USA: KidZania Conquers America

In line with the continuing global trend of creating new edutainment offers, the Mexican KidZania label recently announced to open its first facilities in the USA in 2018 and 2019. Children aged 4-14 years can already look forward to entertaining role plays in a recreated “adults’ world”, where they can try out many different professions and careers (we reported on this in EAP, 1/08). The upcoming KidZania locations can be found in shopping centers of the GGP Inc. real estate company in the greater areas of Dallas and Chicago. “Customers want new, innovative options at regional shopping centers,” said Sandeep Mathrani, CEO of GGP. “We’ve embraced working with KidZania for their remarkable concept that aligns with our mission to provide an outstanding environment and experience that customers have come to expect from us,” he added.

Keith Rubenstein, acting CEO of KidZania USA, is looking forward to the cooperation: “[…] We look forward to bringing this innovative learning experience to families and educators in Dallas and Chicago and expanding to around 20 other major cities in the near future,” he said. Also, each KidZania center is designed in the style of the city, where it is located. Local companies sponsor famous landmarks and businesses to make the experience for kids as authentic as possible.

The KidZania label, which was founded in 1999 by entrepreneur Xavier Lopez Ancona, currently has 24 edutainment facilities in 19 countries, e.g. in London (c.f. EAP news from June 25^th, 2015) and Lisbon (c.f. EAP news from November 5^th, 2009). In addition to this, nine KidZania centers are currently under construction. A similar concept is offered with KidzMondo (from Kidz Holding), which is mainly present in the Arab countries to date (c.f. EAP news from May 2^nd, 2016). (eap)