger kids," Sumaiya explained. "We have a huge jungle gym with a ball pit, little tunnels to walk through. We have a arts and craft table where we'll be doing slime making activities.
With a staff of 12 people on rotation, Drop 'N Play Kids is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
There's no registration required; parents can drop off and pick up their kids after a maximum of four hours of playing.
No registration required, just walk in
The Stillmans said their staff is "trusted and qualified staff. CPR certified and background checks were completed as per state requirement, are trained and knowledgeable."
The owners shared special discounts in honor of their grand opening.
