The World’s a playground
CentralWorld that is, which has just become home to the first Playmondo in Thailand
Playmondo, a world-class amusement park for kids and a hub of advanced games with premium safety standards, threw open its doors earlier this month at the Forum Zone on the second floor of CentralWorld.
Playmondo is a brand new amusement park on the second floor of CentralWorld.
“We believe that playing generates learning and understanding for children, and I have been in this amusement park business for a long time. Thus, I can easily observe a child’s playing behaviour and his or her preferences. Playmondo is built on the idea of turning an indoor amusement park into a small planet where children can play and learn safely while enhancing their imaginative powers. We have chosen a Tardigrade named Phi Mon as Playmondo’s mascot. This animal is known as the world’s most tolerant creature as they can remain in the nature in all climate conditions. We want the kids to learn about tolerance and the beauty of nature through this mascot,” says Hansa Kraikosol, chief executive director of Playmondo Group and a leader in the amusement park business.
Hansa Kraikosol
Playmondo is designed for kids from one year up to 13 on the concept “Play Plern Learn Roo” and features four play zones inspired respectively by the desert, ocean, volcano and jungle. Each activity support growth during childhood. Cognitive development is promoted through interactive games and reactive play such as the Ball Wall, against which children throw a ball then catch it on its return. Blue Blocks allow them to use their imagination and assemble the blocks in a variety of shapes. Physical development is encouraged through the trampoline and a climbing wall while social development is fostered through games that require kids of play together and make new friends.
Ple Nakorn with his wife and their children
For older kids, there’s “Playsquare Laser Tag”, a place for space warriors in the form of an advanced laser field with full lighting and audio effects that sets the stage for a galaxy war in which youngsters learn how to observe, defend themselves and visualise in the dark. The illuminated bulletproof vests and laser guns are brand new and imported from the US and the field is fitted with protective equipment throughout. Players must be at least 110 centimetres tall to take the weight of the bulletproof vest.
Pornpilas Assakul with her children
A number of celebrities turned out for the opening with their kids and took time away from the activities to share some parenting tips. They included Juthatham Chirathiwat, Vasu Virajsilp, Jannis Yangpichit, Milin Yuvacharuskul, Capt Vantita Lewchalermwongse, Pornpilas Assakul, Chirawan Techaruvichit, Praewpreeya Jumsai Na Ayutthaya, Bhumiphat-Sopin Rongratana, Wanwilai Techasomboon, Jongkol Palarit, Nathanaporn Euawanthanakhun, Pornpan Pongsak, Nantanach Mongkolrattanachat, Natarnin Khunathanard, Duangkamol Tirawat, and actor Nakorn “Ple” Silachai and his wife June Kasama.
Juthatham Chirathiwat and Vasu Virajsilp with their son
“My parenting style focuses on my children’s health. As germs and viruses are everywhere, we do our best to protect them when we take them out to play. We are also well aware of the influence of social media and avoid videos with explicit and violent content to prevent them from becoming familiar with and emulating inappropriate behaviour. I let them do activities they enjoy to encourage their skills. My son loves football and practises every day while my daughter is interested in art so she spends her free time painting and drawing,” says mother of twins Jannis.
Chirawan Techaruvichit and Duangrit Chairungruang with their boys
Milin also focuses on letting her children develop their skills. “I let them do activities based on their age. Sometimes we take them on a trip to open their world, and learn about the things about them. My daughter is adventurous and confident and I am happy to let her play while I observe her from a distance,” she says.
Milin Yuvacharuskul and her daughter
“I use both traditional and modern parenting techniques to raising my kids, focusing on manners and appropriate behaviour as the first priority. I allow them to express their thoughts and make decisions by themselves and encourage them to ask questions when they are in doubt. I also teach them through activities we do together. For example, when we are watching cartons and there are some violent scenes, I try and explain. When we plan trips, I let them take part. My child is interested in maths and collecting car models,” says Vantita.
Jannis Yangpichit with her twins
Vasu and Juthatham are mainly concerned with hygiene and safety. “There are at an age when we need to watch them closely but without stifling their creativity.”
Praewpreeya Jumsai Na Ayutthaya with her sons
Ple Nakorn and June Kasama give their kids freedom while maintaining a light control. “Children are naughty and try to learn by themselves but it may be dangerous sometimes. We try and tell them off as little as possible. We don’t like to say no to them and we allow them to learn from social media. Our family enjoys exercising together and sometimes we take them out to learn about what they have experienced on online media in the real world, like going to the zoo, hiking or jetskiing.”
Kids’ day out
- Tickets are Bt550 for kids 75 to 100 cm tall and Bt650 for kids taller than 100 cm and allow three hours of play.
- Tickets for Playsquare Laser Tag start at Bt350 per game. Each game lasts 15 minutes and has a maximum of 24 players.
- For more information, call (02) 103 2499 or (02) 103 2455, or visit Facebook.com/playmondo.
