Much-loved Kidderminster soft play area Kidz Barn to close

Kidz Barn, which is located in the Steve Morris Building and is owned by Sam Grebby, will close its doors in January 2027.

Sam has owned the business since January 2017 and first opened its doors to the public in April 2017.

Following the death of her father earlier this year, a health scare, and an 'amalgamation' of other factors, Sam believes that now is the right time to step away from Kidz Barn.

"It's my time to go," Sam said.

"I want to leave on a high.

"We have built the business up over the past ten years, and it has been amazing, but my children are all grown up now and it is the right time."

Sam announced the impending closure of the Kidz Barn on social media and, in the days since the announcement, has received more than 100 comments from members of the public, many of whom thanked the soft play area for their 'caring and personal' care.

For Sam, this outpouring of love has been 'touching'.

She said: "It's weird because I do get imposter syndrome, and sometimes I don't necessarily see what we have done for people.

"You go about your business, but when you see the comments about how you changed and helped people, it has been so touching.

"I've got to be honest, I haven't read all of the comments because it made me so emotional."

After initially announcing that Kidz Barn would be closing in January, Sam says she is now exploring the possibility of selling the business to a new owner after being contacted by over 30 interested parties.

She said: "When I initially made the decision to step aside, I didn't think selling the business was an option that was on the table.

"I am really glad that it is now.

"We have had a lot of interest.

I have had over 30 people message me, so there seems to be a real interest out there from other people who are where I was 10 years ago.

"It's really positive, because I would like to see it continue.

"I'd love to hand it over to someone who has fresh ideas and has the zest for it."