Firefly Play Café opened its doors today and it couldn’t have been too soon for many moms and dads out there. Owners Karen Reider and Chrissy Kilroe have brought a community café designed for caregivers and children to Columbus. This is the first of its kind in Central Ohio.
“I was in LA with my kids and went to a modern play space where moms were having conversations with their friends and drinking coffee. Their kids just played! I thought Columbus needs a place like this,” said Karen.
Karen and Chrissy have designed a modern community-focused play space where kids can run, ride on scooters, bounce, pretend play, and climb all while mom or dad has a cup of joe and catches up with friends or email. Offering Café Brioso coffee, free wifi, and entertainment for the kids, Firefly Play Café is sure to be a hit among the parent crowd.
Located on High Street in Beechwold, the organic space was designed ‘with a conscience’. All materials used are environmentally friendly and the toys were chosen with children’s safety and desire for fun in mind. Lots of windows and light colored walls make the space happy, bright, and comfortable. The café has a playhouse, a play gym, toys, little scooters, and even a bounce house enticing children to play as soon as they walk in the door. Karen mentioned they purposely kept toys to a minimum because “we want kids to use their imaginations by offering a space with low stimulation.” There is plenty of seating for adults and a bar that serves coffee, tea, and snacks for kids (sometimes even the most organized mom forgets the snacks). Also, take advantage of the warm months in Ohio by hanging out on their charming back patio filled with plants and comfy chairs.
Firefly Play Café is located at 4822 N. High Street and will be open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1p.m. for playtime. The cost for all day play is $5 for the first child 2 and up, and $3 for each additional sibling 2 and up. Details for 3 month, 6 month, and one year memberships are in the works. Saturday afternoons and Sundays Firefly Play Café will be available for booking private birthday parties and during the evenings for meetings for groups such as non-profit organizations. Parking is easy – there is a lot behind the building and plenty of off-street parking. There is even a bus stop directly in front (Morse and High).
Firefly Play Café plans to display artwork from local artists and host touring authors. Karen and Chrissy intend for the café to be a place where the local community can gather and for caregivers with playful children to feel welcome and relaxed. For more information check out the website at www.fireflyplaycafe.com, follow them on Facebook, or call 614-230-2375.
Kristin Marks is a Columbus Underground contributor, and can be found blogging about kid-friendly activities in Central Ohio over at cbusmom.com. She can be reached at [email protected].
Store photos courtesy of Levi and Caleb Ely of Ely Brothers Photography, kid photos courtesy of Heidi Card.
