Tiny Town in Laphto Mall: Where Imagination Comes to Life

If you’re in Addis Ababa and looking for a playful, engaging experience for young children, Tiny Town in Laphto Mall is a true gem. Designed like a miniature city, this indoor playground invites kids into a world of make-believe where they can explore, create, and role-play to their hearts’ content.

Aimed primarily at children aged 1 to 6, Tiny Town is filled with tiny houses and themed play areas that let kids step into different roles — firefighter, gardener, shopkeeper, vet, builder, and more. On our recent visit with my 8-year-old and his 5-year-old twin cousins, we were greeted by a colorful, inviting space that instantly caught the boys’ attention.

We arrived during an off-peak hour and, to our surprise, had the whole place to ourselves for the first hour. While this gave us the chance to explore every area freely and at our own pace, we also realized how much kids benefit from the buzz of group play. Still, the boys made the most of it — especially the twins, who were full of enthusiasm as they dove into each themed zone.

The Favorites?

Unanimously, the firehouse, the gardening area, and the ice cream parlor topped the list. The boys loved dressing up and jumping into character. Beyond those, there were also some other charming zones: a construction site, a miniature supermarket, a vet’s office, a pretend restaurant, and a fun racetrack complete with cars they could “refuel.” Each setup offered different props and activities to keep curious hands busy and imaginations active.

Right in the center of the play area is a padded zone for very small children — perfect for crawling babies or toddlers — providing a safe, calm space away from the more active parts of the playground. This thoughtful detail made it clear that Tiny Town was designed with families in mind.

Another highlight is the costume section, which includes a mini stage and theater setup. While the costume selection is currently small, it’s clearly one of the most exciting parts for the kids. Hopefully, this section will grow over time to offer even more opportunities for pretend play.

And for the older kids — like my 8-year-old, who found the role-play areas fun but a bit young for him — the trampoline and small soccer field were great additions. They kept him active and entertained while the younger two immersed themselves in the little town.

Notes for Parents

Admission: Around 499 ETB for one adult and one child for a two-hour visit (April 2025). Discounts are available for groups or multiple kids, and the staff are open to custom packages.

Food & Drinks: Snacks like cotton candy and ice cream are sold inside. A full restaurant is located upstairs in Loft Mall, which makes a great spot to relax after playtime.

Atmosphere & Layout: Though the space is in a basement area with limited natural light, it’s clean, well-structured, and thoughtfully laid out. Two hours felt like the ideal visit length for us.

Safety Note: One thing to be aware of — the entrance gate to the play area opens directly into the shoe and refreshment zone, which is right next to the parking garage. It’s worth keeping an eye on little explorers who may head out for a drink or to grab their shoes.

A Screen-Free Space: One thing I truly appreciated was that Tiny Town is entirely screen-free. There are no arcade games, no flashing monitors, and no swipe-to-play card machines. Everything here encourages real interaction, imaginative play, and movement — a refreshing break from the digital noise that often surrounds us.

Final Thoughts

Tiny Town is a truly welcome addition to Addis — a space that inspires creativity, encourages role-playing, and gives children a sense of independence and wonder. It’s perfect for a playdate, a weekend outing, or even a birthday celebration (they offer party packages, too).

We’ll definitely be back — probably with a few more kids in tow, and likely during a busier time to enjoy the full energy of the space. For families looking for something new and imaginative in the city, Tiny Town is absolutely worth a visit.

Here is to more places like this blooming across Ethiopia!