Kidopolis PDX is a recently opened indoor playspace in SE Portland located on SE Foster and 69th – right across the street from Mt. Scott Fuel. We have been to the space a couple times and are huge fans. We thought we’d take a moment to get to know the owners – Terri and Dawnidia – a little better and let them tell our readers about Kidopolis! 

Here’s what the had to say…

PKC: Tell us about Kidopolis – what is it? What is special about it? What makes it different?

Terri: Kidopolis is an indoor play center targeted for kids 5 and under with a city-themed twist. It has 8 rooms with different play activities in each – from a bright imaginative drama, and art area in front to a large rumpus area in the back. Other favorites are “the beach,” an indoor sand room, and “the terminal” a place for trains, planes, and automobiles. There’s also a large snack/lunch room to take a break and refuel, as well as party rooms to reserve for birthdays and showers.

Dawnidia: It was important to us to make Kidopolis a place that we as parents would want to visit. An environment that would exercise our children mentally and physically. A place we could interact with our children while feeling comfortable enough to let them entertain themselves while we relaxed and chatted with other parents.

PKC: Can you tell us a little more about yourselves?

Terri: I’m born and raised in PDX, but relocated back to the NW after a 15 year hiatus in San Diego. My two children, Zac (3 1/2) and Soraya (11m) make up for any lack of sunshine these days, and are the main reason for moving to the NW. Kidopolis came together when my cousin (and now partner) Dawnidia realized how like-minded we thought about such a concept. We also have children very close in age.

Dawnidia: I’m also a Portland native. I have two amazing and energetic children(Sarah, 4yr and Nicholas, 1yr). Our household also contains a husband, a grandpa, 5 dogs, dozens of fish and 2 almost frogs named Bob and Cherry.

PKC: How/why did you you decide to open Kidopolis?

Terri: My source of inspiration for Kidopolis came from my kids. After the birth of my daughter, I was more than determined to find an opportunity to stay with them during their precious younger years and avoid the child care route. My children are such a gift to me, and our time together is the backbone of any decisions I make.

Dawnidia: As a dog groomer, I’ve been lucky to have a career that allows me to bring my children to work with me. But as they got older I wanted more quality as opposed to quantity time with them that grooming just won’t allow for.

PKC: Why did you pick this location?

Terri: The location for Kidopolis was an easy decision. Dawnidia and I both live in the area, and often remarked how great it would be to have an indoor children’s destination on our side of town. We’ve been lucky to have the Foster-Powell neighborhood welcome us with open ours.

PKC: What do you see in the future for Kidopolis?

Terri: We’re excited about the future of Kidopolis. Now that our doors are open, and the grunt work of build out is nearly finished, it’s time to focus on the fun activities we’d like to see going on inside – such as story times, local kid-friendly performances, special weekly art and craft projects, and mommy/daughter and father/son themed nights. Mommy and me yoga, and sign language classes are in the works. Our desire is to be a community venue to bring together the type of activities and interests that our awesome neighbors ask for.

PKC: Why should parents bring their kids to Kidopolis?

Terri: Kidopolis has had great feedback from our customers…while the kids are nothing but crazy about us, the parents have given us incredible advice and suggestions. We take that all to heart to make Kidopolis a favorite clean and safe destination for families. We are not corporate backed by any means, just two hard working Mamas with a vision…one that is all about making more time for our kids.

Dawnidia: Kidopolis has plenty of room for growth so we always welcome suggestions and ideas to make our “little city” even better. With help and support from family, friends, and our new community we look forward to a long successful stay in the Foster-Powell area