Pop-Up Play Dates A New Venture
With so many pop-up events for adults, art, and commerce, this was bound to happen: a pop-up play date for kids. Some local mom-trepreneurs made it all happen last weekend.
Climbing, jumping, running and discovering adventures are all priorities on Traci Costa’s agenda with her kids this winter. Costa, the founder of Peekaboo Beans, a children’s playwear company, is passionate about the importance of play for Canadian kids. She, along with local Play Stylist Stacy Jackson hosted a Pop-Up Playdate last Sunday at The Magic Space indoor playground as part of the Peekaboo Beans Play-Revolution Initiative.
The event series is the brainchild of Costa, whose mission with Peekaboo Beans is to provide kids with durable, high quality clothing that facilitates all levels of free, unstructured play. The company has promoted the importance of play since their inception but has never felt stronger about the need to support play locally after the D- grade Canadian kids received earlier this year in the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.
Unstructured play inspires creativity, imagination, and vital abilities including curiosity, social skills, and the ability to assess risk. Peekaboo Beans feels these are important skills for children to develop into happy, healthy human Beans.
50 kids and 20 parents came out to the Magic Space to run, jump, get sweaty, and connect with their community through play. “Edmonton is really receptive to Peekaboo Beans events and the concept of Pop-Up Playdates,” shares Jackson, who has been a Play Stylist for five years. “We were one of the first communities to get behind Peekaboo Beans and embrace the lifestyle. Our community loves the clothes and is so supportive of initiatives like Pop-Up Playdates and fundraisers for Playground Builders, a charity Peekaboo Beans supports.”
“At Peekaboo Beans our mission is to provide ingredients for a playful life,” adds Costa. “Our Stylists across the country plan these Pop-Up Playdates to inspire play in their communities, allowing kids and parents to connect and have fun. It’s a treat to be a part of events like this one.”
For more information on Peekaboo Beans and future Pop-Up Playdates visit their website.
Traci’s top tips for all seasons of play:
- Find weather appropriate options. When it’s too cold to be outside for long think of other indoor play places, like The Magic Space, where kids have the freedom to be creative.
- Get social. Kids love connecting, playing and being creative with new and existing friends. Invite another family to join you to explore your local park.
- Dress for Play. Kids should be comfortable and safe while playing with full range of motion and no restrictions from their clothing. Layer appropriately if you’ll be in and outdoors.
This article was submitted to Yegventures by Jennifer Wint.
