Wittle Town is a small world created by Sheffield grandmother

SHEFFIELD — The struggle is real, especially during the cold, wintery months, where to take your little ones that's fun, but also educational. Some place that lets them run around and be kids, but also teaches them something. Heidi King felt that same struggle. The 42-year-old mom of five and grandma of three was looking for places to take her granddaughter, Averi, and she just wasn't happy with the options. "While visiting these places, we realized they were missing that educational component here in Lorain County, so (Heidi and her husband, Eric King) decided to open one," she said. The result is Wittle Town, a 6,500 square foot indoor playground for the 5 and younger set. A place they can toddle and run without the fear of being mowed down by a bigger kid. A place that is fun. And, of course, a place they can learn. "We really want to focus on a playground for little kids, so we are pretty strict on the age restriction," King said. "We don't let big kids in. We want parents to know their little kids are safe here." It's also not a day care. Parents stay on-site with their children. Wittle Town, which opened in October, has many interactive play experiences -- and no electronics, except for a miniature gas pump. "Our programs are all parent-guided," King said. "We have crafts, STEM, sensory activities and music. When we craft here, we have all of the stuff, and the parents help us guide what the kids are doing. They can then take what they learned home and go with it." Cost for Wittle Town is $12 for the first child and $10 for each additional child, which is good for all day play. A lot of families come in the morning, go home for a nap and some lunch, and come back in the afternoon, King said. Wittle Town also offers a snack area, with most offerings priced less than $3. Items include chips, granola and juice. Sippy cups and finger snacks, think Cheerios and Goldfish, are allowed, but no outside food, and especially no peanut butter. Starting next month, Wittle Town will open to field trips from local preschools. "One of the things that is most important to us is a safe place for little kids to play," King said. "Not everyone can afford day care or preschool. Children learn to socialize through play, and we offer that opportunity at an affordable price." Wittle Town, which is active on Instagram and Facebook, also offers specials on those pages, such as BOGO playdates and Wild Wednesdays, which offers $2 off general admission. King also will be offering private events starting in January. As an added bonus, the play equipment is coated with a substance that does not allow viruses or bacteria to adhere to it, King said. Wittle Town, 5296 Detroit Road, Sheffield, is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; and closed Monday.