The Seoul city government said on Apr. 1 it will run Seoul-style kids cafes every weekend at a total of 30 Han River parks and neighborhood parks.
The kids cafes will open on weekends from this month to June and from September to November. They will be set up at a total of 30 locations, including eight Han River parks such as Jamwon, Yeouido and Ttukseom Han River Park; major green parks such as Seoul Botanic Park and the Blue Arboretum; and neighborhood parks such as Heo Jun Neighborhood Park and Guui Park.
The kids cafes offer differentiated play experiences by area. At the five-senses playground (creativity/arts), they will operate as kids cafes that combine creative art activities such as sand drawing and making masks with natural materials with physical activity. At the hands-on playground (job experience), children can try a hands-on kids cafe that combines programs to experience various jobs such as architect, firefighter and astronaut.
In addition, the adventure playground (extreme) will operate as a space where children can experience thrilling physical adventures such as a zip line, a child roller coaster and a rail train. The growth playground (sports type) will be set up as a space where children can run and play to their hearts' content with play equipment focused on physical activity, such as sports air bounce and an Olympic experience.
A variety of hands-on programs that families can enjoy together will also run at the same time. Beyond simple play spaces, offerings such as a large bubble show, family-participation recreation, water-gun fights and treasure hunts are expected to serve as leisure spaces where families can spend weekends together. Rest areas will also be provided so caregivers worn out by child care can relax.
The kids cafes are for children ages 4 to 9 by international age. They run three sessions a day, two hours per session. The fee is 5,000 won per child. Guardians are free. Admissions will be allocated by capacity corresponding to the play-space area at each location: 80% by advance reservation and 20% for same-day on-site registration. Advance reservations can be made on the Our Neighborhood Care Portal website from 10 a.m. on the 6th.
Ma Chae-suk, head of the Seoul city government's Women and Family Affairs Office, said, "Through distinctive, theme-based play equipment and well-curated programs, we will provide children with joyful and exciting play experiences and create a good environment for caregivers to raise children."