the skinny on charm city kids club -- and a sneak peek at their grand opening fun!

Stacy Bekman Radz and Lindsay Klatsky are two moms on a mission -- and the founders of Charm City's newest kid hotspot, Charm City Kids Club. With a soft launch last week and their grand opening festivities this weekend, Stacy and Lindsay are excited to debut their family friendly oasis that caters to the younger kid crowd: infants through age 6. They were kind enough to answer a few questions about their new Lutherville-based business via email.

Tell us the story of Charm City Kids Club? What led you to pursue this idea?

We came up with the idea of Charm City Kids Club after we were dissatisfied with the options for young children offered in the Baltimore area. We both lived in New York City where there was a vast array of unique and fun children’s classes taught in child friendly environments. We decided that we were going to bring to Baltimore what many other large cities already had in place- an all in one children’s development center. We are taking our prior work experience as well as our expertise as moms of two and collaborating to create the perfect place for children and their families. At Charm City Kids Club, we are redefining the childhood experience in Baltimore.

What makes Charm City Kids Club different from other "kid friendly" places in Baltimore? What makes you unique?

Charm City Kids Club is the first place in Baltimore County to offer a one stop place geared towards children and their families. From the moment one enters CCKC, it is obvious that CCKC is a place for children and their families because of the bright colors and inviting atmosphere. CCKC offers educational and socialization opportunities for expectant parents and new parents through luncheons, dinners and special events with various speakers. These events will also allow parents to meet other parents with children in the same age group who share similar interests and concerns. CCKC also offers classes that include: parent/infant classes, interactive children’s music classes, art classes geared toward different themes, cooking classes geared toward different themes, science classes, book clubs, and infant and child yoga. CCKC also features birthday parties with a choice of over 10 birthday party themes. CCKC has an indoor play town for families to enjoy with a soft play area for the babies and a Whole Foods Mt. Washington Market and delivery truck, diner and theater for the older ones to play. In addition, CCKC has a retail area with high-end (yet reasonably priced) products for babies and young children. CCKC is the ONLY company in Baltimore County that provides all of these services in ONE location with easy access, convenient parking and high quality customer service.

We heard through the grapevine that you had hoped to open last fall. What were some of the challenges you ran into?

We wanted to find the perfect location that would be easily accessible from many locations, had ample parking and was on the main level to make things easier for parents and caregivers. Most importantly, we were looking for the perfect space that would appeal to the little ones.

What can parents expect when they visit Charm City Kids Club? What can kids expect?

CCKC is approximately 4700 square feet, clean, safe and child friendly and a place where a child walks in and says “this place is for me.” From the moment they walk in, they will be comfortable and happy with the bright colored walls, enthusiastic staff and super fun and beautifully painted play town. Parents will be thrilled that CCKC is located in a first floor building with ample parking and is accessible to both 695 and 83. CCKC is environmentally friendly, as the facilities were constructed using VOC free paint, cleaned using green products and will offer classes using recyclable materials. CCKC has a no shoe policy in the play town because our focus is being CLEAN and safe for little ones.CCKC offers a wide range of classes, events, retail selection and birthday parties so parents don’t have to take the same class over and over again. Our 1500 feet play town is in one self contained room so parents will feel comfortable bringing multiple children.

We're psyched about some of your upcoming classes. Which upcoming class are you most excited about? Why?

We are really excited about all of the classes that we are offering. We are offering great classes for children 6 weeks to age 5. One of the many classes we are really excited about is one of our music classes called Minishakers featuring music by Milkshake and other children’s favorites for children birth through age 5. Minishakers is a rockin music class that encourages kids to sing, play instruments and dance to live music. The class will feature music by Grammy nominated children’s band Milkshake as well as traditional children’s songs and adults favorites. The classes include songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute and other exploration. Minishakers is not only an enjoyable class for children, but parents/caregivers will also have a great time! Not only do they have a great time with the class, all children enrolled in Minishakers will have the unique opportunity to experience an exclusive performance by Lisa and Mikel of Milkshake, who TOTALLY rock, in an intimate setting.

Entrepreneurial moms are always juggling. So we're curious - what's your day like since you've opened?

Our days are very busy!! We pack lunches for everyone, drop the older kids off at camp and take the younger ones with us to CCKC. We are up really early and stay up really late answering and writing tons of emails and planning events, parties and classes. We are extremely busy, but are enjoying every minute of it!

We're so bummed that we're going to miss your grand opening because we're out of town! Here's your chance to make us even more bummed -- what cool stuff are we going to miss?

We are so excited about our grand opening celebration which is on Saturday, July 30th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Some of the fun includes a performance by Lisa and Mikel of Milkshake at 11 a.m., delicious and nutritious food and make your own trail mix from Whole Foods Market Mt. Washington, and make your own smoothies from Happy Family along with samples, coupons and tons of great raffle prizes. CCKC will also be giving away many amazing prizes. Additionally, there will be grand opening specials. We encourage everyone to check out CCKC’s play town, buy some retail, sign up for classes or book a party! For more information about CCKC, please check out our website at www.charmcitykidsclub.com or email us at info@charmcitykidsclub.com.

Charm City Kids Club is located at 1500 Riderwood Drive, Lutherville, MD 21093. You can find them on the web, facebook or twitter.