Play
Make believe made REAL
Every child dreams of being someone important and doing big things. Xavier López Ancona opened the first KidZania facility in Santa Fe, Mexico City in September 1999 as ‘La Ciudad de los Niños’ (City of the Children), with the idea of turning those dreams into reality by creating an interactive city that blends role-play and education. Now, with centres in 19 countries, KidZania is planning to put another pin in the world map… Hannah Hart reports
From humble beginnings KidZania’s most fundamental premise harkens back to the days of playing pretend – being a fireman, policeman, vet, or actor, and the play centres take it a step further, letting kids explore scaled 7,000 square-metre cities. There are over 100 jobs (or ‘establishments’) to take part in, and each encourages creative play in children who Mr Lopez believes naturally want to explore and collaborate. “All the establishments at KidZania are representative of the most common businesses, services, and industries that contribute to a conventional city,” Mr Lopez tells Park World. “And each establishment is linked to its counterpart in real life.” Each KidZania city is fully immersive and catered to guests aged one to 14, with activities for toddlers, role-playing for children, and social and motorised experiences for pre-teens. A specially designed storyline runs through each establishment area, supported by thematic components dictated by the functional purpose of the environment. “Our head office in Mexico City provides all of its
Encouraging creative play in real-life situations
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franchisees with the design, theming, and architecture guidelines to build each KidZania City. Afterwards, each operator adapts the designs locally and builds according to local laws and regulations.”
Building blocks
In addition to its striking concept, KidZania offers children something different – an opportunity to explore their own agency and gain a real understanding of the various industries and careers open to them in the future. “It’s about real-life experiences; empowering, inspiring and
encouraging learning in kids through role-play,” says Mr Lopez. “They develop the necessary skills for their future and acquire good values to apply in their everyday behaviour.” More than anything, KidZania strives to promote the idea
that “life is about options”, kickstarting a foundation of inspiration through role-play activities.
Up and away KidZania’s next project is scheduled to open in 2019 in Johannesburg’s Fourways Mall, operated by Kids Fantasy South Africa Proprietary. The facility is projected to have a total operating area of 5,306 square-metres containing 52 establishments. One of these establishments – the aviation academy, which is already a staple attraction in other locations – will be housed in a real Boeing 737 airliner. “Typically, the entry area to a KidZania facility is known as the Airport, to simulate
MAY 2018
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