Dearborn, Grosse Pointe Moms Open Play Lounge For Kids

A “sweet” new place for kids to play has opened its doors in downtown Wyandotte.

Two mothers of young children, Nina Bittas, of Grosse Pointe, and Erica Regan, of Dearborn, designed the Lollipop Play Lounge for little ones infant to 6 years.

“We have a perfect job. We never leave home without our kids,” Bittas said.

The new business, which has a candy theme, is for boys, girls and their moms and dads, Bittas said. It’s a clean, safe, family-friendly place where adults can watch or interact with their children as the youngsters explore the different areas of the Lollipop Play Lounge. Participants should bring socks to wear in the play areas, or these are available for purchase at the Lollipop Play Lounge.

There are colorful areas for imaginative play, for children to develop social and emotional, gross and fine motor and cognitive skills. Play areas include Home Sweet Home, the Bubble Gum Bakery, Gum Drop Grocery (play food, a cash register and carts); and Dippin Dot Disco (disco ball, music). And there is the Home Depot where kids can build with toy tools, play at the Train Station, or move little cars and trucks around.

For babies, there is the Infant Arena where they can crawl around and interact with each other.

Parents are responsible for their children’s safety and well-being while they are playing, she added. They can enjoy coffee or tea and watch their children from a seating area; or go into the play areas with them.

Healthy snacks and beverages are available for purchase for children and adults. In addition, a shopping boutique features costume jewelry for little girls, and scarves, purses, jewelry and other accessories for their mothers.

Bittas and Regan decided to open the Lollipop Play Lounge as a place they could bring their own children. Bittas’ son, Yianni, is a little young to play at 2 months old, but Regan’s daughter, Brooke, 14 months, loves it, Bittas said.

“My partner’s daughter loves coming to work with her,” she said. “She actually gets mad when she has to leave.”

Both business partners have early childhood experience. Bittas has a degree in the field, and Regan is a nurse at Children’s Hospital. They also watched their young relatives at play, and listened to what other moms said, as they decided what to include in the Lollipop Lounge, Bittas said.

“You can have a business and a family,” she said. “We’re excited.”

The building, at 109 Maple St. in Wyandotte, has been remodeled, and an artist has painted murals on the walls.

In addition to regular business hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday), reservations can be made for children’s parties.

The business also offers specials, such as a mom's night out, and frequency discounts.

Lollipop Play Lounge can be reached at 734-556-3212, on its website or on Facebook.