By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
From special character appearances to balloon animals, one local business is gearing up for their first weekend in style.
The Little Things Play Café, a Montessori-inspired play area and café, will host its grand opening celebration this Saturday and Sunday 1332 Hilltop Rd. Suite 1 in St. Joseph.
Owned by Berrien Springs residents Brittany and Erik Webb, the Little Things Play Cafe was envisioned as a space that promotes connection and support in the community, for both children and their caretakers.
During the grand opening weekend, the cafe will host costumed characters Elsa from Frozen and Spider-Man, as well as balloon animals and a toddler yoga demonstration.
“I think that will be a big hit with the kiddos,” said Brittany Webb. “Kind of a fun extra treat to get the whole family involved.”
Webb said the format of the café will consist of play periods separated by two hours throughout the day. An hour and 45 minutes of play time, followed by 15 minutes of clean up..
“That will allow us to clean and sanitize and reset the toys,” Webb said. “We want the next group of people to enter and enjoy an organized, refreshing space.”
The play area and café are socks only, so Webb said to make sure to dress accordingly. She also is encouraging parents to use their website to sign up in advance.
“Under the ‘play’ icon is where you can sign up for a pre-determined time slot for the weekend,” Webb said. “If you do that in advance, you’ll bypass the check-in process and sign the waiver online. It will be super streamlined, so when you enter the space, you won’t have to deal with the hassle and get right to the fun.”
The cost for one play session is $14 per child 6 months and older, with two free adults included with each paying child. $14 will be charged for any extra adults. Hours for the grand opening weekend will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Webb says the dates and times for Elsa, Spider-Man and the balloon animals are not yet set, and to check their website for that information.
