Stacy Jackson, Launch Team member and Board Secretary

In March of 2017, I met up with around ten other people inside a Panera Bread in Canton, Ohio to discuss opening a place called GiGi’s Playhouse in our area.  Within just a few minutes of the meeting starting I was overcome with an excitement that is hard to explain.  Just a few miles away and 25 months later we are celebrating our Grand Opening of GiGi’s Playhouse, Canton!   

These last two years have been filled with hours upon hours of hard work by some of the most passionate people around, from parents who will do anything to provide the best for their children with Down syndrome to professionals in our community who genuinely have a heart to serve and be impactful.  Meet our team! (link to Our Team page) 

Come and celebrate with is us THIS Sunday, April 28th at 2:00!  We will have food trucks, music and entertainment, kids activities, and the opportunity to meet our founder and Chief Belief Officer, Nancy Gianna and her daughter, THE GiGi!  Nancy’s book, #GenerationG, will be available to be purchased and signed, as well! 

What you can expect after the Grand Opening! FREE purposeful Programming for all ages! 

Playhouse Open Hours May 1, 2019 – August 31, 2019 

• Mondays: Closed 
• Tuesdays: 9 -3:30 
• Wednesdays: 4-7pm 
• Thursdays: 9 -3:30pm (closed July 4th) 
• Fridays: 9-3:30pm (beginning May 10th) 
• Saturdays: 9 -1pm (closed May 25th) 
• Sundays: Closed 

Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our Playhouse as all of our programming and operations are more than 97% conducted by volunteers! We need YOU! Attend one of our volunteer orientation sessions to learn about the various opportunities and how to be the most impactful in the area you want to serve! 

Volunteer Orientation 

• Saturday, May 18th 9:30 – 11am 
• Thursday, June 6th 6 – 7:30pm 
• Thursday, July 11th 6 – 7:30pm 
• Thursday, August 1st 6 – 7:30pm 

Program Offerings: 

• Open Play (5-8 years old) Thursday, May 1st 6 – 7pm 
• Open Play (0-5 years old) Thursday, May 4th 10 – 11am 
• Open Play (8-12 years old) Tuesday, May 15th 6 – 7pm 
• Teen Karaoke Night (13-17 years old) Friday, May 3rd 6 – 7pm 
• Family Night, Friday, May 10th 6-8 pm & Friday, May 31st 6 – 8pm 
• Adult Karaoke Night (18+ years old) Friday, May 17th 6 – 8pm 
• Program Open House Meet & Greet, Saturday, June 15th 2-4 pm 

Ongoing Summer Program Sessions: 

Crawlers & Walkers – Focuses on the development of gross and fine motor skills through activities that are hands-on and fun! Social skills and language development will also be addressed, with focus on learning new words, following directions and interacting with peers. Recommended for 1-5-year-olds. 

Saturdays 10-11am, from June 22nd – Aug 3rd, break week of July 4th 

Playhouse Pals – Supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also supports gross motor skills through active games, as well as fine motor skills & self-help skills. Recommended for 5-8-year-olds.  

Mondays 6-8:30pm, from June 18th – July 30th, break week of July 4th 

Kids Club – Supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program will also support gross motor skills through active games, fine motor and self-help skills through meal/snack preparation and activities. Recommended for 8-12-year-olds. 

Mondays 6-8:30pm, from June 18th – July 30th, break week of July 4th 

Teen Tastic – Focuses on building social skills with friends without Down syndrome by participating in team-based activities in a casual and fun setting. Skill development includes understanding compromise, turn-taking and problem-solving abilities. Recommended for ages 13-17-year-olds. 

Friday, June 21st 6 – 8pm 

Friday, July 12th 6 – 8pm 

Friday, August 2nd, 6 – 8pm 

Fantastic Friends – A fun gathering to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community. Supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. All adults welcome from ages 18 and up. 

Friday, June 28th 6 – 8pm 

Guys: Friday, July 19th 6 – 8pm 

Girls: Friday, July 26th, 6 – 8pm 

Friday, August 9th, 6 – 8pm 

A huge thank you to all of our donors, our volunteers, and families!  Without all of you, none of this could be possible!