Oceanside ‘momtrepreneur’ opens third Kidville

Kidville, owned by Oceanside’s Alexis Fritz, made its debut in Willow Wood Shoppes on Wantagh Avenue on Sept. 13. It offers a variety of classes, birthday parties, a boutique and indoor play space.

The walls are painted bright red and orange, and some are covered in wallpaper featuring letters and numbers. This is Kidville’s third location on Long Island, joining locations in Roslyn and Garden City.

In her early career, Alexis Fritz worked in her family’s real estate and property management business. Her entrepreneurial instincts and business savvy, and the birth of her daughter, all led her to investigate opening a Kidville franchise where early childhood “play and learn” would be the focus.

“As both an entrepreneur and active mom, I have a strong desire to educate my child while giving her the love and support she needs to grow,” Fritz said. “My husband Tom and I want to extend this passion to provide other children with the skills they need to explore their interests and express their creativity in a safe environment. We are thrilled to finally open our facility and hope that both parents and children share the same enjoyment.”

Kidville Wantagh has three large rooms including a gym, a studio and a theater. Classes include music, art, dance and enrichment, and are open to children from birth through 6 years old. There is also a 90-minute alternative pre-school program. Fritz said that construction took about seven weeks, as the space was transformed from four walls and concrete floors to a happy and warm environment for children.

For the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Fritz cut an orange ribbon with child handprints on it. She and her guests then celebrated with a Yoo-Hoo toast. To help celebrate the opening, the Kidville Rockin’ Railroad band held two performances for guests to enjoy. The signature band is part of the lively music classes offered regularly at Kidville Wantagh. In addition, Kidville Wantagh offers classes including: Run Wiggle Paint & Giggle, Ballet Tea Party, Kidville Sports, Camp Kidville and Kidville University (Kidville’s pre-school alternative program).

Fritz said Kidville fills a void on the South Shore. She hopes that it is a place where parents and children can make friends. In the winter, it will be a great place for kids to get some exercise, she explained.

“There’s definitely some excitement,” Fritz said, noting that the grand opening parties on Sept. 13 and 14 were sold out in advance. “We’re just excited to be in the community.”