December 18th, 2008- Moms plant the seeds for Sprout Studio

Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 - Kangaroo Kids hop into learning

http://knoxville.wate.com/wate/half-off-thursday

Article in Knoxville News-Sentinel 

Overwhelming, but in a good way.

Sprout Studio - an educational indoor play space and activity center for children 0-10, their families and caregivers - is an adventure through a small town spread over 6,500 square feet of individual custom and unique play stations designed to stimulate anyone's imagination. And it's all hands-on.

A walk through this small town USA could begin with a visit to the Smokey Mountain Market, where you and your child can pretend you are searching for those necessary staples and last-minute items.

A trip to the water table might be in order. You or your child can become the captain of a boat or a scientist who measures different levels of water with cups.

How about a trip to the race track, where children can take a turn cruising around a custom-designed track in a car just their size? Let their feet be the motor while racing to the checkered flag.

Or would the theater be in order? Your child becomes a star as he or she dresses up in costumes and gives the performance of a lifetime. Watch as their imagination translates into a script.

Imaginative fun also can be expressed at the drama area's miniature puppet stage.

Fido a little off his grub? Bring him, in the form of one of the many life-sized stuffed animals available, to the veterinary clinic for a ready check.

And what would a day be with out a visit to the park, complete with a three-level tree house? It's a kid favorite with a slide, rock-climbing wall and tunnel. An attached playhouse has a pretend kitchen, doorbell, musical area and telephone, providing wonderful opportunities for the creative mind of a child and adult, too.

"Busy hands" and "growing minds," the theme of Sprout Studio, will have a field day with the science and art areas, which are interactive. Your child's artistic ability will shine when they take part in a planned group art class or create a masterpiece of their own with the many available art supplies within reach.

Stop by Toddle Town, a soft play area specifically designed for the little ones who can't quite walk or are just beginning to "toddle" around. The contained space features soft structures for the little ones to explore.

A bit of light refreshment could be in order with a stop at the cafe, where adults may savor a cup of 100 percent locally roasted, high mountain coffee.

An assortment of juices and snacks are available as you wait for that second wind, then it's on to the air maze, construction area, book nook and camping grounds.

Sprout Studio was co-founded by Ashley Klappholz of Farragut and Kelly Burgess of Cedar Bluff, two busy moms who were on a mission during the summer of 2006. With four children ages 2 months to 2 years between them, the moms were desperately seeking positive, stimulating activities for their children.

"We needed a place that not only catered to the entertainment needs of our children, but also addressed the needs of adults and caregivers," Klappholz said. "We needed a facility to be open at convenient hours for come-and-go play."

Burgess added that they also longed for a place where they could have some coveted adult conversation while knowing that their children were in a safe and clean environment.

Sprout Studio offers two payment options: pay for the time used or membership purchase. In-house incentives and group rates are also available.

Sprout Studio is not a day care facility.

"Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate and interact with their children while they are playing," according to the Sprout Studio Web site. "Children can learn so much from productive interaction with their parents or caregivers, and Sprout Studio provides the venue to strengthen that bond."

Birthday party packages are available, Mondays-Saturdays, with several options and add-ons.

Sprout Studio is open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays; and closed Sundays.