A new kind of family entertainment centre has arrived in Aurora, blending play, technology and convenience in what its owners say is Canada’s first AI-powered family club.
Joyly Family Club has officially opened its doors, welcoming families to a multi-generational destination featuring a large indoor playground, nearly 20 arcade games, toddler play areas, birthday party rooms, a parents’ lounge, fitness classes, nail salon services and an AI-powered self-service restaurant.
“We’re officially open,” the company announced. “Joyly Family Club is now welcoming families to enjoy exciting play areas, next-level arcade games, fun activities and quality time together, all in one place.”
The concept was created by partners MH Kohanbaba, Mehrad Kohanbaba and Majid Janidarmian, who envisioned a space where parents can relax while children play safely.
“This playground is the first AI-based playground in Canada,” said co-owner MH Kohanbaba. “We tried to bring the highest quality with the highest possible technology for the first time in Canada, right here in Aurora.”
Unlike a traditional indoor playground, Joyly combines entertainment with technology designed to make family visits easier.
Among its signature features is an AI-powered child-location system available to annual members. Parents can use their smartphones to locate their children within the facility while they enjoy coffee in the lounge, attend a fitness class or receive services at the nail salon.
“The system will detect the face of your kids and only report it to your cellphone as a parent,” Kohanbaba explained. “Nobody else has access to your child, and once you leave our facility, all photos and facial data are permanently removed.”
Technology extends beyond the playground.
On the second floor, Joyly’s “Delight Zone” restaurant operates using an AI-powered, cashier-free system. Visitors scan a QR code, enter the space, select freshly prepared meals or snacks from the shelves, and the system automatically charges their registered payment method.
“We didn’t buy any of this technology,” Kohanbaba said. “Everything—from the website to the AI systems—was developed by our own technology company, Masterly.”
The facility also features electronic family lockers operated by wristbands, designated toddler play areas for children aged one to three, private event rooms and an emphasis on cleanliness.
“We want parents to have peace of mind while they’re spending their time here enjoying themselves,” he said. “Cleanliness and sanitization are extremely important to us. Nobody is allowed inside with outdoor shoes, and our staff clean the facility throughout the day.”
Kohanbaba, who immigrated to Canada from Iran in 2008 and now lives in Newmarket, said the idea grew from his own experiences as a parent searching for family-friendly spaces.
“I saw there was a need in our area,” he said. “We decided to create something unique where families could spend quality time together.”
“I’ve been an immigration consultant for many years and have helped more than 1,500 families come to Canada,” he said. “Building Joyly is another way for me to give back to the community by creating a place where families can spend quality time together in a safe, welcoming environment.”
To celebrate its opening, Joyly is offering 40 per cent off admission until Aug. 10. Customers who book birthday parties before the end of August will also receive a complimentary membership of six months to one year, depending on the package selected.
While Aurora is Joyly’s first location, Kohanbaba said expansion is already in the plans.
For now, however, the focus is on giving local families a place where children can play, parents can unwind and technology quietly works in the background to make every visit a little easier.
“We’re trying our best to provide the best service,” Kohanbaba said. “We hope the community will appreciate what we’ve built, and we look forward to welcoming families for many years to come.”
Joyly Family Club is located at 16 Mary St. in Aurora.
