Shropshire Mums Launch Kids Imaginative Play Town Dinky Street

Dinky Street is a mini town meant for kids. It is the creation of two friends, Evie and Lily. They both live in Oswestry and the mini town has become very popular since it opened earlier this month. It will soon visit surrounding areas too.

Lily said they met at a baby massage class when their babies were just a few weeks old. They became friends quickly. Lily had her second baby, Boe, and Evie had her first baby, Cybi. They had many coffee dates and pram walks.

Evie was a teacher, and Lily raised charity funds. They identified a local lack of play options for kids and recognized role-play activities weren’t common enough. This inspired them to create a place for both parents and kids to play and meet others, where parents could get coffee, and kids would feel welcome.

They discussed it for months, and in November, they started planning the project. The town pops up at new venues every few weeks and is available for private events, including birthday parties. It has ten designed play areas.

These areas include a farm, cafe, and shop, as well as a theater and construction site. Kids get ninety minutes to play freely, exploring, role-playing, and using their imaginations. They might become vets, solve mysteries, or serve cakes.

Evie reported that the feedback has been great, with both parents and kids loving Dinky Street. Some parents have already booked birthday parties and their pop-up sessions are filling quickly. Kids particularly love the role-play areas, and the toy vacuum has been a hit.

Play helps kids develop important skills. Kids learn to share, take turns, and express themselves which will help them as they grow up. Dinky Street will be in Whitchurch on February 24, hosting two sessions.

Two more sessions are planned for March 10 at Welshpool Family Centre. Tickets are limited to ensure kids have ample space to explore. Lily mentioned that they are also visiting Oswestry, Wrexham, and Bicton Heath.

Bookings for parties are welcome, and they are adding themed play corners. Look forward to pirates and mermaids, as well as dinosaurs and unicorns. Easter specials are planned, including egg hunts and other surprises.

Local schools have requested visits, and they are considering sessions for SEN groups. They aim to be inclusive and plan tailored sessions.