Munchkin Land
Bringing fantasy to life
By Angela Greiner Community Reporter

Hanging out in the "Tiki Hut" at Munchkin Land are program director Michelle Farrell and owners Elizabeth and Michael Gigure with their two youngest daughters, Molly and Emma.

Westborough - For kids who love doll boutiques and those who prefer Emma Lou Lou's captain's ship, "Munchkin Land," located at 30 Oak St. in Westborough, is the place to be for children and tots. The newly designed 7,200-squarefoot interactive play area - with elaborately designed themed rooms and a fully equipped kids' gym - is a true family aff air for owners Michael and Elizabeth (Liz) Giguere.

Now open for business, Munchkin Land is preparing to celebrate its grand opening Saturday Oct. 18 and Sunday Oct. 19 with magicians, entertainers and face painting.

"I have always wanted to own my own business, but I never wanted to be away from my family," Michael said. "Here they [children] are my target audience."

After nearly 10 years of researching children's gyms and play areas, often through outings with their own children, Michael and Liz decided to make their dream a reality. With input and inspiration from their girls, Shannon, 11, Julia, 9, Molly, 2, and Emma, 1, (otherwise know as the A team and the B team) Munchkin Land began to evolve.

Influenced by Shannon's love of horses came the idea for a hands-on interactive farm featuring a carpeted planting platform, a Crooked Barn to explore, horses and much more.

Going from the farm to high fashion, "Molly's Dollies" will put a smile on the faces of doll lovers of all ages. A whole room outfitted with a play shopping boutique featuring countless dolls and clothes to a mini dolls' salon, cradles, tea area and tons of dolly accessories, the Molly's Dollies area promises hours of fun.

Don't forget to stop into "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles," where there are plenty of blocks, airplanes, a train table and other toy favorites from Tonka to "Melissa and Doug."

For those with taste a bit more on the exotic side, be sure not to miss the "Tiki Hut." Created by Julia for the ultimate island experience, the Tiki Hut off ers a place for children to pretend - with everything from grass skirts to play food at the "Tiki Beach Grille."

Getting their daughters involved was part of the plan.

"We tried to sprinkle the kids in so they would feel like they were part of everything," Liz said.

And the two are very grateful for the support they received while working to fulfill their dream.

"We would like to thanks our friends and family for all of their support and a special thanks to Christine Englund for all of the muraling," Michael said.

From being your favorite drop-in and play place to offering organized weekly gym classes, Munchkin Land has a bit of something for everyone. Specifically designed for children up to 6, the facility is a food-free, clean and safe.

"Safety came first," Michael said. "Everything that could be bolted down was. We made it wide open so mom or dad can see everything … As parents and caregivers, we want to have access to our children. There is nowhere here that you cannot reach your child."

Organizing the weekly gym classes will be full-time program director Michelle Farrell, who has tailored ageappropriate activities for the 4-month-old "Micro-Munchkins" to the 6-year-old "Mighty Munchkins." The classes focus on having fun through creative movement and play.

Featuring two party rooms, Munchkin Land is also a great location for that special birthday.

Munchkin Land is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. Rates for open play are $10 per child and parents are free. Yearly memberships are also available for parents who find themselves frequent flyers to "Munchkin Land."

For more information, call 508-366-7799, visit online at www.munchkin-land.org, or stop in and check it out.

Editor's Note: the preceding is not an endorsement and is presented for informational purposes only.