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Ambitious London youth finally have an answer for entertainment when the stress of playing doctor and the adrenaline rush of playing banker just aren't cutting it anymore.
KidZania, a collection of theme parks peppered around the world that allow kids to play as adults, has finally opened in London.
The Telegraph's Harry Wallop stopped by the newly opened theme park that allows children to throw on figurative adult shoes and earn fantasy money by working in various careers. There is also an option to go to university, something that will garner better earnings.
Reading Wallop's firsthand account, it seems the 19th and latest KidZania location is something of a clever daycare where adults can leave their kids for a set amount of time to have fun and learn something of the adult world.
While children under seven are mandated to have an adult at all times, those older will set off into this universe sans mommies and daddies all on their own-each child is reportedly outfitted with a monitor parents can track.
Already we have images of kids coming home from KidZania, throwing their respective briefcase and suit jacket on the dinner table and pouring a stiff class of chocolate milk-the only way to unwind after a stressful day.
But the promotional video for the London installation highlights some rather entertaining attractions:
You can put your money in the bank to accrue interest! There is simply nothing that screams childhood like sensible financial decisions.
In all seriousness, there seems to be a great deal of substantial education occurring amid the frivolity.
London Evening Standard's Lizzie Edmonds spoke with teacher Ruth Gandhi who states, "The children learnt about life and the world in a way they just can't do in the classroom as there isn't much scope for learning through role play once you get past early learning years."
Although Gandhi did caution, "Some of our younger children found it a little overwhelming - but overall they were thrilled to be there."
Edmonds also spoke to 11-year-old Archie Elliot: "I want to be a doctor, so I loved the surgery session in the hospital. I tried taking out a liver and used all the equipment. Some of my friends thought it was a bit childish and a silly concept but I thought it was great and I learnt a lot."
Based on the kids Wallop spoke to, children seemed to like the place where a kid could be an adult.
So let's say you are visiting the area or are a parent who needs a couple hours to run errands. The new London location has its very own website, which delivers all the details you need.
Wallop explains the theme park is "next to the Marks & Spencer in the Westfield shopping centre, Shepherd's Bush."
Kids four to 14 years of age can get in for £28.00 with those younger gaining entry for £10.00. Adults who visit kid town will have to fork over £16.50.
Perhaps on the way home you can discuss the finer points of mom and dad's portfolio.
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