Bluebird Play, an "indoor play space and bookstore," opened earlier this year at 4993 Niagara Ave. #200, San Diego, Calif., the Peninsula Beacon reported, adding that the space "is something right out of Alice in Wonderland. In fact, one of the whimsical play structures in Bluebird is actually drawn from the famed children's book."
Amanda Klein, co-owner of Bluebird Play with her husband, Dan Klein, has a background in children's theater, with a degree in directing, and has taught elementary school theater in the Los Angeles area and Boston, where she went to grad school.
"Inspired by literature and designed to stir the imagination, the new hybrid business is exactly that: A dream come true for owners and patrons alike," according to the company's website.
"These are sets all based on different classic works of children's literature," said Amanda Klein of her play structures. "Each one is inspired by a story. I designed them with a children's furniture designer who built them and shipped them out here."
Bluebird's bookstore is in front of its play space area. The store partners with a different local nonprofit every month, donating a portion of sales from featured books to that organization.
Regarding the genesis of the business, she noted that there wasn't "a lot in Ocean Beach that was kid-centric. There aren't a ton of playgrounds right here. So, I just wanted a small, indoor space. When we got here, we thought we wanted to do something fun, creative, and inspiring for kids that nurtures their imagination and love of literature."
She also told the Peninsula Beacon that they wanted the new facility to be easily accessible for parents, so right now they are offering day passes. While parents need to be with their children in Bluebird's space most of the time, drop-off events are being added, including a date night event for parents later this April, where they can drop their children off to play.
"The community reaction has been pretty positive. A lot of people don't know we're here yet," she said. "It's been a fun family venture, and it's a positive environment. The most fun is just being able to be here every day and seeing the kids' faces when they walk in. Their jaws drop, their eyes light up seeing all these beautiful murals we have. We want to be able to stay and provide services to local families."