Serendipity's Playhouse opens in Gloucester
By Katie Kobelcapeann@wickedlocal.com
More than 100 people waited anxiously for Serendipity's Playhouse to cut the ribbon and officially open its doors in Gloucester.
Located on 88 Bass Ave. — down the street from Good Harbor Beach, across from Charlie's Place, and next to Cape Ann Coffee — Serendipity's Playhouse is an indoor playground for children ages 8 months to 8 years old.
With complimentary popcorn and cotton candy, the March 29 grand opening event was fun for all, including Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and a representative from Sen. Bruce Tarr's office, who were on hand along with the Chamber of Commerce to officially welcome the business to the community.
Serendipity has been two years in the making, starting with researching the industry to looking for the perfect location.
Owner John Linquata Sr. gives all the credit to his wife, Phyllis, who was a preschool teacher for 15 years and loves children.
"It was all my wife," said John about bringing the Playhouse into being. "She told me what she wanted and I got it done. Except for the foam pit; I wanted that for me. But everything else was 100 percent my wife."
Phyllis had gone to an indoor playground and realized she wanted one of her own. She and John went around to check out different locations until they realized creating a playhouse was a completely attainable goal for them.
"The person who deserves the biggest 'thank you' is my wife, Phyllis," he added again. "Without her, we would not be here to serve the community."
Serendipity includes a baby room with puzzle boards and soft playing floors, as well as a room for older kids with a rock wall over a foam pit as well as air hockey and foosball.
With safety being a top priority, John said he tested all the equipment in the playhouse. There is also a closed-circuit camera system that is constantly monitored. There is also only one way into and out of the building, which is past the front desk.
At $12 for the day for the first child and $6 for each additional child, Serendipity's Playhouse is affordable. They also sell some snacks for the kids ranging from 50 cents for water and Rice Krispy treats to $3 personal pizzas and Easy Mac.
"As parents of three wonderful children, we understand how expensive it can be to take the kids out for the day, so we really try to keep prices down to keep it as affordable as possible," said John.
Serendipity's hosts birthday parties and Zumbini classes. They have more than 45 character costumes to rent for all kinds of events.
Also every Wednesday at 4 p.m., local legend children's educator/entertainer Jape of Japescape productions comes for a music and movement session. These sessions are free with the cost of admission.
For more information about Serendipity's Playhouse, visit https://serendipitysplayhouse.com/