If the shuttering of My Urban Toddler in Saline had you scrambling for a new play date destination, look no further than the new Metropolitan Play Place – housed in the same building.
Technically the Metropolitan Speech, Sensory & ABA Center, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill jungle gym. The center is an offshoot of the Dearborn Speech & Sensory Center, Inc., founded by speech language pathologist Lori Shaffer in 2001.
Its goal is to provide “play and entertainment to all children,” Shaffer says, “and a safe space to have a special celebration for a child in your family.”
Look for some familiar features, including playrooms themed like a firehouse, schoolhouse, kitchen, theater, market, café and library. New additions include a Montessori award-winning play area, large rental space and, of course, special therapy services for children with disabilities.
Shaffer says that there’s something for every child from birth to 10 years old, including a special “metro park” in the middle of it all for little ones. “Infants can crawl and climb in a safe area and not be bothered by older children.” Plus parents can get involved with mom-and-tot classes, massage therapy and yoga.
For kids with special needs, the center also offers speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and applied behavior analysis therapists. Insurances like Blue Cross Blue Shield are accepted.
Metropolitan Speech, Sensory & Aba Center Of Saline
- Address: 7025 E. Michigan Ave., Suite J
- Phone: 313-278-4601
- Hours: Open play is 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday
- Cost: $10-$12/one session, $50-$52/10-session pass