AsiaLIFE

Baby it's hot outside. Load up the kids and head to Kidz Cool for good, clean, cool fun. Words by Kate Liana. 

Parents frequently bemoan the lack of children's activities in the capital. When Eric and wife Ourinh moved here with their two young children, they decided to change that. "We had the idea just to make a small playground," explains Eric, gesturing around at the 3,500 square meter recreational behemoth that's bloomed on the site, looking a little dazed. "I'm not sure what happened."

What happened is Kidz Cool, a "mini-club med for kids", as Eric describes it, that's packed with fun, games, and friendly staff so parents can relax. Originally in town to work for the tennis federation, Eric and his wife were looking for a house on Chroy Changvar. "The space was so big, we decided to use it for the playground." What started as a simple idea grew into a mega-complex that continues to expand.

Starting with the wee ones, 18 months and up, there is a "soft play" area in the main house with age-appropriate, safe toys. The Princess Room, on the same floor, is where aspiring stylists can play with makeup, hair styling, or have their faces painted. Next door kids can paint and draw in the Creation Room. Outside is a play area for older toddlers featuring a jungle gym, trampoline, mini-climbing wall, and what looks like a giant hamster obstacle course.

Now that we're smack dab in the middle of hot season, the most attractive features are the ones that involve water. Out back behind the main house is the football pitch and the inflatables: three giant bouncy structures in the shape of a giant Spider Man, a princess castle, and a giant rubber water slide. There’s also a regulation, properly equipped climbing wall, which is manned by trained staff. The grand star is the massive 150m pool, which has all manner of toys floating in it.

All the materials are brand new, durable and clean. Every play area and outdoor space is shaded to keep kids out of the sun, and will be a boon in the rainy season. Safety is foremost on parents' minds, and Eric has made it a priority. There are 17 full-time staff, four of whom are certified emergency responders. An infirmary with basic supplies is staffed by a nurse on weekends. The complex is fully insured and there are three full-time security guards who ensure adults without children are not granted admission. All this translates to fun for kids and peace of mind for parents, a priceless goal.

On a recent visit, one couple raved about the staff, who were romping in the pool with their kids. "This is the best place for kids in the city," they said. "We've been here three years, and haven’t seen anything like it."

Eric and Ourinh's future plans are even bigger: they just purchased a speedboat and can pick you up from anywhere along the river on weekends, free of charge. They also want to offer water skiing and tours around the peninsula. In order to keep parents as gleefully entertained as their kids, the air-conditioned parent's lounge will soon have a bar, pool table, television, newspapers and magazines, and will offer massages, manicures and pedicures. Other plans include mini-golf, a pool for parents, and a water park. After working at Club Med all over the world for the past eight years, the couple knows how to take care of people. "We wanted to offer something to families here, a space where everyone can have fun."

Despite all of the activity, the place still feels warm and homey, not surprising since Eric, Ourinh and the kids live on the site in the main house, and can boast one of the coolest backyards in town. Costs are US$5 on weekdays for each child, US$10 on weekends – parents and caregivers are free. Open 9am to 6pm everyday. Grab your bathing suit and go.

Kidz Cool, 74 Tonle Sap Road, Tel. 017 933 620, www.kidzcoolcambodia.com