BRIGHTON — Two sisters-in-law have created an indoor playscape with kid-sized "storefronts" at their new children's clothing and gifts boutique in Brighton.
Salt and Light Kids Co. owners Katie Meyers and Hannah Miglia say they designed the playscape to be safe and clean, where children can explore and use their imagination. Parents can book two-hour timeslots. The space can accommodate up to 15 children at a time.
The area has a vet clinic for stuffed animals, a grocery store and diner with toy foods, a mechanic's shop, a salon, a pediatrics office for baby dolls, and a fire and police station complete with a jail. The "shops" are placed around a wooden tree sculpture with artificial grass.
Salt and Light began as a pop-up boutique, selling children's clothing and other products. The sisters launched the business at the Hamburg Family Fun Fest and appeared at other events and markets in 2023.
They were inspired to establish the playscape earlier this year, when they secured a brick-and-mortar storefront in the basement level of 213 W. Main St.
"Hannah had found pictures of tiny towns in other cities," Meyers said. "We thought, we can build one here."
Miglia said she and her sister-in-law's parenting styles encourage imagination.
"It's about putting them in that room and letting them shine and not sticking them in front of the television," she said. "You're learning through play, learning through exploring, and socializing with other kids in an environment that allows that to flourish."
"It's been fun watching the kids, and the adults get in there, too," Meyers said. "It's cute to see a kid doing mom's hair at the beauty salon."
On Thursday, two-year-old Sage explored the playscape for his first time with parents Andy and Chelsey Ferguson. When his dad asked him which costume he wanted to wear, Sage picked a doctor's coat at "Sunshine Pediatrics" and gave baby dolls a check-up.
"I've been really pleased," Andy said. "I like how they have the different environments, and each one is independent, so each room has its own vibe and feel. I like how they have the costumes to wear ... and the toys seem hardy, good quality, and everything is clean here."
The playscape is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. The co-owners ask parents to book in advance. They can only accommodate walk-ins when they aren't at capacity.
The boutique is open to anyone 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and features clothing for children up to about eight years old, crib sheets, swaddles, wooden toys, book and gifts.
"We like (clothing) brands that are organic cotton, just stuff we’ve used on our own kids and lasts," Meyers said.
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They will begin booking birthday parties and other events in a back room soon.
"We just want to be a space for the community where the youngsters have a safe, clean, fun space to play," Miglia said.
— Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com.
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