The Alternative Press

ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, NJ – There were oodles of smiles on Sunday, as children and their parents alike enjoyed fun, food, and festivities at the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for Chuckle Time in Andover Township.

“We’d like to welcome you to Andover Township,” said Andover Township Mayor Michael Lensak who, in the spirit of the occasion, ended up kneeling under the facility’s smiling clock logo, and to the height of the children around him.

The children held the multi-colored ribbon, twirling it around themselves, then held it taut momentarily so Lensak could cut it, and before they played with the ribbon pieces once again.

The ribbon was not the only item that kept the children occupied. The kids could shop in Chuckle Time’s grocery store, picking up colorful play apples, or bananas, or grab boxes of their favorite cereals, or crackers, right off the shelves and put into their carts, before being rung up.

Visiting children and their parents could also eat at the “diner,” a retro-style playroom, complete with checkered tile flooring, countertops, stools, streamlined appliances, and play foods that could be “prepared” from scratch, catered to the players’ imaginations.

And then there are the boys’ and girl’s rooms; the boys can play at the train table, or with blocks, cars, dinosaurs, and more; and, the girls can have tea parties with Chuckle Time’s resident baby dolls.

The centerpiece of the facility is the three-story play tower, where kids could climb, slide, or peek out of nets, and tubes.

While the kids play, parents can play and interact with their children, or, sit and watch them from any angle within the massive main playroom. The facility offers Wi-Fi, and TV. Chuckle Time’s owners, Dawn and George Hudock, said parents often come with their Kindles and Nooks.

At the grand opening, Chuckle Time raffled off a Nook.

Chuckle Time officially opened up on June 19, and was a 2012 New Business Award Nominee with the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership. (Click here for the story about Economic Development Partnership Awards in The Alternative Press).

“We were very happy we were nominated, and we were only open two or three months,” said Dawn Hudock. “Someone really liked our place.”

Chuckle Time is open Tuesdays through Sundays, and “Open Play” during the week. Chuckle Time is catered for children from crawling age to approximately age 8. Typically, the facility is reserved for birthday parties over the weekends, but there may be open play at the same time. Families can bring lunch, and Chuckle Time’s vending machine is stocked with healthy snacks.

Parents pay a flat fee per child to play at Chuckle Time, and there is a “Loyalty Club” for regulars. There are also discounts for groups, such as Moms’ Clubs.

Nisha Kash of Byram regularly brings daughter Brianna, age 3, to Chuckle Time, and attended the grand opening event.

“It’s small, she loves it, it’s clean, I love it,” said Kash of Chuckle Time.

Francine Scocea, George and Dawn Hudock’s aunt, came for the grand opening event from Central Florida.

“I just want to wish them congratulations,” Scocea said. “They are doing a great job. They’re going out of their way to make people feel special.”

“You have a great place here,” Lensak said. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have a vibrant business coming to Andover Township. I wish my daughter was young enough to enjoy it. It makes the town a better place.”

Chuckle Time is located at 64 Stickles Pond Road, next to Scwan’s. Their telephone is: (973) 300-0455. Click here for Chuckle Time’s Facebook Page.