Play Panda: Where Play Comes Before Screens

HEMA SINGULURI | Hyderabad 

In a city where children increasingly grow up surrounded by screens, finding a place that encourages them to move, touch, build, imagine and play is becoming unusual. In Bandlaguda Jagir, Hyderabad, Play Panda is creating such a space across 10,000 sq. ft., designed around curiosity rather than digital entertainment.

Founded by former software professionals Sreeja Ganta and Thanmai Nareddy, Play Panda is a screen-free indoor play zone and birthday venue featuring nine themed play worlds, a party hall, food court and workstation for parents.

A different approach to indoor play

After leaving their corporate careers, Sreeja and Thanmai wanted to create an alternative to noisy entertainment centres. Sreeja’s nearly decade-long experience in wireless and Bluetooth technologies brought an emphasis on engineering and quality, while Thanmai’s software background and experience as a mother shaped the focus on children and families.

Nine worlds, nine ways to play

The nine zones offer different forms of exploration. Tiny Trails caters to toddlers, while Bubble Pond offers sensory play. Little Engineers encourages building and rebuilding. Happy Farm combines farming and market role-play, while Mini Garage lets children play mechanic. The Water Zone encourages pouring and splashing. Little Explorers promotes discovery, Cute Climbers builds confidence through physical activity, and DollHouse encourages storytelling and imaginative play.

The zones cater to different personalities and ages, allowing siblings to enjoy varied experiences together.

Learning through play

Play Panda’s supermarket, construction site, garage, farm and dollhouse activities help children develop patience, discipline, teamwork, social skills, time management and problem-solving. Children learn to wait their turn, cooperate and learn from others. Toddlers below two have a dedicated space with puzzles, eye-level boards and age-appropriate toys.

A physical answer to screen time

The founders believe children today have fewer opportunities for physical activity. Play Panda encourages climbing, crawling, running, digging, building and water play. Safety features include protective mats, soft flooring, age-appropriate equipment, supervised zones, controlled entry and first-aid support. Daily sanitisation and regular deep cleaning are also followed.

Parents matter too

A workstation provides free Wi-Fi, coffee, seating and clear sightlines, allowing parents to work or relax while children play. The food court offers snacks and meals for both children and adults. The venue also hopes to foster a community through playdates and parent interactions.

Birthdays with more play

Its dedicated party hall offers décor, food and access to all nine zones. Packages include a coordinator, themed e-invites and a three-hour celebration, allowing children to continue playing instead of simply waiting after the cake-cutting.

For the founders, one of the biggest challenges was creating an environment that was stimulating without becoming overwhelming, including carefully selecting colours that were neither too bright nor too dull.