A factory line of fun

The holidays are here again. How do you keep the children happy and entertained? Duvindi Illankoon and Keshara Hallock offer some ideas

parent-child interaction is,” says Geesha.

An engineer by qualification, an accountant by profession, and an entrepreneur by passion, Geesha is a British-born Sri Lankan with a love for kids and everything they love. It was when she came to Sri Lanka on vacation and fell in love with and married her German husband Sven that she seriously began to consider opening a kids’ entertainment centre. A market gap provided enough incentive for her to take up the idea, and Fun Factory was created.

Today she operates from School Lane Kotte- her mother’s former home converted into a massive play area for kids. Armed with a Montessori diploma, Geesha runs the place with utter devotion, for it is what she loves to do.

The senior members of the Fun Factory team also share a Montessori background, which when combined with the friendly demeanour of the staff, specially selected for their ability to connect and communicate with the children, makes for a wholly positive experience for children.

The Fun Factory has a walk-in play service where parents accompany their children around the facilities for Rs.250 per hour, as well as the Drop N Shop scheme, where children from 4-10 years of age can be left to play in safe hands for up to four hours for Rs. 450 per hour. Attractive membership packages are also offered as well as party packages.

For the holidays, there is an array of exciting workshops and classes, including cookery, yoga and an arts and crafts programme; enough to occupy even the most energetic child. The basic rules implemented at play mean that children begin to learn important social skills whilst thoroughly engaged by all that is on offer. Even the treats available in the Fun Factory’s café make healthy eating an enjoyable experience for kids, with a selection of tasty, fresh and simple dishes and drinks.

It may be something Sri Lanka has not seen before, but the Fun Factory’s innovative recipe for children’s entertainment is clearly worth checking out. For more information, visit www.funfactory.lk.