It’s tough being a kid in an adult's world. However, with play centers like LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, and lest we forget, good old Chuck E. Cheese, children find refuge in these types of places designed specifically for them. And now, Kidville Carlsbad has opened its doors to the children of San Diego.

Much like its predecessors, Kidville Carlsbad offers a haven for kids to grow, play, learn, and above all else, be themselves. After all, 85 percent of a child’s brain develops before the age of five, and it has been proven that fostering an environment that stimulates a child’s creativity and expands their social abilities will yield only promising results. Ideally, those tactics will cultivate their intelligence and enable them to grow to be more productive members of society.

Among its many perks, the facility offers a wide array of features including developmental classes for children ranging from infants to six years, indoor playgrounds, a fashionable retail boutique, a trendy hair salon, and even a separate rest area for parents who still want to keep a close eye on their tiny tots.

Kidville is the only one of its kind here on the west coast, catering to the needs of children of all ages. No matter how old your bundle of joy is, there is sure to be an interactive program that will improve their communication, reading, writing, or even language skills.

“The center offers all sorts of classes such as music, dance, gym, and art and each class is divided up into different age groups,” said the owner of Kidville Carlsbad, Rup Malhotra. These programs were designed by child development specialists who understand what types of activities and teaching methods are successful for each particular age group.”

Kidville is collaborating with Stand Up for Kids, a non-profit aiming to improve the lives of homeless youth. Taking place from August 14 to August 20, these two organizations will pair up to organize a week-long clothing drive, benefit and fashion show in order to raise money for San Diego’s at-risk youth.

Starting August 14, guests can bring new or gently used children’s clothing to the center, which will be donated to Stand Up for Kids. Kidville will donate half of the earnings from the open playspace and 20 percent of the in-house retail store’s sales to the organization. The event culminates on August 20 with an unforgettable fashion show, where pint-sized models will work the catwalk dressed in clothing from the chic Kidville Boutique.

The boutique itself is no Baby Gap but instead, a more eco-friendly take on upscale kid fashion. Malhotra said, “Products in the boutique are environmentally friendly. Since kids tend to put everything in their mouths, selling organic items made out of plastic or rubber makes everything much safer.”

Even though Kidville has been thriving since it opened in the spring, this will be its first fundraiser and fashion show. So, if you’ve got a few items of clothing you’re willing to donate, then don’t hesitate to stop by Kidville in Carlsbad and contribute to this incredible cause that improves the lives of poverty-stricken youth. After all, the children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.