Open Play

Open play sessions have staggered start times to cater to all age groups. Early risers can grab a cup of coffee and start playing when we open. Kiddos leaving half-day programs may choose to come get out their wiggles here in the afternoon. Whatever works for your schedule, we have options to welcome you and will keep adjusting our offerings based on the needs of our community.

You can stay as long as you’d like once you’re here.   Some days you may just need 30 minutes to get rid of the wiggles, and other days you may choose to enjoy a full morning with us. Most guests enjoy 1-2 hours with us.

Our memberships allow you the greatest flexibility in using the space: members can have unlimited visits each month so they may choose to do a longer morning visit and a shorter post-nap visit and/or any other combination all year round!

Ages 8-10 are $5/each for admission

Ages 11 and up are FREE, like adults.

We have a maximum recommended age limit: children ages 11 and up are not permitted in the play area on their own. However, older children ARE welcome to visit with a younger sibling.

Our exhibits are not designed to hold the attention of older children for as long as younger children. Also, they are not built to withstand the strength and size of older ages. With a wide range of ages, it is also possible that older children may inadvertently run into our younger crawlers or toddlers. We have focused on families in the earlier stages of their parenting journey in our space and recommend larger play complexes for older children.

To summarize, older siblings can visit if they act as “helpers” to younger siblings, guiding them through the exhibits like an adult would. Older siblings are also invited to relax in the café or to borrow Legos or puzzles for older children to work on at a cafe table.

• Babies are front and center at STEMspot! Our special non-walkers area is thoughtfully designed to keep them safe and entertained. With soft play zones, sensory toys, baby blocks, mirrors, and more, your little one will have plenty to explore while reaching key developmental milestones.

• This cozy space is perfect for tummy time and bonding with parents, all while staying separate from the busier areas where older kids are active.

• Caregivers are welcome to take young babies to other sections of the space, but just keep in mind some of those activities may pose choking hazards or be developmentally inappropriate for babies, so parents should be extra vigilant.

Come relax and enjoy, knowing your baby is in a space made just for them!

During open play, caregivers can relax with a barista-crafted drink or snack at our café seating overlooking the play area. We understand picky eaters, allergies, and dietary restrictions, so you are welcome to bring your own food. Please note, we aim to maintain a nut-free environment for everyone's safety-do not bring food items with nuts. We also kindly ask that you don't bring outside café beverages—we promise you'll love what we offer!

Café beverages with lids are welcome in the play area, but all food must stay in the café area to protect our guests with allergies and/or to keep our play area clean.

STEMSpot is a STEM-inspired play space, similar to a hands-on science museum or STEM center—but we’re not a daycare or school. During your visit, you are responsible for your child(ren), but don’t worry, our design makes it easy for you to relax with your café beverage while still keeping an eye on them.

Our team is here to support you in the following ways:

• Sanitizing & Tidying: We keep exhibits clean and organized.

• Engagement: We’re happy to show you the best ways to explore our exhibits with your child.

• Safety: We ensure everyone follows the rules for a safe, enjoyable experience.

And, we’re here to be your vilage and extra set of hands! Need to grab something you forgot in your car? Just ask a staff member to stay with your kiddo. Is your toddler needing some quiet time? A staff member can bring you to a quiet space to cool down and help with your baby while you focus on your older one.

We’re all about building a supportive, family-friendly community. However, please remember, we are not a childcare facility and you must stay on-site during open play. If you want to run a quick errand or grocery shop, bring a friend and take turns!

Like most indoor play facilities, shoes are only permitted in the café seating area, classroom, and restrooms.  Adults and children must wear socks (we highly recommend grippy socks) in the play area.

Being shoe-free protects our tiniest visitors, as our New England weather drags in mud, salt, and other debris on shoes and we don’t want that getting in the mouths of our crawlers and explorers who are closest to the ground.  If you forget your own socks, we have grippy socks available for purchase in adult and child sizes.