BRUNSWICK

I n the heart of Brunswick lies a hidden treasure, complete with a pirate ship, called The Rumpus Room. “It’s a great place for kids to get their sillies out,” says Kara Dowling, who owns the business along with her husband, Alan Nahrstadt.

Are you the parent of a child between zero and 6 years of age? Would you like a place to go where you can let your kids play, while socializing with other adults, in a safe, climate-controlled environment?

The Rumpus Room should be your destination. It’s a fun, indoor play place for kids and parents alike, full of toys geared to inspire imaginative and active play such as a train table, a (clean) ball pit, a kitchen set, a doll house, and even a bounce house.

“My favorite part of owning The Rumpus Room is the socializing with all the people I get to meet. My boys, Luc and Dusty, have met many kids who have become their close friends. There are so many great families who come here from near and far (even as far away as Sweden),” said Dowling.

Dowling purchased The Rumpus Room in April 2012 and has since enhanced and developed the original idea. “One of the first things we did was to enforce a socks-only policy, which helps keep the play space clean and sanitary,” she said.

Since taking over, Dowling has added new toys, equipment and decorations, as well as chimes on all the outside doors for security purposes. Having a law enforcement background, she is very safety conscious. “No adult can enter here without a child unless it’s for a very specific reason. Also, every time an outside door opens a chime goes off, so we know when people are coming and going. Ultimately, I feel that I have responsibility for all the kids in here and I take that job very seriously,” Dowling said.

Soon, The Rumpus Room will be expanding by an additional 800 square feet. “Once we add the additional space we will be able to have a designated party room, which will allow for extended open play hours on weekends. Currently, we have to close if we are hosting a birthday party,” she said. The Rumpus Room is currently available for private parties after hours and on weekends.

In order to add equipment and toys to the new addition, Dowling plans to have a fundraising event in the near future. “This will be a huge endeavor for us, but also a very exciting one,” said Dowling. She is hoping to open the new space within the next few months.

Families are welcome to bring in outside food, or they can purchase healthy snacks, coffee, tea, water, juice boxes and milk. “Especially with our new extended hours on Mondays and Fridays (open until 6 p.m.), we hope parents will be able to bring dinner along with their kids and enjoy it here,” she said.

Currently, they have a large following on Facebook and she urges everyone to “Like” them there. Facebook is where most of their announcements and special event bulletins are posted. They also have a website (www.rumpus-room.com) which will soon be updated and subsequently relaunched. “Mostly, we depend on parents and caregivers to spread the word about this place,” she said.

Conveniently located right off Maine Street at 9 Cumberland St., a part of Senter Place, The Rumpus Room is easy to find. You simply pay as you play, depending on how long you would like to stay. They also offer various membership options, such as punch cards and annual passes, as well as gift cards, which make the perfect present for all occasions.

The Rumpus Room hosts several special events throughout the year, like holiday parties, magic shows, concerts, and even live animal shows.

Their hours are: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday hours vary based on party schedule (check Facebook or website for details).

THE TELEPHONE NUMBER is (207) 729-0123.

¦ UPCOMING EVENTS at The Rumpus Room:

— Scholastic Book Fair, Friday, Dec. 6 through Dec. 18. Buy one, get one free. Preschool-level books, with a larger selection available online.

— Check their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/therumpusroom) for upcoming events such as Parent’s Night Out and the annual Christmas Party.

¦ THEIR HOURS are: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday hours vary based on party schedule (check Facebook or website for details).