What’s the Hype Behind Imaginology Kids? 

Everything at Imaginology is based on STEM-powered play. Kids learn to problem solve, experiment, invent, and observe in a natural setting, with the owner and found Vivian Belmont there to help guide them along. Vivan is a magic worker. She believes that kids need a dedicated space for hands-on play that engages the senses and sparks the imagination and uses concepts that I’ve noted in Montessori-type preschools and nature-based play classes like Tinkergarten. 

You won’t see any screens at Imaginology Kids. You also won’t see flashing lights (well, except for in the light lab… more on that later), loud, beeping machines, or anything tacky, obnoxious, or overly stimulating. There are no germy ball pits. No giant foam objects. No mini-carousels. No blasting KidzBop music. 

If you are looking for a raucous playspace with all the blinking bells and whistles, this isn’t going to be the right pick for you. But if you want to watch your kids come alive with curiosity in a relaxing environment—Imaginology Kids is where it’s at. 

I’ll confess, the playspace is wedged into a mini-mall off of Sunset Blvd., and from the outside, it isn’t all that impressive. Imaginology Kids has a cracked storefront sign and several entrances. I was slightly intimidated when I arrived, wondering if I was in the right place. But head in, and you may be pleasantly surprised like I was. 

The Front Room 

When you first walk into Imaginology Kids, the room is almost underwhelming—some decorative rugs, rain gutters, rubber track, wooden balls, stuffed animals and puppets, picture books, scarves, and other materials strewn across the floor. We stored our shoes in cubbies (Imaginology is shoe-free) and moved into the space to explore. 

Within minutes, my five-year-old had taken a rubber track and stacked it up on ladders, stools, and bean bags to create a ball track. My eight-year-old plugged in multiple portable fans and experimented with wind as he blew scarves through the air. My three-year-old was stacking cork blocks and watching them fall. I watched the staff expertly rearrange materials when kids left them behind so there was “something new” to explore when they ran by again.

The Light Lab 

Shortly after we arrived, Vivian invited us to check out the light lab. This room is outrigged with lights of multiple colors and shades, along with light tables and mirrors. She dimmed the lights and my daughter explored the translucent Magna-Tiles reflecting the light. My son held a beveled plastic bowl up to the wall and shone a flashlight in it, causing a pattern to bloom. The kids experimented with light in complete wonderment. 

The Toddler Room 

When we first arrived, my littlest was timid. There were a lot of kids, enjoying a day at YOU'VE GOT TO MOVE IT MOVE IT day camp. She remained in the crook of my arm for the better part of an hour. 

Then, Vivian escorted us over to the toddler room. Felt balls and other materials littered the floor, along with about a dozen, empty, lime-green jugs. She handed one to my daughter and encouraged her to find materials and drop them inside. 

My daughter reached for a blue felt ball and dropped it in. Her face lit up. She moved a foot away from me. Then two. Then three. Within minutes she was busy as a bee, toddling around to find materials to place in her jug. 

The Water Lab 

The kids donned wetsuits outside the gated area covered in non-slip tile and rubber mats. Dog-leg spigots in the wall dispensed lukewarm water at the touch of a lever, and it’s okay to spill, splash, and experiment in this water lab. My daughter grabbed a plastic turtle and several cups and bowls, while other kids poured water down pieces of plastic rain gutter. There was a lot of pouring, splashing, and playing followed by tons of giggles, and truthfully, I had to drag my 18-month-old out (sopping wet, I might add). 

Imaginology Kids as a Preschool Alternative 

Imaginology Kids is not currently licensed as an official preschool, but they offer a program known as a “preschool alternative.” Vivian’s style is similar to Montessori, and kids attending the “preschool alternative” here are sure to grow and learn just like those enrolled in actual preschool. 

Imaginology Kids as a Day Camp 

In the summer, Imaginology shines as a drop-off day camp for children and toddlers. Kids can enjoy all Imaginology offers from 9am-3pm daily. Parents can pay by the day or by the week. A camp was in session when we had our visit, and the kids were having a blast moving from activity to activity on an intentional and structured schedule. 

Imaginology Kids as a Birthday Party Space 

If you’re planning a party for your little one, Imaginology Kids should be on your list. Private parties include a celebration room and two hours in the labs. Staff are on site to help move the party along, so parents can relax and enjoy the fun.

All in all, Imaginology Kids is definitely worth a visit. As a mom, watching Vivian creatively and expertly teach the kids to learn through play was inspiring. It doesn’t always have to be iPads or insanely colored rooms of slides and climbing structures—kids can thrive in an environment with the right tools and a bit of encouragement. 

What to Know Before You Go to Imaginology Kids

• Hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm
• They offer monthly memberships, preschool alternatives, birthday parties, and free play time. 
• There's easy parking right outside the playspace.
• Find out more at imaginologykids.org

All photos by author Kylie Williams