Article by Kara Schwalbe

Photos by Mackenzie Scheie Photography 

Inside Joyful Kids Co, kids in capes and crowns scale the climbing structures and cook up pretend meals in the play kitchen while caregivers sit back and relax or join in on the fun themselves. The new indoor play studio in Billings Heights offers something local families have been missing for a while: a safe, calm, indoor play space made for the youngest kids in town, ages 6 and under. 

For parents of young kids, finding a welcoming place where little ones can burn off steam and grown-ups can breathe a sigh of relief is a real struggle, especially in the Heights. Founders Susanne and Leah felt that struggle themselves and realized that if they wanted something like this in their community, they would have to be the ones to build it. 

Two Moms, One Idea 

Over a cup of coffee at a meeting set up by a mutual friend, Susanne and Leah discovered they shared a vision, plenty of motivation and the complementary skill sets to bring it to life. Susanne had been toying with the idea of a young kids' play studio in the Heights for a while. "Anything you can do while also spending your time with your family is a 'YES!'…To include your family in what you're doing is paramount for me," she says. 

For Leah, also from the Heights, the push came when a favorite spot closed its doors. "It was really Monkey Around closing that did it for me," Leah says. "That place had meant so much to me. I met some of my really great friends and my daughter's friends there. It was a way to get out of the house, have a safe place for kids to be kids and it was affordable." 

Susanne and Leah met in January and began planning right away. Finding the right location took time, but they eventually found it on Main Street. After many late nights, some serious renovation, and a lot of determination, they opened the doors in July, just six months after deciding to give it a go. Their goal was a space where families could bring their children and build their village on their own time and schedule. 

Designed for Play (and Parents) 

Walking into Joyful Kids Co feels like stepping into the playroom at a close friend's house. Part of that may be the model: buy a day pass or a membership and simply let yourself in during open hours. The rest comes down to the studio's compact size and inviting play areas. Along with the climbing structures and play kitchen, there are dress-up clothes for imaginative play and sensory options for little explorers. 

Every design and equipment choice was made with caregivers in mind, so kids can play freely while parents easily keep an eye on them. There are clear sightlines from nearly everywhere in the studio, and the tables have chairs on only three sides, so a parent can sit and work or watch the kids play. Toys and equipment are age-appropriate and low-stimulation. And above all, the place is clean. "People have been really respectful of the space, treating it as we intended. They play, have a great time and leave it ready for whoever is next," Susanne says. 

A Place to Belong  

Since opening, Susanne and Leah have been putting the finishing touches on the space. It's been a labor of love, and they've enjoyed watching it come together. They also haven't lost sight of the bigger goal: a place that brings people together and builds real connection. They've added sensory playtime hours as an alternative to open, self-guided play, and they hope to add more events, such as Mommy & Me gatherings and moms' nights out. 

For Susanne, the reward shows up in quieter moments. "I love when I see families come in and be completely immersed in whatever the kids are doing… Phones are down, they are having that quality family time."

Joyful Kids Co

Location: 1038 Main St., Unit 8, Billings 

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily 

Pricing: 

• Day pass: $10 
• Six-month membership (up to two children): $200, plus $50 for each additional child 
• 12-month membership (up to two children): $360, plus $90 for each additional child 

Know before you go: 

• Let yourself in. Buy a play pass online to receive a unique door code, or scan the QR code to pay at the door. 
• Socks required. The studio has a strict no-shoes policy for everyone, so don't forget your socks. 
• BYO snacks. Outside food and drinks are welcome in the designated snack areas, so pack water and easy fuel for the kids. The vending machine also has kid-friendly options. 

Originally printed in the Month 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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