Imagine a space where children can move freely… A world where parents can also find a moment to breathe and where beautifully curated birthday parties come to life. Opened in February in Etiler, Joyo Kids Club stands out with its child-centered approach while also offering mothers a safe and relaxing environment. We spoke with Burcu Gençoğlu, the mind behind this multi-layered experience space, about both her career journey and Joyo Kids Club.

Having spent many years in executive roles within the medical aesthetics sector, Burcu Gençoğlu’s path crossed with the world of events through organizing her daughter’s birthday parties. What began with Minty Event gradually evolved into a partnership as her interest in the creative side of the business grew. A recurring challenge during event planning led to a new idea: the need for a high-quality, comprehensive event space designed specifically for children. After a long period of preparation, this idea came to life as Joyo Kids Club.

What was the turning point that led you to focus on a child-centered space?
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in different fields, but the quality of what I do has always been very important to me. As the medical aesthetics sector grew, I felt it was simultaneously losing value, which made me want to step away. Through organizing my daughter’s birthday parties, I met Minty Event. The design process there, in particular, really excited me. However, we consistently faced the same problem while organizing events: there was no suitable venue. Either the spaces were inadequate or the experiences offered were too ordinary. This gap pushed us to create our own space.

What kind of perspective guided you while designing Joyo Kids Club?
From the very beginning, we placed children at the center. We wanted to create a world where they truly feel they belong—a space designed according to their scale. In everyday life, children are usually the ones who have to adapt to spaces. We reversed that concept. Here, adults are the guests in their world.

What kind of experience do you offer for parents?
I know that many mothers cannot fully relax mentally, even while their children are playing. They constantly feel the need to check on them. We wanted to eliminate that anxiety. A mother sitting upstairs, enjoying her coffee, knowing her child is safe… That sense of trust is the foundation of what we built. With screen monitoring, controlled spaces, and team support, mothers can truly relax.

Can you tell us about the physical structure of Joyo Kids Club and the spaces it offers?
We have over 1,000 square meters of indoor space and around 300 square meters of outdoor area, including a garden. Inside, there are birthday party rooms, a restaurant, a shop, and free-play zones. Each area operates independently, and children can spend hours here. We also have the capacity to host multiple birthday parties simultaneously.

How do you ensure children’s safety?
We use a QR code system at the entrance. Children enter with wristbands, and parents are given matching cards. This ensures that children can only leave with the correct person. Additionally, families can monitor their children in real time via screens upstairs. We are also very meticulous about hygiene; special socks are required in the play area, and all spaces are cleaned regularly.

How do birthday events take place at Joyo?
Parties are organized in scheduled sessions, and during that time, the entire space is exclusively reserved for the birthday group. This offers families a much more private experience. Minty Event handles the decorations, while we provide the venue, catering, and play areas. Families can also add extra activities if they wish. The entire process is fully customizable.

Which areas attract children the most?
Our farm and market areas are particularly popular. Children experience a small simulation of real life there, shopping, preparing food, taking care of animals… These spaces allow them to both have fun and learn.

How did you approach the selection process for the shop?
I personally selected all the products. As a mother, I aimed for the level of quality I would want to see myself. My daughter’s opinions were also very valuable during this process. My goal was to offer products that go beyond ordinary toys, items that truly provide an experience.

What kind of feedback have you received since the opening?
We’ve received very positive feedback. I see this place as my fourth child, I’m a mother of three and I truly embrace Joyo Kids Club like a child of my own. Most of our visitors say, “I feel like I’m in Dubai’s Boo Boo Land or Miami’s Children’s Museum.” Hearing that makes me very happy. Our farm and market sections are almost identical to those at the Miami Children’s Museum, aside from the size difference. These are globally recognized places. People often say, “We really needed a place like this.” That was exactly our goal.

What do you think is the most distinctive aspect of Joyo Kids Club?
That we’ve truly created a world tailored to children. Everything here is designed according to their needs.

What motivates you in your entrepreneurial journey?
Working with the right team. Being strong on your own is not enough. A good team always keeps you standing.

How do you maintain your energy?
I love what I do. For me, this is not just a job, it’s something I’m deeply passionate about.

What are your plans for the future?
I want to bring different versions of Joyo Kids Club to life. The world of children is vast, and there are so many areas to explore.