IKEA is bringing back a free feature specifically for kids after it was shut down due to COVID restrictions.
The Swedish furniture giant’s Tempe store in Sydney will see its free, supervised play area, Småland, reopen this Saturday.
Currently, stores in Perth, Richmond and Springvale have the playground unstaffed, meaning parents have to watch their children.
IKEA has brought back a popular feature for the first time in 6 years.
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The return to the original format means parents can drop their kids off at the playground and do their shopping without having to keep them entertained as they peruse the aisles.
The workers have been trained by IKEA in areas such as first aid and CPR, and have completed the Children’s Worker Safety Check.
However, one feature that kids won’t get back is the ball pit, as it hasn’t been “re-engineered for the new concept”.
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“Småland has always been a special part of the IKEA experience,” Tiffany Mosura-Lesnock, the manager of IKEA Tempe, said.
“Its return marks a big moment for families — a place where imagination, play and downtime come together.
It’s bringing back its supervised play area.
(Supplied)
“The reboot is incredible and brings in new elements that take the experience to the next level, from refreshed creative zones to new active play features.
“But the great thing about this phase is that we’re testing the concept with a new generation to see what they love, and what we might be able to reconsider for the future.”
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Children between three and eight will get 30 minutes free in the play area.
(Supplied)What will Småland feature?
The play area, first introduced to stores in 1990, is known for its forest decor and red cottages.
The reimagining will feature an active zone, with a tree house, bridge and slide, a balance path and climbing elements.
There will also be a creative corner, with drawing utensils and a theatre house.
There is a calm zone, an active zone and a creative zone.
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The final area is the calm one, with a hammock house, soft cushions, and a TV.
Children must be aged between three and eight to make use of the area and be able to use the bathroom independently.
Only 36 children are allowed in at a time, and are given 30 minutes of free play. IKEA Family members get an additional 30 minutes.
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