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NEWS RELEASEBEYONDPLAY KIDZTOWN & SENSORY COVE*************************BeyondPlay Kidztown & Sensory Cove has officially opened registration for summer camp 2026, beginning June 29, and is inviting Barrie-area families to experience six themed weeks of engaging, small-group summer programming designed to help children ages four to 10 build, create, explore, and grow in a safe, supportive environment. Running Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the six-week summer camp series combines hands-on learning, imaginative play, STEM-based challenges, creative expression, teamwork, and real-world skill building. Each week offers a distinct theme, giving families the flexibility to register for one week or multiple weeks throughout the summer. “We want every child who walks through our doors to finish the summer feeling more curious, more confident, and more connected,” said Bola Fam, founder of BeyondPlay Kidztown & Sensory Cove. “These camps are designed around the belief that children learn best through doing — building, exploring, creating, collaborating, and having fun in a space where they truly belong.” Summer camp 2026 themes: A Week at the Zoo Animal-themed science, crafts, and hands-on discovery with a playful learning twist. A Week Around the World A globally inspired week of cultural exploration, curiosity, and creative teamwork. Speak Like a Star Confidence-building activities focused on communication, self-expression, and presentation skills. A Week as a Business Owner Entrepreneurial learning through kid-friendly problem solving, creativity, and real-world thinking. The Body Week Interactive exploration of the human body through science experiments, games, and discovery. Spaghetti Engineers Hands-on STEM and engineering challenges where children build, test, improve, and innovate. What distinguishes BeyondPlay’s summer camp experience is its intentionally designed environment. With small group sizes and attentive staff, children receive genuine encouragement and support while participating in enriching, age-appropriate activities. The camps take place inside BeyondPlay’s purpose-built facility at Bayfield Mall, which features Inclusive PlayTown, STEM Stations, Sensory Play space, and Beyond Café creating a rich, varied setting that goes well beyond a traditional camp day. Each themed week is designed to do more than fill a child’s schedule. It is designed to make them feel capable, curious, and excited to come back in a screen-free, hands-on environment built for real learning through play. Registration and information Registration is now open at thebeyondplay.com/events/summer-camps. Families can also contact BeyondPlay directly for questions, multi-week scheduling support, or more information about each camp theme. Website: thebeyondplay.com/events/summer-campsEmail: info@thebeyondplay.comPhone: 705-735-3222Location: Unit 204, 320 Bayfield St., Bayfield Mall, Barrie, Ont., L4M 3C1 Camp hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Ages: four to 10Camp start date: June 29, 2026Early-bird deadline: May 1, 2026 About BeyondPlay Kidztown & Sensory Cove BeyondPlay Kidztown & Sensory Cove is an inclusive indoor play and learning centre located in Barrie, Ont., created for children of all abilities ages zero to 10. The facility features an Inclusive PlayTown, hands-on STEM Stations, a Sensory Play space, and the Beyond Café. BeyondPlay offers drop-in play, birthday parties, memberships, enrichment after-school programs, summer and seasonal camps, and group experiences for schools, daycares, and homeschool families.

Read article on BarrieToday: https://www.barrietoday.com/spotlight/how-a-springwater-family-is-redefining-indoor-play-for-all-children-11554668 BeyondPlay Kidztown & Sensory Cove offers a sensory-smart, inclusive space where children of all abilities can explore, connect, and thrive through imaginative play and hands-on learning. Dec 2, 2025 7:00 AM In Barrie, Ontario, a new kind of indoor playground is changing the way families think about play. BeyondPlay Kidztown & Sensory Cove, founded by Springwater parents Bola and Ayo Famodimu, is more than a place to burn energy- It’s a thoughtfully designed environment where children can build confidence, creativity, and community. Inspired by their own parenting journey, the Famodimus envisioned a space where every child could feel safe, thrive, and be supported. Traditional playgrounds often overwhelmed their eldest son, especially with loud noises and unpredictable crowds. They realized many families were quietly navigating similar challenges, and that play spaces could do more to welcome children with diverse sensory and social needs. Rather than purchasing a standard play structure, the couple worked with consultants, therapists, and family members, including Bola’s sister, Ola and her husband, David Abolusoro, to custom-build a centre grounded in evidence-based design. The result is a vibrant, multi-zone facility that blends social play, sensory exploration, and STEM learning in a calm, welcoming atmosphere. At the heart of BeyondPlay is a miniature town where children can role-play everyday community scenes-from fixing cars in a kid-sized garage to scanning groceries at a beeping checkout. These imaginative spaces encourage cooperation, turn-taking, and real-world social skills in a playful, low-pressure setting. Adjacent to the town are STEM stations where children build circuits, assemble Lego creations, and experiment with cause-and-effect through hands-on challenges. “There’s so much learning happening beneath the surface,” Ayo said. “They’re developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, math concepts, and problem-solving, all while having fun.” The Sensory Cove offers a quieter zone where children can regulate their environment. Adjustable lighting, tactile play, and interactive digital scenes invite curiosity and calm. “It’s not just a place to decompress,” Bola explained. “It’s a space for discovery, where children can explore at their own pace, safely.” To support families who may be unsure about sensory-friendly spaces, BeyondPlay limits capacity in the Sensory Cove and encourages gentle transitions between quiet zones and social areas. “We want children to feel empowered,” Ayo said. “They can retreat when needed, but we also help them re-engage and build confidence step by step.” BeyondPlay welcomes children up to age 12, with activities tailored to different developmental stages. Younger kids gravitate toward the playhouses, while older ones dive into STEM challenges or imaginative role-play. “We’ve even had 13-year-olds fully immersed in the experience,” Bola said. “That tells us we’re creating something meaningful.” Birthday parties and private events follow the same inclusive philosophy. Families can customize their celebrations with bubble parties, karaoke, crafts, and themed activities—all designed to foster connection and creativity. “It’s not just cake and chaos,” Ayo joked. “It’s purposeful fun.” Every element of BeyondPlay is backed by research. The Famodimus consulted speech-language pathologists, behavioural therapists, and developmental experts to ensure the space supports cognitive, social, and motor growth. “We wanted to build something that truly helps children thrive,” Bola said. But BeyondPlay is more than a business—it’s a movement. The Famodimus advocate for inclusive design to become standard practice, not a special feature. “Wheelchair access is now baked into building codes,” Ayo noted. “We want sensory-friendly design to be just as incorporated in indoor and outdoor play facilities.” Their advocacy also extends to policy and funding. After waiting many years for support for their son through the Ontario Autism Program, the family hopes to see stronger partnerships between recreational providers, funding bodies, and inclusive initiatives.  “Early support makes a huge difference,” Ayo said. “We need more spaces where children can grow socially, emotionally, and independently.” Already, BeyondPlay is becoming a hub for collaboration. Local professionals have approached the family about hosting postpartum classes, therapy sessions, and STEM clubs. Bola and Ayo are eager to expand these partnerships and serve even more families. “We want this to be a space for everyone,” Bola said. “Whether a child is shy, spirited, sensory-seeking, or somewhere in between—there’s a place for them here to belong, to learn, and to thrive.”

Imagine Sheilla and Bob, two curious 6-year-olds, building a rocket together. They’re not just playing; they’re dreaming of becoming astronauts. Fast forward 12 years, and they’re in college, majoring in physics and minoring in astronomy. Their journey began with simple STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities that sparked their imagination and set them on a path of discovery. Why Early Exposure to STEM Matters Children learn best by exploring, experimenting, and trying new things. The earlier they have access to resources, information, and tools, the sooner they can discover their interests and talents. Introducing STEM learning early, especially in a supportive environment like Beyond Play, provides them with the foundation to explore the world around them and develop essential skills. What Is STEM Play? STEM play involves activities that engage children in hands-on learning experiences related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It’s about encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking through interactive play. At Beyond Play, STEM play includes: Each of these activities offers unique benefits, helping children develop a well-rounded skill set that supports their overall growth. What Happens in the Brain During STEM Play? Engaging in STEM activities stimulates various areas of a child’s brain, promoting cognitive development and enhancing critical skills: These cognitive benefits lay the groundwork for future learning and success in various fields. The Sooner, the Better Introducing STEM learning at an early age provides children with the tools to understand and navigate the world around them. Early experiences in STEM education contribute to positive cognitive development, fostering curiosity and a love for learning. By engaging children in STEM activities early on, we set them on a path toward academic success and personal growth. Why Choose Beyond Play for STEM Learning? At Beyond Play, we offer a curated environment designed to support children’s exploration and learning. Our STEM-focused activities are tailored to engage young minds, fostering curiosity and creativity. By providing a space where children can explore, experiment, and learn, we help them build the skills they need for the future. STEM activities are a gateway to developing essential skills that children will use throughout their lives. By introducing STEM learning early, especially in a supportive environment like Beyond Play, we empower children to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and build a foundation for future success. So, whether it’s building a rocket or solving a puzzle, every STEM activity is a step toward a brighter future.

Think about the last time you walked barefoot on the beach. Remember how the sand felt: cool and grainy, shifting under your feet. Or maybe you’ve had moments where you’ve listened to your favorite calming music (say jazz) or watched an ASMR video that made you feel relaxed. Those little sensory experiences are soothing, right? Well, kids need that too—and in fact, they need it more than we do. Sensory play is one of the best ways to help children explore their world, It’s essential for their development.  What Is Sensory Play? Simply put, sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child’s senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell, and sometimes taste. It’s also about movement and balance how so?. Think of it like giving a child the chance to explore the world through their senses—whether it’s squishing playdough, feeling different textures, listening to sounds, or even running and jumping. You might not realize it, but these sensory activities are helping children grow in important ways. They’re building skills that will help them with everything from problem-solving to emotional regulation. Why Do Kids Need Sensory Play? As parents, we understand the power of sensory experiences. A nice warm bath, the smell of a fresh cup of coffee, or even a relaxing walk outside—these are things that help us feel good. But for kids, sensory play is even more critical. It plays a huge role in their brain development, physical growth, and emotional well-being. Here’s why: Sensory Play for Neurodiverse Children If your child is neurodiverse, such as having autism or ADHD, sensory play becomes even more important. Neurodiverse children may experience the world in unique ways that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Sensory play can provide an opportunity to engage with and process sensory information in a way that feels comfortable and safe for them. Children with autism or other neurodiverse conditions may be more sensitive to certain sounds, lights, or textures. Sensory play in a calm and controlled environment can help them gradually become more comfortable with these sensory experiences, without feeling overstimulated. It provides a safe space to explore different sensations at their own pace. For children with ADHD, sensory play can actually be helpful in improving focus. Activities that incorporate movement, such as jumping on a trampoline or playing with textured objects, can help children with ADHD release excess energy and concentrate better. It helps them feel more grounded and focused, supporting their overall engagement in tasks. Sensory play can also serve as a great opportunity for neurodiverse children to develop social skills. By participating in group sensory activities, children can practice interacting with others, taking turns, and communicating, all while engaging in fun, sensory-rich play. This encourages connection with peers and can promote confidence in social settings. Why a Curated Sensory Environment Like Beyond Play Is So Beneficial You can definitely do some sensory play at home, like playing with water, sand, or sensory bins. But a place like Beyond Play offers a curated environment that’s designed to make sensory play even more beneficial. Here’s why sensory play in a space like Beyond Play is so valuable: Why You Should Encourage Sensory Play for Your Child By now, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, this sounds great, but why should I take my child to a special place for sensory play?” The answer is simple. A curated environment like Beyond Play gives your child the opportunity to experience sensory play in a way that’s both safe and structured. Plus, it gives you the peace of mind knowing that the space is designed to support your child’s development. Whether your child is neurodiverse or typically developing, sensory play can help them grow in so many ways. It helps them build new skills, manage their emotions, and learn about the world around them. Just like adults need moments to relax and engage their senses, children need sensory play to help them learn and grow. It’s a powerful tool for brain development, emotional regulation, and social skills. So, the next time your child is playing with sand, water, or other sensory materials, know that they’re not just having fun—they’re building the foundation for a healthy, happy future. References:

Sarah and Rachel are four and five. Every week, they meet at Beyond Play and head straight for the grocery store playhouse. They grab a little basket, toss in some pretend sugar and hot dogs, then push their cart to the cashier. One of them rings up the groceries, the other packs the bags. When they’re done, they head “home,” just like they’ve seen their parents do. It’s simple. It’s sweet. And it’s teaching them more than we might realize. This is the magic of pretend play. What Is Pretend Play? Pretend play, also known as imaginative or make-believe play, is when children use their imagination to act out stories and take on different roles. It often involves using everyday objects as props and exploring made-up scenarios—whether it’s running a store, flying to space, or hosting a tea party with stuffed animals. Through this kind of play, children are learning how the world works and discovering where they fit in it. How Pretend Play Starts and Evolves What’s Happening in the Brain? Pretend play may look simple on the outside, but it’s lighting up all kinds of activity in your child’s brain. Here’s what’s going on: The Benefits of Pretend Play A Place Where Play Comes to Life At Beyond Play, we’ve created spaces where all of this can happen—where imagination blooms and learning feels like magic. Our playhouses—from the grocery store and bakery café to the fire station—are designed to spark creativity and connection. Each setup invites children to imagine, explore, and grow in a world that feels just right for them. So next time your little one is packing groceries, baking cupcakes, or putting out a pretend fire, remember: it’s more than just play. It’s confidence-building.It’s relationship-building.It’s learning in its most magical form. And we’re here for it.