By Janet Cruz

Content sponsored by Anderson Toyota

Looking for a place for children to play away from the summer heat?

One local business offers a unique space for imaginative and dramatic play for children ages 5 and under, along with their families.

“Sunshine Indoor Play offers gross motor play, imaginative and dramatic play, construction play and art and music,” Sunshine Indoor Play Owner, Kate Deparini said.

Sensory Panel Station. Photo courtesy Sunshine Indoor Play

“We also host themed community events and have fun classes for children 5 and under.”

Sunshine Indoor Play is not only an indoor playground, the space has a unique concept combining indoor play with a coffee shop along with a boutique for parents.

“You can expect a clean, safe, gated and air-conditioned space. We also offer services such as lactation support, birth classes, support groups, parent meet-ups, car seat checks, and baby wearing fit checks to help you feel supported every step of the way in your parenting journey. We offer several different birthday party rental packages as well,” Deparini said.

For those little ones who enjoy dancing, Sunshine Indoor Play also offers free Zumbini (Zumba) trial classes.

The business has been open for three months and Deparini, who was born and raised in Lake Havasu City herself, decided it was a much needed concept to bring to the Community.

Sunshine Indoor Play Owner, Kate Deparini. Photo Courtesy Sunshine Indoor Play

“I know firsthand how hard and lonely parenthood can be. It is so important for parents and little ones to be social and make friendships. Sunshine Indoor Play was the dream I didn’t realize I had. After stumbling across a similar idea on social media of a place across the country, I decided I needed to be the one to bring this vision to fruition for our city. I really tried to think of all of the things that I want as a parent and put them all under one roof.”

When designing the space, it was so important to Deparini to ensure that she offered as many different types of play as possible.

Pretend play beauty salon. Photo Courtesy Sunshine Indoor Play

“As a birth through 5 play space, children that visit are in different stages of development and are interested in different things. My goal was to make sure that whether you are 0 or 5, children are interested and engaged throughout their visit.”

Sunshine Indoor Play features custom Cedarworks play structures provided by Anderson Toyota, and many other sponsored items by Golden Phoenix, Masonry, and Arizona Coast ENT. There are others responsible for sponsoring tiny town buildings, and other local businesses sponsor aspects of the space.

Sunshine Indoor Play / Photo courtesy Sunshine Indoor Play

“Our amazing community has been at the heart of our project from the start. I am so thankful to have found a home at the Shops of Havasu,” said Deparini.

Families can book a single visit, play session or obtain a monthly pass. With each paid session per child, the fee covers two adults entry pass. Discounts for siblings and those not yet walking are also offered.

The space is geared to ensure all parents can relax and slow down, take a breath, laugh, and bond with their babies.

“My hope for Sunshine is that parents never feel alone. I hope they connect with people in the same phase of life as them. I hope they get to enjoy that warm chai before it’s cold,” said Deparini. “Creating Sunshine was truly a labor of love.”

Sunshine Indoor Play Owner Kate Deparini with her daughter. Photo Courtesy Sunshine Indoor Play

For more information on Sunshine Indoor Play, pricing or to pay and book a play session ahead of time, visit http://sunshineindoorplay.com to ensure a spot, or just walk in during open hours.

The community is also invited to a special ribbon cutting Wednesday, at 10 a.m., at Sunshine Indoor Play located at the Shops of Havasu.