Also, the older kids (4 and up) can get pretty crazy running through the big kid play area. Though the big kids are not allowed in the toddler area, it was not being enforced. I didn't use the restroom so I can't comment on it's cleanliness. I didn't order food, but what I saw looked fresh. I had expected "Disney" prices and actually found 7-Eleven prices. For example, a 16.9 oz of bottled water was $1.25 a bottle. There was also a birthday underway while we were there too.įood and beverages were very reasonable. Though it was a Sunday (between 2-4 PM) there were other kids, but not nearly as many as we had thought. After an hour, my boy was actually climbing up to the top level (about 25 ft up) on his own. The big kids have a very elaborate play area, and it can be challenging. It has rubberized play equipment like a slide, tube, and a few things to climb on.Īfter about 1/2 hour our rather shy child had gained enough confidence to let me take him into the big kid playground. They have a separate toddler area for 3 and younger. My 19 month old loved it, my 6 month old didn't have anything to say about it. The Hesses appreciate every last one of their friends and customers and cannot wait to greet them again over a tall, hot, caramel latte while their children happily play again at their very favorite indoor children’s play place, Jungle Java in Canton.Today I took my kids to Jungle Java for the first time. But so many reached out with real, heartfelt concern for their situation, I felt this could also be a way for those looking to help in some small way during this crisis to do so. With the business bank account dwindling and no government help on the horizon, they can’t wait much longer for federal or state funds to maybe, eventually be released. But they still have a very large rent payment due each month, along with monthly business liability insurance, electric, phone, and internet bills. They have turned off and cancelled everything they can think of to save money. They have not yet received any word back about PPP and have had zero income since March 16th. The Hesses and their employee are now suffering. Keya Vakil with the Courier wrote about them here and Ed Wright with their local Hometownlife paper told their story here
If you have time, read these two newspaper articles to get more details about their story. He deserves a chance to come back to the job he loves. One of their managers has been with them for 18 years, since the very first day Jungle Java opened it’s doors. The Hesses and their employees have put years of hard work and love into the very best children’s play place in Michigan and they are now suffering. They feel they owe it to their customers, their employees, and to themselves.
Let’s face it, social distancing is difficult to do inside of a children’s playscape.īut the Hesses are determined to keep fighting. Once they do open again, they do not expect to be busy and profitable again for a very long time to come. They will likely be one of the very last businesses allowed to open again. They were forced closed on March 16th and do not anticipate being allowed to open back up anytime soon.
#Jungle java free
They donate hundreds of free birthday parties every year to schools in the Metro Detroit area.ĭue to the COVID Shut Down Order, they have been forced to close their doors. It’s a true small (mom & pop) business that has always stepped up to donate when local schools and other non-profit organizations ask. It’s been a life-saver for so many parents and children looking for a place to have fun, socialize, and simply enjoy being in one another’s company. Jungle Java in Canton has become the place for parents and caregivers to be able to come to relax and enjoy, celebrate, or simply de-stress.
It’s been their sole family income for most of that time and they have been able to buy a home and raise their two boys in the community they love, thanks to all of the amazing customers that have supported them over the years. They have both been in their store greeting customers and keeping things running smoothly for the past 15 years. Dear Friends, Family, & Customers of Jungle Java in Canton,Īs you may already know, Laurel and Eric Hess are the owner-operators of Jungle Java in Canton.