Raising kids in the city is fun, fast-paced, and full of exciting things to do. But cold winters, hot and humid summers—and long, rainy days—leave many families a little stir crazy with “cabin fever.” Apartment living is tricky too. After your little one rides the tricycle up and down the building hallways for the hundredth time, what city parent wouldn’t want a place where their child can run around, play, and explore in a safe, clean, fun environment?
Hooray for apple seeds! The popular Chelsea indoor playspace is celebrating its seventh birthday and just underwent a refreshing makeover. Newly-painted, with fresh carpets, redecorated classrooms, and new toys, apple seeds is ready for a busy summer of fun. A playground designer refurbished the playground, adding a trampoline, which was an instant favorite with the kids.
“We wanted to freshen up the look that everyone knows and loves,” say apple seeds co-founders Alison Berna and Allison Schlanger. “After seven years of children playing, it was time to refresh and repaint. It looks great and feels new again.”
Berna and Schlanger have a lot in common. They are both from New Jersey and both are mothers of three (each have 9-year-old twins and 4-year-olds). They met in a children’s music class and instantly connected. Raising kids in the same Chelsea/Flatiron neighborhood, and feeling frustrated with the lack of park space for outdoor play, they soon decided to partner in the creation of apple seeds.
Apple seeds is a uniquely-designed indoor playground, offering over 100 classes a week for ages newborn to age 5. Classes include music, art, cooking, science, ballet, tap, movement, gym, soccer and foreign language. They also host birthday parties and have a summer day camp. And apple seeds is growing. A second (Upper West Side) location opened two years ago, as well as international locations in Dubai (UAE) and Mumbai (India). This year they are excited to launch even more national franchise locations.
The newly-renovated Chelsea location still has a toy and bookstore, healthy snack bar, and kids’ hair salon. Its still a great place for kids (and their parents!) to gather, socialize, and play. They are also offering specials. Sign up for apple seeds summer camp, and receive a complimentary month in the playground; and new playground members get $100 off every class registration, and $100 gift certificate to use on any class after joining. Save up to $300 on classes if you sign up more than one child. Way to go apple seeds!
