Today we’d like to introduce you to Darci Hansford.
Hi Darci, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I opened Wildlings Play Place because I saw a need in our community and the surrounding areas for a place where caregivers could bring their children to play, learn social skills, and burn off energy while parents had a chance to relax, catch up on work, or connect with other adults. As a mom of young kids, it was exactly the kind of place I wanted and needed after the pandemic.
I also wanted to create something a little different. I envisioned a place where families weren’t rushed by time limits and where both kids and caregivers had great options for food and drinks. I wanted parents to actually enjoy being there instead of counting down the clock. Whether someone wanted to meet a friend for coffee, grab lunch, or simply let their kids play while they took a breath, Wildlings was designed to be that space.
Looking back two years later, it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch families build friendships, celebrate milestones, and make Wildlings part of their weekly routine.
Now we have 2 locations. We just took over Wippersnappers in Sandy, now Wildlings Sandy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. Building this business as a family has meant a lot of late nights, early mornings, and making sacrifices together. There are times when work doesn’t end at closing time, and balancing family life with running a growing business can be difficult.
Another challenge has been making sure we’re always listening to our customers and continuing to improve. We take feedback seriously because we want to create the best possible experience for families. That means constantly making adjustments, trying new ideas, and sometimes admitting when something isn’t working and changing it.
Keeping up with social media has also been a challenge. As a small business owner, you’re expected to wear so many hats, and staying active online while also running day-to-day operations can be tough. But it’s also one of the best ways we get to connect with our community, so it’s something we continue to prioritize.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Wildlings Play Place is more than an indoor playground,it’s a space intentionally designed for the entire family. We created Wildlings because we saw a need for a place where children could play, learn, and build social skills while caregivers could relax, enjoy quality food and drinks, get some work done, or connect with other adults.
What sets us apart is that we truly consider the caregiver experience alongside the child’s. We offer a full café with fresh food, specialty coffee, local beer, cider, and wine, comfortable seating, no time limits on play, memberships, events, and a welcoming environment where families are encouraged to stay and enjoy their time together instead of feeling rushed.
We’re also incredibly community-focused. From hosting birthday parties and playgroups to partnering with local businesses and organizations, our goal has always been to create a place where families feel like they belong. We often say we’re helping families “build their village,” and that’s at the heart of everything we do.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Wildlings has become a place people associate with connection, inclusion, and joy. Families celebrate milestones here, children make their first friends here, and caregivers build relationships that extend beyond our walls. That’s something you can’t manufacture,it’s something that’s grown because of the incredible community that has embraced us.
As we expand into our second location, our mission remains the same: to create beautiful, welcoming spaces where kids can thrive, caregivers feel supported, and every family leaves feeling a little more connected than when they arrived.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I definitely consider myself a risk-taker. Opening Wildlings was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. I went from being a teacher to staying home with my young children, and then decided to start a business from the ground up. I left the security of a predictable career path to invest in an idea that I believed our community truly needed, with no guarantees that it would succeed. It was scary, but I knew I would regret not trying more than I would regret failing.
That doesn’t mean I take reckless risks. I believe in doing the research, making a plan, and then having the courage to move forward even when the outcome isn’t certain. If you wait until everything feels completely safe, you’ll probably never start.
Looking back, every major opportunity has come with some level of risk. Even expanding to a second location happened much sooner than I expected, but it felt like the right opportunity at the right time. Growth requires stepping into the unknown, and I’ve learned that some of the most rewarding experiences come from being willing to bet on yourself.
For me, risk is really about believing in your vision enough to take action. I hope my daughters see that it’s okay to dream big, work hard, and take chances on something you truly believe in. Even if it’s difficult, there’s so much growth that comes from having the courage to try.
Pricing:
- $12 per child
- Under 2 $6
- First time $8
- $35 monthly membership additional children $20
- Under 2 over 12 free with sibling
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wildlingsoc@gmail.com
- Instagram: wildlings_oc
- Facebook: wildlings_oc
