Amanda Justus knows the struggle of child care when both parents work.

“I have two children, so I know,” Justus said. “My husband and I always work different shifts and I was always like ‘why can’t there be somewhere, a daycare, that’s hourly.’”

So Justus decided to open one herself.

  • KidsPark caters to parents who need childcare on an hourly basis
  • The Wesley Chapel location is located at 26240 Golden Maple Road
  • Hourly vary, but generally stay open until 10 p.m. or midnight

A microbiologist by trade, she bought a franchise of KidsPark and opened one up in Wesley Chapel at 26240 Golden Maple Road. It’s the only KidsPark on this side of the state, with two more located in Jacksonville.

According to Justus, what sets KidsPark apart from other daycare centers is its flexibility.

“Life doesn’t always happen in eight hour blocks,” she said. “The hourly rate is only $7.75 an hour. So it’s cheaper than a babysitter, cheaper than a traditional daycare, more flexible.”

Jose Gonzalez lives in the area and couldn’t wait for KidsPark to open.

“We’ve been waiting a while for this to open,” Gonzalez said. “This area needs it.”

Gonzalez has two small children, Isla and Christian. He said all-day daycare doesn’t always fit into their schedule or budget.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average cost of child care for a 4-year-old in Florida is more than $600 a month. Many families can’t afford that. Others don’t actually need their child in daycare all day, but are still paying for the large block of time regardless.

“Daycare can get really expensive,” continued Gonzalez. “Isla, she’s in daycare Monday through Friday. But being able to take a day, I can pull her out (of daycare), save some money and go do errands for a couple of hours.”

KidsPark is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.to 10 p.m. On Fridays the hours at 8 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Justus said they will have special extended hours during holidays. They also have PreSchool and VPK programs available.

You can register online or in person. Call (813) 618-3823 for more information.

KidsPark Tampa has also partnered with local businesses to give discounts and offer childcare services during spa visits.