Studio Grow Puts Down Roots in Blackhawk

Parents around the San Ramon Valley are excited to welcome Studio Grow, a popular children’s educational play center, that is opening a third location at Blackhawk Plaza on Monday.

Tom Limbert, who co-owns Studio Grow with his brother-in-law, Tim Alley, says they came to Danville because parents have repeatedly requested they open a location in the San Ramon Valley.

Alley says the idea for Studio Grow came out of his experiences caring for his young daughter. He took her to art, music, and gymnastics classes and more, every day. Each activity was in a different place, he says, for 45 minutes at a time.

He thought a place with play spots and classes in one location would appeal to  parents.

Alley had created a fun-packed time for school children in his summer  City Camps.  To make Studio Grow a reality, he got his brother-in-law, Tom Limbert, involved.

Limbert has a background in early childhood education and teaching experience at several university-based preschools.

Limbert and Alley combined their knowledge and experience to open Studio Grow in Berkeley in April 2005. A Concord Studio Grow opened in 2008.

Limbert says they are excited to open in Danville, which he calls a good fit because its parents value educational development.

Studio Grow is a fun place for kids 6 and younger with “carefully selected toys that encourage thinking and creativity,” Limbert said.

The Blackhawk Plaza location is different than the other sites because it's smaller, Alley says.

Instead of several rooms, there will be one large room, and it will share some of its space with Music Together and the Next Step Dance Studio.

There will not be a food and beverage service as at the other locations. However, admission is good for the day with in and out privileges.

Local moms who wanted to try Studio Grow but didn't want to drive to Concord or Berkeley are happy the studio's opening in Danville.

“I'm excited," says Larisa Somsel, of San Ramon. "I've wanted to go to both the Berkeley one and the Concord one but it always seemed just a little too far. I have a feeling we will be there a lot now.” 

Heather Congo of Diablo, a mom of three, including a baby, looks forward to taking her older kids, 2 and 4, to the newest Studio Grow.

“My kids are completely absorbed in creative play, artwork and exploration the entire time," Congo says. "It's hard to get them to leave."

Studio Grow is next to G.R. Doodlebug in Blackhawk Plaza. It will be open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays are available for birthday parties by reservation. Cost is $9 per child, 1 year and older, and $1 per adult. Discount tickets, monthly passes and season passes available for purchase. For more information, visit its website or call 925-648-7529.