Greater Huntington coverage is funded in part by The Farm Italy — a striking neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar that brings the simplicity, beauty and seasonal freshness of local Italian dining to Huntington.
She traded prescriptions for playtime.
After struggling to find an indoor play space that felt like the right fit for her own young children, pharmacist Francesca Chang left healthcare to create KidTropolis — a new indoor play destination in Huntington that brings imaginative indoor fun to families in the area.
Located at 1740 E. Jericho Turnpike, KidTropolis will hold its soft opening this weekend.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever owned a business, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Chang told Greater Long Island. “It just fits my personality so well.”
Inspired by her two children, ages 4 and 5, Chang spent hundreds of hours researching play spaces before designing one she wished existed herself.
“I looked online. I looked on Pinterest. I even found some cool ideas from other parts of the world,” she said. “Then I put all the ideas together and came up with what I thought would be the perfect place for kids to play.”
The result is four themed play rooms designed to spark imagination.
Children can run a pizza and dessert shop, serving burgers, hot dogs, tacos, donuts, ice cream and s’mores. A miniature supermarket is stocked with fruits, vegetables and other groceries, while a play home features dolls, clothing, furniture and a kitchen where little ones can care for their “family.” (More photos below by Andrew Rappaport)
A fantasy room rounds out the experience with costumes, a dollhouse, a vanity and a barber shop, encouraging children to create adventures of their own.
The space also includes a slide, maze and private party room.
“There are so many imaginative play options,” Chang said. “When my kids came here to see what it was all about, they played for four hours straight and weren’t bored.”
In addition to open play, KidTropolis will offer Mommy & Me classes centered on art, science, music and movement.
Chang said her background as a pharmacist helped inspire many of the educational activities.
“We’ll do things like show kids how slime is made,” she said. “We’ll make volcanoes and explain why they actually erupt.”
For Chang, KidTropolis is about more than opening a business.
“I’m very happy and proud of what we built, and my only hope is that other people can enjoy it as much as I do,” Chang said with a smile. “It’s not just about building a business. I genuinely want everyone to be happy when they come here.”
KidTropolis will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Take a sneak peek
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