Innovative, Cheerful Indoor “Play and Stay” Opens in Scottsdale
Local Mom Creates Relaxed Space for Parents First with a Fun Children’s Play Area Second
Play and Stay is a brand new concept of an indoor play space and brainchild of Danielle Huppler, a mom of three. “After waiting 15 years for someone to build my idea, I decided to finally create it!” says Huppler.
Located at The Pavilions west of the Loop 101 and Talking Stick Way (formerly Indian Bend Road) in Scottsdale, this 5,000 square-foot modern and bright indoor play area and party room are designed for children six years and under. The Grand Opening to the public kicks off at 9 am, Saturday, January 27, 2024, with special activities for the children including a balloon artist and magician. In addition to taking part in the festivities of the day, new and existing members will also be signed up to win a free one-month membership, if the raffle winner is a current member, they will receive a free 1 month credit on their account.
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Play and Stay, with a maximum capacity of nearly 200 people, boasts ample café-style seating and comfortable lounge conversation areas encircling the play area. The cheery space invites parents, grandparents and caregivers to recharge, socialize, catch up on work, or just take a much-needed breather while their children are having fun, learning and experiencing activities they may not have at home.
Safety and cleanliness are top priorities at Play and Stay; the custom-designed play structure and interactive toy stations are at the center of the spacious area, all contained within a child-height-friendly white picket fence. Trained and caring “Play Leader” staff are also inside the play area to help monitor safety, assist in climbing and building, and to engage with children as an extra set of eyes and hands so caregivers can relax. Real-time cameras and monitors are tastefully placed throughout so children are always in view.
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“My first daughter, Ava, was my inspiration for designing a contained play area. She was my playground runaway,” Huppler chuckles. “Today, as a young adult, she’s working alongside me in opening Play and Stay.”
With two additional daughters under seven years old, Huppler researched and designed the play area to foster curiosity, creativity, independence, improve social and fine motor skills, and above all, to have fun. In addition to the main play area, there are two designated areas for infants and toddlers. Snacks are available for purchase and caregivers can also bring home-prepared snacks for themselves and their children.
Most unique to Play and Stay is having an Activity Director on staff, a certified pre-school teacher who will lead children in fun, structured daily activities as part of the admission. Activities include music and movement, crafts, sensory activities (such as playdough) and story time. Classes will be held Monday-Friday from 9 am to 1 pm with breaks in between. The classroom will be transformed into a pint-sized party central as birthday packages are available on weekends. Staffers will set up the space with special celebration plates, cups with lids and straws, napkins and a child-friendly balloon for each young guest up to 20 children.
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“Caring for our children fills our hearts but can also be physically tiring. We want caregivers to walk in, take a deep breath and relax,” assures Huppler. “Let us be your helpers so you can recharge to better care for yourself and those you love. We’re so excited to welcome families!”
Admission for one child ranges from $25 for a one-day visit to approximately $3 a day for a pre-paid annual membership with a bonus of receiving three additional months free for a total of 15 months for the price of a one-year membership. In honor of the grand opening, Play and Stay is waiving the one-time $40 registration fee until February 3, 2024. Families with multiple children in the same household receive a discount with each additional child. Infants three months and under are free of charge with some restrictions.
Play and Stay is in The Pavilions at Talking Stick shopping center at 9159 East Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale. For more information on hours, membership pricing, activities, and birthday parties, please visit www.PlayandStayAZ.com. You can follow them on Instagram @play_and_stayaz.
