When you are driving towards Peachtree City on Georgia Hwy 54 your eye can’t help but be drawn to the colorful sign. It is yellow and purple and it reads “Linda’s Playhouse.” Down the driveway, you see what looks like an average white house, but it is what is on the inside that makes this house so special.

“Linda’s Playhouse,” founded by Peachtree City resident Melissa Kotch, is a non-profit children’s museum. It is named after Kotch’s aunt, Linda Bellamy, an artist, writer and philanthropist who passed away in 2005.

“She was such a warm, giving and compassionate soul, and my dream has been to honor her memory by making the world a better place” said Kotch. “I hope that our museum will do just that.”

Over a year and a half ago, Kotch had an idea to create a children’s museum in her honor and on Nov. 10 of this year, “Linda’s Playhouse” opened.

“The idea had been brewing around for awhile and then it just happened really fast, said Kotch. “It was fate.”

Kotch, who has a degree in art education, has a five year old son and is expecting another child in March. She and her family started the process of their children’s museum by researching what they liked in other children’s museums and what they could feasibly create. The first thing that Kotch wanted to be sure to do was create a place that was for kids and wouldn’t charge adults. In all of her research, Kotch believes she is the only children’s museum in the country that doesn’t charge admission to the parents. Admission is $5 per child and that’s it. Parents can even bring their own snacks.

Kotch stated that the location of Linda’s Playhouse is perfect. It was formerly a scrapbooking store and workshop and, aside from the exhibits they put in, nothing had to be added. It is roomy and brightly decorated. There is also some space in the backyard for some outdoor activities to be added in the future.

Linda’s Playhouse is geared towards children ages eight and under, although older kids who enjoy crafts have a great time in what is a very large arts and crafts room. In addition to a toddler room upstairs, there is a construction area, an area for dress up, a reading nook, a tea party room, a magnet wall, an interactive world map with a musical slide show and much more. There are also plans for one room to be a revolving international exhibit. Lots of things at Linda’s Playhouse were created thanks to donations of items such as fabric, children’s books, computers and more. Kotch is extremely grateful for the help she has received from visitors.

Linda’s Playhouse has also received a lot of great feedback and support since they opened their doors. Local Moms Clubs have been regulars at the museum and a number of day cares and camps have also spent time playing and creating.

There is open play every day at Linda’s Playhouse from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12-5 p.m. on Sunday. It is also a great destination for birthday parties, which can be held during operating hours on the weekend or after hours on weekdays.

While Linda’s Playhouse has wi-fi access, Kotch sees most parents playing right alongside their kids.

“It’s very cool to see them engage with their kids,” Kotch said, adding that the parents have offered a lot of input, made donations of items and even offered to volunteer.

Linda’s Playhouse is a very spacious place to play and Kotch is hoping to add some classes to the mix including art, pottery and possibly even, baby sign language.

Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. there is something new to do. Next Tuesday is Sensory Sensation day and children up to age three can play with shaving cream, cornstarch goop and more. On Monday, Jan. 26, children of all ages can learn about Australia Day and Chinese New year and on Jan. 27 children ages 3 and up can make a “Cat in the Hat” snack and enjoy storytime.

“We have room to grow and we’re just hoping to keep it fresh,” said Kotch.

Linda’s Playhouse is located at 1991 Hwy 54 West. Phone 770-487-1979 or visit www.lindasplayhouse.org for more information.

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