Roo’s World of Discovery, a Montessori-inspired indoor play and learning space for families with children birth to five years old, opened its doors today near the Kirkland waterfront at 108 Central Way. Roo’s World offers a nurturing and peaceful environment for all children, including those with special needs.

“Roo’s World of Discovery creation was inspired by my three year old, who has developmental delays and sensory issues,” said Michelle Landwehr, founder and owner of Roo’s World. “I created this space for families with children of all abilities to play in a peaceful environment and connect with others who are going through the same experiences.”

Roo’s World of Discovery features:

• Eco-friendly educational toys to encourage early childhood development such as fine motor skills, counting, colors, language, art appreciation and more

• An open space for gross motor development and movement

• Classes and workshops to facilitate community between families including prenatal meditation, breast feeding support, new mommy support, infant massage, story time yoga, and more

• Curated art projects

• Daily (M-F) circle time with stories and songs

• Play dates for working parents, dads (let’s give mom a break!), grandparents, special needs families and more

• A variety of membership options and a limited number of drop-in passes each day

• A sensory room

• Daily sensory hours for families with children who have special needs (except Saturdays), by reservation

• A Cedarworks climbing structure

• A specialty retail section featuring cloth diapers, baby and mama products and toys to support early development and more

“Because of my son’s sensitivity to loud noises and crowds, we skipped play dates and missed out on many social and community events. As an extroverted mom, I felt very isolated,” said Leigh Tribou, president of Sprout Care Company and a Roo’s World member. “Roo’s World gives us a community of friends and a loving and considerate environment for children of all sensitivities and abilities.”

The indoor play space is seeking to employ individuals who offer experiences and skills that support children including early childhood educators (art, language, music) as well as occupational and physical therapy students.

Roo’s World is open six days a week and is available for private events (birthdays, baptisms, baby showers), field trips, mommy group play dates, and more. Children with special needs up to ten years of age are welcome during sensory hours.