The Hidden Village makes a comeback in Keighley, offering fun play areas for kids, including a cafe and sensory room.
The play village features many fun areas. Kids can play in a hospital or a grocery shop. A “tool shop” exists for builders. They also have a cafe and ice cream stall. There is even a police station, jail, and fire engine.
Kids who adore animals can be farmers. Young detectives can use walkie-talkies to track down pretend robbers here. A cafe serves parents and kids with teas, coffee, hot chocolate, and light bites. A sensory room is available, too.
This return feels like coming home. The family’s business began as a pop-up in Keighley’s Civic Centre. They later opened their first site in Leeds.
Frankie Owens runs the play village, helped by her daughters, Ruth and Cait. Frankie says Ruth is the brains behind it all.
They started Role Play Roundabout before in the Civic Centre, a similar idea but less developed. It had to be set up and taken down each time, so they wanted something more permanent. They got premises in Leeds and then came back to Keighley.
They promised they’d return when possible. The response has been very positive.
Parents often get involved, and children play next to each other. Many are pre-school age, and playing together is powerful. They learn to share and connect.
They create roles as officers or chefs, robbers or builders, too. Chefs serve pretend food to everyone.
Ruth felt Keighley lacked indoor spaces for kids. It is a good central location now, easily accessible by bus and train. They wanted to be accessible for everyone.
They wanted a baby area this time. The sensory area suits babies well, and schools are inquiring for kids with needs.
Greg Owens would smile at this opening. He was Frankie’s husband and dad to the girls. Customers knew and loved him. Frankie’s husband passed away last year, and Leeds customers remember him fondly. He would be happy about the Keighley return.