When driving down M-24, many have seen the sign for Giggle Beans and wondered what it is.
Giggle Beans is best described as a cyber cafe with a 2,800- square-foot play area for children featuring a ball pit and an assortment of children’s toys.
The play area is geared for children ages 7 and under, with a game system for older children which includes games like Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero.
There are two gated off sections that are only for parents. This allows the adults to work on the computers, scrapbook or just sit with friends without the fear of the child getting hurt.
The inspiration for Giggle Beans comes from the children of Dawn Bajis, who owns the business with her husband Michael.
Bajis said that when trying to do work at home Maya, 2, would be competing with the computer for her attention. She realized that she could not be the only mother who had this problem.
‘I can’t be in this boat by myself,? said Bajis. ‘I know there are other mothers.?
Bajis wanted to create a place where parents can get work done, relax and talk with other parents while their children are having fun.
The creative name of the business comes from Bajis? son, Brendan, 4, whose nickname is Bean.
Giggle Beans is not the first company Bajis and her husband have started. The couple also own Webcam Daycare, Giggle Beans? parent company, which has locations in Lake Orion and Waterford.
One family that really enjoys trips to Giggle Beans is the Gallaher family.
Theresa Gallaher’s daughters Erin, 5, and Megan, 2, love Giggle Beans. Megan’s favorite attraction is the ball pit and Erin loves the miniature roller coaster.
‘It’s a place where parents can get their sanity, have coffee, work on a computer and don’t have to worry about their kids,? said Gallaher.
Giggle Beans takes several precautions to keep the children safe. One safety measure is that both the kids and moms are fitted with matching wrist bands. The child is not allowed to leave the building without the parent wearing the matching wrist band.
To watch out for little feet crawling around the play place, socks are a requirement. Shoes and bare feet are not allowed.
No outside food or beverages are allowed in Giggle Beans. Lattes are allowed in the parental gated sections and food is welcome in the back room.
Giggle Beans opened on May 14. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is closed on major holidays and for birthday parties.
Giggle Beans is located at 1472 Lapeer Road. For more information call (248)693-1133 or www.gigglebeans.net.