Top 10 Must-Haves in an Indoor Play Space: How STEMspot Meets Every Need
As a mom of two, I've visited countless "family-friendly" spaces, and along the way, I've gathered a list of things I loved and an even longer list of things I wished were different. That wish list became the vision for STEMspot and inspired me to pursue entrepreneurship to create my dream space.
Here are the top ten things I wanted in a play space—and how STEMspot is bringing them to life!
#1 Cleanliness
Ever walk into a play space and instantly feel that “ick” factor? Worn-out toys, dusty corners, grimy counters, and unsanitary bathrooms can be a big turn-off. At STEMspot, we're dedicated to maintaining a clean, welcoming environment. We’re not a giant entertainment complex, but a cozy, intimate space where both kids and adults can feel at ease. As a parent myself, I know how important it is to have a space where you feel comfortable letting your child explore. That's why we take cleanliness seriously, with frequent bathroom checks, regular disinfection, and deep cleaning at the end of each day. We strive to create a space that feels like home (well, maybe a few hours before guests arrive!) —clean, safe, and inviting.
#2 Café Vibe
Many kid-friendly spaces offer snack bars filled with junk food and overpriced sweets. While that’s fine for an occasional treat, we wanted something better for families who visit regularly. Our café offers healthy, kid-approved snacks and barista-made espresso beverages using high-quality beans from Speedwell Coffee Roasters. Remember those pre-kid days of savoring a HOT cup of coffee at a café? At STEMspot, you can relive that experience, all while your kids have a blast nearby. Because, after all, happy parents make for happy kids!
#3 Hands-on, STEM learning
You don’t need elaborate lessons or expensive camps to ignite a child’s interest in STEM. Early childhood is the perfect time to nurture curiosity through hands-on play. With over 14 years of experience as a STEM education researcher, I’ve created a space where kids can explore, experiment, and learn through play. In addition to making new friends and having new experiences, they will be building lifelong skills that will prepare them for today’s ever-changing society.
#4 Stress-free, Joyful Birthday Parties & Celebrations
Many children’s party venues focus on quantity over quality, squeezing parties into small, windowless rooms with little regard for the parents who are stuck standing around. At STEMspot, our parties are private and tailored to your needs. For the cost of those “cookie cutter” venues, you get our ENTIRE space to yourself, so everyone—grandparents, friends, neighbors—can celebrate together. You can DIY the decor or we can do it all for you—choose whatever package fits you the best. We’re here to make the process fun so you can actually enjoy yourself and walk out with memories, not rushed chaos and post-party clean-up.
#5 A True Outing
Kids and their favorite grown-ups deserve spaces that offer more than just entertainment—they deserve places with beautiful views, style, and a welcoming atmosphere. At STEMspot, we’ve partnered with RWH Architect to create a space that feels special—somewhere memorable, visually appealing, and distinct from the usual chaotic kids' venues. Our big windows, stunning river views, exposed beams, and high ceilings combine to make our space both inviting and stylish, ensuring it becomes your new favorite spot for quality family time.
#6 Balancing Work & Parenting
As a parent with a flexible, remote job for many years, I often wished for co-working spaces that were also kid-friendly. At STEMspot, we're introducing innovative approaches to make this a reality. You can work in our café, where every seat has a clear view of the play area, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one while getting things done. Additionally, we offer hands-on STEM classes for toddlers and preschoolers, led by experienced teachers, so you can get ahead on that deadline in our on-site co-working space. While this model may not suit everyone, it provides a flexible solution for caregivers with changing schedules who don’t need full-time daycare but still want a productive environment where their children can thrive.
#7 Rotating Themes
To keep things fresh, we regularly rotate our activities and themes. Whether it’s dinosaurs, space, farming, or robots, there’s always something new to explore. And if your child has a favorite, don’t worry—it will come back around.
#8 Community Connections
Our local community is filled with amazing STEM professionals, and we want to bring them into STEMspot to inspire the next generation. We’re committed to hosting workshops and events where kids can learn from real-world scientists, engineers, and innovators.
#9 Convenient Parking
This may seem minor, but as a parent, I know how frustrating it can be to find parking at a play space. We chose a location with over 300 parking spaces, including free underground parking for those rainy days. We’ve made sure that getting to STEMspot is easy and stress-free, so you can focus on having fun with your child.
#10 Kindness First
Making new friends as a parent can be tough. At STEMspot, we aim to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where parents can connect with each other without the stress. We encourage connections and host events to help you meet others with similar interests. We believe in putting kindness first—recognizing that every parent is going through their own challenges. Our staff, and the community we build together, approach every interaction with empathy and understanding. We all have our bad days, but we're here for each other.
Those are my 10 must-have’s, what are yours?