Business of the Week: Kid Escape U.S. A., Brewster
Many children growing up now immediately associate play time with video game time. One Brewster mother is offering an alternative.
Lyn Lyons opened up Kid Escape U.S.A. on Mt. Ebo Rd South in Brewster as a safe haven for children ages from two years to 12-years-old to be able to play and socializing with their peers.
“I wanted the children off of the X-box and computer and back to basics: running, sweating and interacting socially with children their own ages,” said the mother of three.
Kid Escape U.S. A. is a 9,000 sq. ft. indoor play facility filled with a variety of oversized inflatable bouncies that include slides, obstacle courses and combination units. There is also an array of arcade games, such as air hockey and skee ball, to occupy the time.
Having three children that are each several years apart from one another, Lyons also wanted a place where her children could all have fun in an age-appropriate setting.
“As a Brewster resident, I have been struggling to find a place for my children to go where I feel comfortable letting them play,” Lyons said. “Here at Kid Escape U.S.A. there is an area set aside for the five-and-under children, and the other areas are for all ages. Then there is the arcade that appeals to every age group.”
Owning an indoor activity center was a surprising turn of events for Lyons, but one that has been fulfilling and for her.
“I had been in corporate sales and corporate training for 20 years and just finished my Master’s in education this past year,” said Lyons. “As I had anticipated becoming a teacher in the public school system, I decided to go off course and open my own business where I could still offer children my ‘teaching expertise’ though supervision, but also offer them a great place to get moving. It’s never more fulfilling than to see a child with rosy red cheeks and sweat dripping from their faces; then I know I have accomplished my job.”
The equipment at Kid Escape U.S.A. is also good for children with special needs. The bright colors and bouncies help stimulate cognitive function. Children with special needs can learn to do things independently and for those who need it, the bouncies can provide stimulation.
In fact, Kid Escape U.S.A will be working with Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy, a special needs school, which is located across the street, on a program to help students. Kid Escape will be working with more than just HVCP, as Lyons is working with local camps to provide a fun place for campers to go on a day trip as well.
Kid Escape U.S.A. offers open play seven days a week for $10 per child. It is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Group discounts are available and organizations can rent out the entire place on Mondays.
Additionally, Kid Escape U.S.A. has three private rooms available for parties and packages that include treats, such as cupcakes and pizza.
Kid Escape U.S.A. is located at 16 Mt. Ebo Rd South, Suite 1B in Brewster. For more information call 845- 363-1625 or visit www.kidescapeusa.com.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.