LifeTown Opens for Snow Day Fun
This winter, New Jersey was buried in snow week after week, resulting in endless snow days and delayed openings. As schools continued to close, caregivers searched for activities for their restless children. LifeTown came to the rescue on Tuesday, February 24, hosting a much-needed Open Play event.
Especially for families of children with special needs, disruptions in schedule and routine can be particularly challenging. Having a place like LifeTown to visit on a snow day can be a true lifesaver.
For two hours, LifeTown welcomed families from the community to frolic in the indoor playground, bounce around in the sensory room, create one-of-a-kind art projects, and even pretend it was summer in the sand room. Children ran free, with smiles stretching from ear to ear as they explored every inch of the interactive space.
“They were very excited when they walked in and they’ve been running around enjoying everything,” said Christine Oklan of her two children. “It’s a lifesaver because this is our second four-day weekend in a row, and just getting them out of the house is very helpful for all of us.”
“LifeTown allows my kids the freedom to run around and see their friends, and it’s open for two hours, which is great for us,” said Jen Freed of Livingston. “They tire themselves out and get their energy out. It’s clean, the community is great, and the play area is amazing.”
Every child was filled with excitement, relishing the ability to escape the confines of their homes. Laughter could be heard as kids jumped into the foam pit, piled onto the tire swing, and dug their fingers into the faux beach in the sand room. Maplewood’s Lyla Pepper was even celebrating her fifth birthday at LifeTown.
“This is literally what Lyla wanted to do on her birthday,” said Lyla’s mother, Jessie Pepper. “The indoor space is wonderful and it’s very inclusive. It’s nice to feel like you belong somewhere and that you don’t have to adapt. My kids have already played in the snow. This is part two of our day, and it’s 100% a lifesaver.”
Families new to LifeTown also took advantage of the Open Play event. Noelia Capellan of West Orange experienced LifeTown for the first time with her 5-year-old son Ian.
“So far, my son loves it. He said this is the best place ever,” said Capellan. “The kids get antsy after being home for so many hours. This was an amazing option to come for an hour or two to go somewhere where he can play. This is perfect for a snow day.”
Not only did the children have a blast, but the parents also enjoyed a much-needed break. While children explored, parents were able to take a minute for themselves, catching up on work emails or socializing with other like-minded adults.
“If LifeTown is open for Open Play, it’s everything,” said Shaina Baron. “It’s the first place we sign up to. My son is free to roam and get his energy out and I can sit and chat. It’s a safe environment and it’s a great place to come every time we’re stuck at home. It’s really amazing that this is available for special needs children and that they open this space for the community as well, which is really nice. We’re just so lucky to have LifeTown near us.”
