Q&A: Diddalidoo Owners Looking to 'Ease the Stress' for Parents With Young Kids

Michael and Bernice Soon recently opened Diddalidoo on San Mateo Avenue to provide an indoor play center for families with young children. For the Soons, Diddalidoo is just the new kind of business downtown San Bruno needs because it caters to families and breaths new life into an area of the city that has struggled economically over the years. San Bruno Patch Editor Martin Ricard caught up with Michael Soon for a Q&A about the new business.

San Bruno Patch: Could you describe the concept behind Diddalidoo? 

Michael Soon: There are many challenges for parents with young children when going out. Our facility aims to ease the stress with nursing, feeding, playing, diaper changing and potty training. We aim to provide a safe, clean and relaxing environment for families with children 0 to 4 years old.  It is also a great place for parents to connect with other parents and learn from one another, where they can trade parenting tips and stories.    

San Bruno Patch: What made you all want to open a business in San Bruno?

Soon: Bernice grew up in San Bruno. San Bruno is where her roots are, so she is quite familiar with the area. 

San Bruno Patch: San Mateo Avenue is known for having a number of businesses that cater to families with kids. Did that influence your decision to move to the Avenue?

Soon: Absolutely.  We felt that being located on such a “kid-centric” avenue would not only benefit Diddalidoo but all the other local businesses and the community as well. 

San Bruno Patch: You've mentioned before that you all put in a lot of thought into the design of the play areas. Could you explain that a little more?

Soon: While we were planning Diddalidoo, we were in the midst of being new parents to our newborn son Jordan. We designed Diddalidoo with a baby conscious mind. We have a soft infant play area, where a baby can practice tummy time, which helps strengthen neck and back muscles so a baby can sit-up, pull-up, crawl, etc.  If the baby lost balance and took a tumble, the soft mats would cushion and protect the baby. 

Our open play area has a variety of soft, wooden and musical toys for babies’ sensory stimulation and enjoyment.   

Having a nursing room was a must for us. As a nursing mother, Bernice felt that having an option to nurse in a comfortable, quiet, private room was important. 

Then we thought ahead to when Jordan would become a toddler and big brother. We thought of things that we might need for that time in our lives.  We installed a child size potty in the restroom to help support potty training.  We also have step stools for the hand sinks so the little ones can reach the faucets.  

The play structure has two levels: the first level is perfect for babies to crawl and stumble through the maze of vertical bags, buoy balls and wash rollers.  The entrance to the upper level starts off moonscape ramps to help develop muscle stability and balance. The various obstacles from there are great for toddlers to climb, maneuver, and toddle around. Eventually, the parents and tots end up in the big ball room where they can bounce off giant exercise balls while having a bird’s eye view of our play center.  

San Bruno Patch: What's the reception been so far about Diddalidoo?

Soon: Diddalidoo has received a tremendous amount of positive feedback, support and encouragement. Countless families have thanked us for opening Diddalidoo because, unlike many of the other play centers, we are geared for the 0- to 4-year-olds.  Families are happy that their babies are protected from the bigger kids at the park or at other play centers. Parents also appreciate the amount of effort we put into keeping our facility pristine clean.  

Diddalidoo is located at 544 San Mateo Ave. For more information, visit www.diddalidoo.com. 

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