Local Hidden Gems

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Kids Landing Playcare, a Local Family Adventure Worth Discovering

If you haven’t explored Kids Landing Playcare, the Eastern Shore’s newest “port” for adventure and imagination, it’s time you buckled the family up and head over to 115 Sallitt Drive, Ste D in Stevensville. Children are invited to climb aboard custom-built fishing boats to explore the Chesapeake Bay-themed fishing village along with many ways for children to enjoy this unique play area, designed to spark wonder and laughter. Here’s a brief idea of what you will find.

Cruise & Play – 90 minutes of open play in the Kids Landing Village with hands-on learning using immersive exhibits where families and the little mates can embark on adventures together. Cruise Pass memberships are available: 5 Cruise Pass $68; 10 Cruise Pass $128.

No Wake Zone – Play dates for ages 3 and under, 9-10:30am. $15.

Parents Night Out – Scheduled to coincide with celebration days

The Party Deck – Kids Landing offers three difference packages to celebrate birthdays. Each is designed for up to 15 children with the option of adding additional children at an extra fee.

Co-working Desk – Book 2- or 3-hour blocks ($40-$55) in the dedicated co-working space, complete with WIFI and a complimentary coffee and tea bar, while your children explore in a supervised play area. 

ABA Services – Kids Landing licensed Applied Behavioral therapists provide exceptional service through center-based ABA and social groups.

Memberships – Join Kids Landing with a membership plan. One-child and family monthly and annual plans are available

Whether it is a quick drop-in, a birthday party or a full day of fun, Kids Landing is your family’s go-to harbor on the Eastern Shore for play with purpose. Check the online calendar for specific dates for the No Wake Zone and Parents Night Out. Visit https://www.kidslanding-playcare.com/ to learn about all the options available to you and your child(ren) for a fun and relaxing play day.

Owner Amberly Kuebel shares just what makes Kids Landing Playcare worth a visit:

When did Kids Landing Playcare open? What gave you the idea for the venture?  Kids Landing opened in late November 2024. Originally, I planned to open a daycare center to offer more play-based and individualized learning experiences. When I wasn’t able to secure a location for a daycare, I realized that a play museum could be a wonderful way to serve the community. It also created the opportunity to provide ABA services in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

How did you decide on the theme for Kids Landing? The theme is inspired by my own childhood, along with my experiences raising my children around the Chesapeake Bay. Boating, fishing, crabbing, and hunting are traditions that bring families together and can be shared across multiple generations, and those meaningful connections are reflected throughout Kids Landing. It’s been heartwarming to see how the families play together in the waterfront village. It brings back so many memories!

What is your background, and how did that help with developing and implementing the idea? I was an early childhood educator for 15 years, during which time I began noticing an increase in students with developmental delays and challenging behaviors in the classroom. Wanting more tools to better support all learners, I returned to school to study Applied Behavior Analysis. I later became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), working closely with children diagnosed with Autism.

This experience inspired me to create a center that is inclusive of all children… those with and without diagnoses… and adaptable to different learning styles. My background in both early childhood education and behavior analysis helped me develop and implement a model that supports children where they are while encouraging growth through play-based, individualized learning.

What qualifications and training do your staff members have? All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified and have completed sensory training. Most staff hold 90-hour Early Childhood certifications and/or are Registered Behavior Technicians. Above all, each team member shares a genuine passion for helping children grow and reach their full potential.

How are you different from other nurseries? While we are not a daycare, we do offer co-working sessions where parents can book 2- or 3-hour blocks in our dedicated co-working space. Caregivers can enjoy WiFi and a complimentary coffee and tea bar while their little ones explore and play in our supervised play area.

What are your plans for the future? Kids Landing is excited to continue expanding the services we offer to better support children and families in our community. We have partnered with Uniquely Designed ABA and Early Intervention Services to provide in-center ABA services at Kids Landing.

In addition, Kids Landing has partnered with A Bridge to Opportunity Foundation to offer specialized supports for families, including respite services and other community-based resources. These partnerships allow us to grow in a way that remains inclusive, family-centered, and responsive to the needs of our community.

What do you do for fun when not working with Kids Landing Playcare? I enjoy spending time with friends over coffee and taking walks around the neighborhood. During the warmer months, you’ll often find me boating, fishing, or relaxing by the marina pool… anything that lets me enjoy the water and unwind.